- Can you tell us about yourself? (Who you are and what you study)
Hello! My name is Linda Isabel Ferreira Pereira Teles. I’m Portuguese, and I’m 42 years old. I live in Felgueiras, a city in northern Portugal known for its footwear industry.
Before returning to my studies, I worked in the footwear industry in my hometown of Felgueiras for 12 years, doing international sales and marketing.
Now, I’m very proud to say that I’m a senior year student in the first cycle of studies in the field of education of Law: Solicitor.
- How did you discover this opportunity of Mobility?
I actually discovered BIP, during a conversation with one of our faculty professors. It was from this moment that I started paying more attention to the emails we received from the International Office (GRI).
This year, in my senior year, I decided to give BIP a chance. But what trully happened is that the BIP gave me a chance, not the way around.
- What were the main goals of your visit to the Receiving University?
In fact, to be honest, when I applied, I never thought I would be selected.
Nevertheless, when I decided to go for it, I firmly believed — and I was right — that the skills I had gained in my previous profession, particularly working with clients who wanted sustainable products, realizing their needs, but most of all for reading so much about it and participating at NEONYT in Germany, with which the United Nations have a significant connection throught their shared commitment to promote the sustainable development goals, would give a sort of advantage.
I wanted to understand what could be accomplished when gathering students minds from all over the world, of all ages and cultural backrounds, and different areas of study in terms of creating a sollution for specific sustability issues.
But not only that — it was also a way to reconnect with the teenager I was more than twenty years ago, allowing me to experience opportunities I didn’t have back then.
I congratulate myself, every day, for having the courage to take this initiative and step out of my comfort zone.
- What did you think of the physical mobility part of the mobility?
Well, wow — whenever I think about it, I have a lack for words, and I usually have plenty to say about everything. It was one of the best experiences of my life — truly transformative.
- What has your experience been like?
The host institution, the European University of Cyprus, is remarkable, offering state-of-the-art facilities rarely seen in Portuguese universities.
Dr. Cathrin Lazarou was outstanding and exceptionally supportive, facilitating both an enriching experience and significant knowledge acquisition in terms of sustainability. Specially regarding Cyprus enviromental problems, like the lack of water.
Furthermore, my Portuguese colleagues from ESTG — Ruben, João, Pedro, and Lara – all considerably younger than me, alongside students from Germany, Poland, Israel, Greece, and other countries, contributed to making this experience truly unforgettable.
I truly felt integrated, connected and with a purpose.
So yes, for sure, I will recommend this university.
- What do you think of this new type of mobility (BIP – Blended Intensive Programme)?
I believe that this sort of type of short-term mobility is probably the best way to ensure that much more students will and might take advantage of this opportunity.
I chose to do a BIP, because the absence from my family, and my studies program at ESTG was minimal and it did not compromise my academic performance nor did it entail significant personal expenses.
Moreover, there was a scholarship that covered the costs of flights and accommodation.
It really ensures an intensive experience, in a short-term. So, well done for this! Otherwise, I and many others would not apply.
- What were the most exciting moments of your visit?
I had several memorable moments.
Firstly, the cultural impact with some of the students — or so I thought at the time — but the truth is that we were all equal: human beings with other human beings, simply wanting to live the experience and make the most of it.
Secondly, we had a “day out”, from all the lectures, and we’ve visited Aya Napa International Sculpture Park. So, imagine sculptures from sculptors from all over the word of all sizes and shapes, and the seaview backround! It was breathtaking!
On that same day, we also went to Protaras beach, that had the most amazing water, of a pure blue that I have never seen. But the best of it, was that some of us went on a boat trip, where we had the chance to swim with turtles in high sea, see other beaches from a sea perspective…
Third, the purpose of this BIP was to tackle a problem that threatens environmental and economic sustainability in business and to provide a practical solution. It was through the hours of work in collaboration with a group of students from different countries that I discovered more about myself and the latent potential that we all possess when we step outside our comfort zones, and allow ourselves to live.
It was precisely during those hours of work that I realized that when we stop being afraid, we are truly free. But also, I allowed myself to expect and want more from life. I felt I had a purpose, I truly felt myself.
That said, I have, of course, encouraged my daughter and everyone to do something similar. It’s not just about the travelling to another country — it’s about people, the personal discoveries, friendships, and the connections, the culture, the enriching experiences!
- Did your experience differ from the expectations you had of this visit?
This experience went far beyond my wild expectations.
- What stereotype or misconception about your host country/city that you’ve come to realize isn’t true?
The main misconception I had, but obviously not true, because Cyprus is a European country, was the fact that the clothes of women should be very modest, not to offend their culture. But in fact, no.
I also thought that, by being an island they would never have lack of water, which is completely not true. We learnt that there are critical periods, particularly during the long, dry summer months (June to September), when some areas experience significant water shortages. This is due to a combination of: very low precipitation during this period and high-water demand from residents and tourists for example.
During these times, the water supply can be limited or subject to rationing, which is a reality we do not have.
