Being back is very bittersweet. I did miss home and the small things like ice coffee and air conditioning, but nothing compared to how much I missed the small things in Portugal. I could not be more grateful for this experience.

Looking back, I learned sooo much in such little time. Not only did I get to learn to Portuguese, but I also got to connect with their culture. Through my internship I got to make collogues/friends with doctors I worked with. Through my program itself, I made incredible friends whom I took many amazing trips and adventures with.

Portugal made me grow in a way I never thought I needed. I definitely do see myself going back there in the future, and possibly even doing a residency cycle there. I have never imagined myself falling so in love with a country that I really had no previous background knowledge of, other than US history.

This program is easily one of the best experiences of my life, and I do not live with any regret of how I lived the two months there. It truly felt like I was becoming more of a local than tourist. Being so acquainted with an area so far from home was very comforting and shows a lot of person growth for me. I hope I get to be back there soon!!!!