Production Engineering student will complete part of their degree in Portugal.

Another international dream taking off directly from ESEG – Faculdade do Grupo Etapa.

Alan Sousa de Andrade, a 10th-semester Production Engineering student, will study for six months at the renowned University of Coimbra. This Portuguese institution is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and began its activities in 1290. Currently, it offers more than 340 undergraduate courses, as well as renowned master's and doctoral programs in various fields of knowledge.

The agreement signed between ESEG and the University of Coimbra in 2021 allows students and professors to participate in academic exchange programs in Portugal and conduct research in the areas of Engineering, Management, and Law in conjunction with Portuguese faculty and students.

Alan will be taking courses in his final semester of undergraduate studies in the European country and has high expectations for this exchange program. “I know I will create great connections with people from various nationalities and also learn much more than just academic things. It has always been a dream of mine to study in another country, as it is an enriching experience that provides great learning opportunities both culturally, personally, and academically,” says the student.

The partnership between ESEG and the University of Coimbra was the great incentive the aspiring engineer needed. "Portugal was one of the main options because of the University, considered one of the best in the world, and with the advantage of familiarity with the language.".

Alan states that he received significant assistance from the international department of ESEG and encouragement from several professors. To provide international experience to its students, the Faculty offers guidance from course coordinators on international study programs and opportunities, working in partnership with academic institutions globally. Students receive all the necessary support, from guidance on selecting the most suitable school abroad, to the application and course selection processes and study plan development, all the way to the actual travel arrangements.

The exchange process had the full support of ESEG International. Vanessa Martins, Manager of Internationalization and Student Support, talks about the International Mobility Program, which Alan participated in. “International academic mobility is a program that allows students to live in a foreign country for a full academic period, that is, one semester of their course,” she explains.

During this period, the student has the opportunity to experience academic life in the host country, as well as gain personal and professional experiences. Regarding classroom learning, Vanessa explains the conditions: “The student can take courses that will replace the subjects in their curriculum at ESEG, but they can also add some that they wouldn't have here, thus expanding their repertoire and qualifications. If the host university allows it during the experience, they can also do short internships, in addition to other activities offered by the host institutions such as participation in events, lectures, and extension programs,” says the manager.

Vanessa also highlights one of the great advantages of doing an exchange program: "Living abroad provides, in addition to a great cultural experience, the opportunity to exercise adaptability, flexibility, independence and, above all, a broadening of one's worldview, which naturally opens doors to more opportunities.".

Alan's mother, Veronice Andrade, is also happy and proud. “I always knew my son would soar in this world. He always gives his best in everything he does, so I'm sure he'll make the most of this wonderful experience that an exchange program provides. I'm a little sad to know that most people who experience this love it so much and don't want to come back. But I always nurtured him so he could grow wings and fly, so I'll be the one who has to go visit him,” she says.

In the professional sphere, Emerson Romão Xavier, departmental manager at Bradesco's headquarters, who worked directly with Alan, spoke about the importance of the exchange program for the student's career. “Alan is an excellent professional who always seeks to keep up with market trends and opportunities for new business. Furthermore, he is dedicated to his studies and manages to balance his professional and academic life, achieving agreed-upon goals and striving to stand out among other professionals in his field. I believe in Alan's potential and that he will have a future with many academic and professional achievements,” the manager emphasized.

Regarding future plans, the student is betting on opportunities. “The future is very uncertain, I still think it’s too early to say what my plans will be. My only certainty is that I will seize any opportunity that comes my way with all my strength, because I can gain a lot of experience from any of them,” Alan emphasizes.

Have a good trip and good studies, Alan. You can always count on ESEG to help you develop your career, here and around the world!

Alan took advantage of a trip to Europe to visit the University of Coimbra.