Portuguese Learning Community and Resources

*Source: Unsplash 

In an instant you were arriving and now some are already leaving, while others are starting to arrive again, and I stay here with my heart a little tight watching you leave and watching you arrive, as I’ve done for so many years, since 1987, the year I received the first Erasmus+ project students! 

For those who are leaving or have already left, I want to say it was a privilege to see you grow, gain more independence, discover yourselves, explore every street, enjoy the sunny afternoons and the nights when, from afar, I could hear your laughter among new friends who, surely, will stay for life. You arrived with maps and places saved on your phones and left with memories. You learnt how to order coffee in Portuguese, to eat cod in a thousand ways, to say good morning with a smile and thank you, even when those were the only two words you knew. 

You’re taking a lot of me in your suitcases: the sound of fado, the views from the viewpoints, the smell of the sea and, I hope, that you took a pastel de nata (at least one), but also a part of you stayed in Portugal, for all the adventures you experienced here. I hope you’re also taking a little more of the Portuguese language than when you arrived. If you’re worried about continuing to practise, OLS will always be here to help you and, who knows, motivate you for a visit to Portugal soon! 

For those who are arriving, be adventurous, learn more about me and my language before arriving here, but beyond that, you will learn a lot about yourselves while you’re here. I once heard someone say that “Portugal can’t be explained, only felt” and I’m sure you’ll enjoy every second. You’ll learn that saudade has no translation and it will probably become your favourite word in the Portuguese language. 

I’m very proud to have been your choice for such an important moment in your lives and I hope your mobility programme is full of new experiences, learning, friendships and good weather (I’ll try to make it rain only when necessary). 

And now I leave you the floor, because the best stories come from those who lived them. If you did your mobility programme in Portugal, share your experience, your memories and tips with us. If you’re just starting this adventure, write to us about what you’re most curious to discover or what worries you. The OLS Portuguese Community is a space to learn languages, but also to get to know each other better and, who knows, you might find someone who will be studying at the same university as you next semester! 

With love, 

Portugal 

Juliane, OLS Community Manager - Portuguese