I decided to leave Brazil in 2020. The decision was made with a lot of care and planning, especially on the financial side. It took about a year for everything to be set in motion. At the time, I was living in São Paulo and in the middle of the pandemic, which made everything even more challenging.

My college studies on hold and wanted to resume them. That’s why I started researching about to study abroad, and that’s when the idea of moving to Portugal came up.

Planning and Discovering Leiria

After exchanging many emails with universities, a city called Leiria, which I had never heard of, sparked my interest. From that moment on, I started planning how I could make the move to Portugal happen.

Mentally, I was relatively calm about the change, as I was already living on my own. However, the day of the trip was when I truly felt insecurity and fear. I knew I would be an ocean away from my family.

Adapting to a New Country

With some hesitation, but also with the willingness to face this new chapter, knowing nice people in here helped the adaptation process a lot. Slowly, I started feeling more at home, although the journey had its ups and downs.

After about four months, I had the opportunity to work with a friend inspecting national roads in Leiria. I also worked at the university’s cafeteria for a while and eventually landed a regular job in a packaging company, where I stayed for nearly three years.

Stability and My Current Job

With my life more stabilized, today I work designing metal structures. Moving to Portugal brought me more than just a work opportunity. It was a chance to reinvent myself, to grow in a new environment, and to take on new challenges.

And What About College, Pedro?

College is still on hold. I only completed two semesters. The reason? Classes were only during the day, and without the option to study at night, I had to focus on work to cover my expenses.

The Future in Portugal

I’m not sure how long I’ll stay in Portugal, but one thing is certain: the opportunities I am creating here are unique. Every experience has been valuable, and I continue to learn a lot in every aspect of my life.

Life in Portugal has been full of challenges, but also discoveries and growth. If you’re thinking about making a similar move, know that the journey isn’t easy, but every step is worth it.