Learning the Language

One of my ultimate goals of the program was to learn basic, conversational Portuguese. I partially achieved this goal within the timeframe of my study abroad program. While I did not become conversational, I successfully mastered basic daily greetings (such as “Olá,” “Bom dia,” and “Obrigada”) and learned how to confidently order food and drinks…

Tchau Portugal!

It has been 2 weeks since I came back to Pittsburgh after spending the most eye-opening and fantastic summer in Portugal. After taking time to adjust back to my routine schedule at home, spending time with family, and catching up with friends, I still can’t believe that I had such a great opportunity with the…

Reflecting on Portugal: Adventures in Architecture

After working, living, and exploring for two months in Portugal, I am excited to be back in the United States. I am incredibly grateful for all I got to experience while abroad. The lessons I learned through my internship and my travels will stay with me as I move on from Pitt towards the next…

Learning a New Field in Lisbon

Going into this internship abroad, one of my primary goals was to take the leap into a new field of study. Throughout my time studying History and Museum Studies at Pitt, I found myself drawn to the study of architecture. Not only did the field intersect a lot with my own work, but I was…

Adventuring in Madeira

About halfway through my program my friend, Elena, who is currently a student at Rhode Island College and was also a summer intern, felt we needed a much-needed getaway from work and the busy city of Lisbon. Our unforgettable weekend in Madeira would be the first real “aha” moment I had during my study abroad….

Sophie is Flying to Portugal!

Olá from Lisbon, Portugal! My name is Sophie Wyszomierski and I am a senior graduating at the end of the summer with an Honors degree in History and Museum Studies. June and July, I spent my time in Lisbon as a full-time research intern at the Faculty of Architecture in the University of Lisbon. I…