Portugal: Grace Tuttle (A Home Away from Home in Lisbon)

Most mornings in Lisbon start with a cappuccino and pastry on my walk to school. It has been an adjustment to drink hot coffee rather than iced and sit at a café rather than take it to go, but it has now become one of my favorite parts of my day.

Getting around the city took some getting used to, but now taking the metro downtown feels second nature. The city is full of amazing restaurants, and it seems impossible to run out of new places to try. Whether it’s pastel de nata at Manteigaria or fresh seafood from a hole-in-the-wall spot, every meal has been excellent.

Evenings are my favorite part of the day. Sometimes I’ll take the ferry across the Tagus River to catch the sunset with friends, or I’ll head to one of Lisbon’s miradouros—lookout spots—where we play cards and take in the views. Other nights, we check out rooftop restaurants with amazing views of the city.

I am so thankful for the opportunities that studying abroad has offered me, including the ability to step outside of my comfort zone and create lasting friendships with students from UW-Madison and other universities.

Grace Tuttle

Hometown: Pewaukee, Wisconsin

Major: Real Estate

Program: Study in Portugal Network

I chose this program because I wanted a smaller, more personalized experience. I’m really excited to connect with students in my cohort and meet others from different universities. I believe the close-knit environment will make the experience even more meaningful.

A personal goal for my study abroad experience is to challenge myself by stepping outside of my comfort zone and embracing a new culture. I hope to grow in terms of independence, maturity, and cultural understanding. This experience will not only enrich my worldview but also help me develop the soft skills needed to thrive in a globalized workforce.