The Porto Sustainable Business Summer School was an insightful experience for all WU participants. Here’s what some of them had to say about the program and its impact on their personal and professional growth.

How did you learn about the Porto Sustainable Business Summer School and why did you choose to participate?

• Christine Mladenova: I was actively seeking additional academic programs and asked my friends for recommendations. When I heard about the ISP programs, I was immediately interested. The combination of academic advancement and personal growth was exactly what I was looking for.

• Alexandra Benchea: I was impressed that WU has a partner university in Porto. A friend who visited Portugal last year showed me beautiful pictures of the place. Working at the WU Entrepreneurship Center, where many startups focus on sustainability, I was eager to learn more about the topic.

How did participating in the Porto Sustainable Business Summer School help you in your personal, professional, or academic development?

• Viviana Genovese: Living in Porto for three weeks was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that allowed me to immerse myself in a new culture. The program taught me the true meaning of being interculturally aware. Academically, it provided a solid foundation in sustainable business practices.

• Daphne Strobl: The program helped me step out of my comfort zone, discover a new culture, make new friends, and learn essential aspects of sustainable business. This intercultural experience is crucial for my future endeavors.

What can you tell us about the academic program and the lecturers?

• Evgenia Bruckner: There was a lot of group work, and discussions on various subjects were extensive. The lecturers were thorough and responsive, diving deeper into topics when asked. We covered many topics over the three weeks, which greatly enhanced our learning.

• Viviana Genovese: The program was well-organized and detailed, covering a wide range of sustainability topics. The lecturers, both Portuguese and Austrian, brought diverse perspectives, making the content engaging and comprehensive.

How did you like the social and cultural program? Did you have enough opportunities to make new contacts?

• Christine Mladenova: We spent a weekend with our Portuguese friends, visiting their families' restaurants and exploring nearby cities. It was an absolute highlight, confirming the hospitality and kindness of the Portuguese people. I made many friends.

• Evgenia Bruckner: From day one, the lecturers emphasized group work, which helped us get to know new people. The organized activities, like the intercultural evening, Douro cruise, and wine cellar tour, offered great opportunities to connect and immerse in Portuguese culture.

What was your personal highlight or favorite memory from the program?

• Daphne Strobl: The highlight was working on the project "Allegretto." It was intense, especially on Thursday when we worked from 9:00 am until 10:30 pm, but it was incredibly fun to collaborate with an intercultural team.

• Viviana Genovese: The beach party at Praia de Luz on the last course day was unforgettable. It was a relaxed and informal setting where lecturers and students came together to celebrate our achievements.

Would you like to participate in an International Short Program, too? Click here to see an overview of International Short Programs WU has to offer.