“I knew when I was applying to universities that studying abroad would be a big priority for me. Adventure, travel, exposure to different cultures and norms and trying new things have always been super important to me so studying abroad felt like the perfect opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and experience a different way of life,” said Regina Maza Rion, a political science major on the Semester at SiPN: Social Sciences, Humanities & Business program in Lisbon, Portugal.
Maza Rion is continuing her political science degree at the Instituto Superior de Tecnologias Avançadas de Lisboa, taking classes and gaining in-depth cultural experience through living and studying in the city.
“This experience will help me as I move forwards in my career because I am consistently exposed to new points of view and ways of thinking about global issues which has broadened my perspective and allowed me to practice communicating across differences and negotiating with people whose backgrounds and experiences are very different from my own,” said Maza Rion.
A particularly important aspect of her experience is that Maza Rion came to Portugal by herself, further pushing herself to make connections and gain a more rewarding outcome.
“I decided to come to Portugal alone, so I have learned a lot about myself through this independence and also through meeting so many people from all around the world,” she said. “The SiPN team has really shaped my experience in Portugal by providing many opportunities to engage with local traditions, values and cuisine.”
Maza Rion’s favorite experiences on the program have come from enjoying the environment and culture of Portugal, along with making new friendships abroad.
“My favorite moments are the dinner parties, surf lessons, beach days and sunset picnics with the friends I’ve made here as well as the opportunities I’ve had to travel within Portugal to Ericeira, Nazare, Estremoz, Evora and more!”