While interning in Lisbon, I really wanted to build my professional and personal network. I successfully connected with numerous professors, researchers, and fellow students. The key drivers of this success were the structured opportunities and community provided by the Study in Portugal Network (SiPN) and the Catholic University of Portugal (Universidade Católica Portuguesa).

By actively attending SiPN events, engaging during department breaks, and taking the initiative to reach out to colleagues at Catholic University, I was able to build meaningful relationships. Showing genuine curiosity about my professors’ research and saying “yes” to coffee breaks and group lunches allowed me to turn casual introductions into long-term professional connections.

Achieving this goal was the highlight of my program and enriched my entire study abroad experience. Building a network at the Catholic University of Portugal gave me valuable insight into academic and research environments outside of the United States. Furthermore, the connections I made through SiPN provided a strong support system of peers who were navigating the same cultural transitions. Having a solid group of mentors and friends made Lisbon feel like home and gave me a sense of belonging that I would not have had if I had isolated myself.

The primary lesson I took from this goal is that networking is about taking the time to get to know people. In Portugal, relationship-building is warm and personal, often built over shared meals or informal conversations rather than formal office meetings. I learned that putting myself out there early in a program gave me a chance to build connections.. Moving forward, I feel much more confident in my ability to enter unfamiliar academic or professional spaces, approach senior colleagues, and build an international professional network.