I was born and raised in Germany, in the small town of Freising, near Munich. My entire life was spent there, with endless memories and constant laughter. The house we lived in belonged to my great-grandmother, and it was truly special to my family and me. That is why it came as a huge surprise when my family decided to move to Portugal for the following year.
A New School, A New Way of Learning
When I arrived in Portugal, everything felt different. The language, the weather, the people, and even the way people greeted each other with warm hugs. Soon after arriving to Portugal, I started at International Sharing School – Taguspark. Although I had previously studied at an international school in Germany, International Sharing School – Taguspark felt different. One of the first things I noticed was the proximity between the students and teachers, comparing with my previous school.
At International Sharing School – Taguspark, from the start I was able to trust my teachers and communicate better with them, which made my learning environment feel safer and more welcoming.
Additionally, there were not only personal, but also academic differences. Classes here often encourage collaboration and discussion with teachers who are interested in what we think and how we learn.
The classrooms at International Sharing School – Taguspark are noticeably different from the ones at my old school; they are colourful and open, which makes learning very engaging. I had never been in classrooms with glass walls and such comfortable seating.
This is one of the many things that made International Sharing School – Taguspark stand out to me, as I was used to a very traditional classrooms style. This sense of openness was not limited to the environment or the teachers; it extended to my classmates. Since many of them had also moved from other countries, we all shared an understanding of what it was like to start over in a new place.
Discovering Life and Culture in Portugal
Socially, life in Portugal feels more vibrant and lively. One of my favourite things about living here is how close we are to the beach. During summer, after school or on weekends, my friends and I often go to the beach to swim, play volleyball, or relax. This is a huge change from Germany, where going to the beach was only possible on holiday, and not part of my everyday life. Here, going out feels more exciting and enjoyable.
Not only this, but the culture in Portugal is incredibly beautiful and welcoming. I have got to visit various museums, specialties, and landmarks with the school and in my own time, teaching me about the history of Portugal.
Traditions such as music and food bring people together, making it easy to feel like a part of the community. Although this has had a great impact on my life, one of the biggest adjustments was adapting to Portugal’s slower pace of life.
In Germany, everything is extremely fast-paced. People would walk quickly, drive quickly, and just want to do everything as quickly as possible. Moving from an environment like that to one where the flow of life is slower was a challenge, but nothing that I could not face. I got used to the relaxed pace and started to appreciate it more.
Of course, there are moments when I miss home, especially during the Holidays. The weather here is warmer, and it makes me feel distant from my old traditions.
This leads me to another significant change, which was the weather. In Germany, the snow in the winter was my favourite time of the year. I loved to go skiing, and it was something more accessible since I could do it with my school.
When I moved to Portugal, I realized that the winter here is mostly rainy and cloudy. This left me disappointed, and I had to get used to not seeing snow outside my window in the morning. Although this was difficult, over time I adjusted, and I learnt to love the weather here.
Final Thoughts on Moving Abroad
Reflecting on my journey, I realize that moving to Portugal and joining International Sharing School – Taguspark has not only opened my eyes to many new experiences, but it has also taught me how to be more confident and open-minded in various situations. I have learned that home is not just a place, but it is the people you connect with and share experiences with.
For anyone considering a move to International Sharing School – Taguspark from Germany, I can say from personal experience that while transitioning may have its challenges, it is also incredibly rewarding.
The supportive environment here and the welcoming Portuguese culture made it easier for me to feel comfortable, even far from home.
Finding a home abroad is not about abandoning your traditions, but it is about being open to new experiences and opening your mind to a new country.
Portugal and International Sharing School – Taguspark have become a second home to me, and I am grateful for the journey that brought me here.
