Hello folks! The exchange semester for my MBA has been going okay! My professors are all pretty unique and kind. For one of my courses, we are required to act as junior researchers and attend three cultural events, where we ask participants to complete a questionnaire designed to help the facilitators improve the event. This could be a lovely opportunity to connect with new people, since many of these questions could be used as an icebreaker. However, it has been awkward and uncomfortable for me to approach strangers and ask them to do the survey because the survey asks many questions, it’s like a minimum of a 10-minute thing, and every single question is required, so it takes some time and focus to complete. One of the events was at a wine tasting; It was a bit frustrating because I felt like I was bothering people asking them to take the survey and give so much of their time. We also had a minimum number of participants we needed, so it added some pressure versus just being able to use this survey as a tool to connect with people.
As for comparing studies and working culture in Portugal compared to Finland, it’s hard to generalize. In Portugal, people seem to work long hours but at a slower pace. There’s less pressure to cram everything in, and schedules feel more flexible, especially around exams and attendance. But each professor has their own style, and many come from different countries, so it’s a mix. I haven’t worked here, but the professional world seems a bit more hierarchical.
Outside of studies, I’ve been surfing quite a bit. Exploring neighborhoods, checking out all the parks, and watching a lot of live music. In Porto, there are a lot of people playing music on the streets. I’ve been going to some art galleries, shows, and festivals. I didn’t realize there could be so many kinds of beaches either. Each one feels different, with its own vibe. And I have also just been appreciating my cozy little apartment while working on some creative projects. I started an Instagram to share my music! It’s valoa_music

The weather’s been warm, and so have the people. Super open, kind, welcoming. There are flowers everywhere, and all these hidden pockets of beauty. Here is a story I like to call “Obrigada”
There is one good bus to get to the yoga class. It’s bus 202, it’s scheduled to leave at 10:19. The buses are usually late, so I typically allow for a buffer. But this time, as I leave, I’m unsure if I’ll make the bus, if it actually leaves on time. I run down the stairs and down the hill to see bus 202 go by. I run and I yell “wait”. I have a spark of hope when I see others getting on the bus that I will still have a moment to catch it. But I’m too slow, and the door closes. I pound on the bus door, but it doesn’t open. I follow the bus, even if just for a second to be seen, because I feel a bit abandoned. I was so close, and I want the bus driver and the people on the bus to know it. I see the next bus stop and don’t know if I will make it on time, even if I run. I decide to try because I don’t know what else to do. No other buses are coming.
I run only to miss the bus once again. I’m just a second too late. The bus doors closed, leaving as if I was never there. I burst out crying. This bus seems to be a metaphor for all of the powerlessness I feel in my life right now. A lady who saw me miss the bus, starts speaking to me in Portuguese, but I don’t understand, and we don’t share a common language. She continues to suggest something and point in a certain direction. I just cry. She motions for me to follow her, and for some reason, I do.
Suddenly, I am getting into her car. She doesn’t know where I need to go, but somehow I know she has me covered. She drives with determination and skill. We see bus 202. The bus is stopped at a bus stop, and I motion that I get out and run to get in while the bus door is still open. She puts up a hand and motions for me to wait. She maneuvers past bus 202 and parks directly in front of it. Stopping the bus right in its tracks. This gives me time to hop on the bus before it leaves the bus stop. I say “obrigada” and walk into the bus. I am grateful.
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