Discovering the World through Knowledge: A Journey That Shapes Perspectives

EFFECTUS College Students Explore Urban Identity and City Branding through the International Erasmus+ Program in Portugal

Six students from EFFECTUS College had the opportunity to participate in the international summer school titled “Urban Identity, Image, and Attractiveness”, held from July 14 to 18 in the Portuguese cities of Coimbra and Santa Maria da Feira.

As part of the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Program (BIP), organized by the Miguel Torga Institute of Higher Education (ISMT) and ISVOUGA, this content-rich and well-organized program awarded students 4 ECTS credits and provided an invaluable learning and networking experience in an international setting. Through a combination of lectures, workshops, and field activities, the program focused on understanding how cities shape their identity and attractiveness in the context of culture, sustainability, tourism, and digital marketing.

The summer school centered on exploring urban identity and city branding through various aspects – from architecture and cultural heritage to sports, gastronomy, and sustainable development. Through a series of lectures, workshops, and fieldwork, students had the chance to learn from international experts and apply their knowledge to real-life examples of cities.

The program impressed the students not only with its content but also with its organization and the warmth of the hosts. “The first impression was very positive – the program left a strong impact with its quality and organization. The topics were very interesting and well-covered, and the professors were extremely approachable and kind,” said Antonio Marić, a third-year undergraduate student in Finance and Business Law.

His colleague Borna Herceg added: “I participated because I was interested in the topic, and Portugal had been on my wish list for a while. The program was fantastic – from the professional content to the daily immersion in Portuguese tradition. The organizers genuinely made an effort to make us feel welcome.”

The students emphasized that working in international teams greatly enriched their experience. “It was fascinating to work in an environment where everyone has a different perspective. We learned a lot from each other, not just about the cities, but also about different cultures and approaches to problem-solving,” Antonio said.

Neven Šoljan, also a third-year student, praised the architecture and traditional cuisine of Portugal, highlighting the program’s pleasant atmosphere and the new friendships formed. Lucija Hadrović, a second-year graduate student, added: “The program was perfectly organized – each day was full and well-structured, and the lectures were interesting and useful. I especially appreciated the field activities, which allowed us to truly experience the cities.”

For many, the cultural experience of Portugal was a standout aspect of the program. “I was amazed by the relaxed nature of the Portuguese people, their hospitality, and their approach to teaching. Dinners with professors, group work, and tasting traditional dishes left a strong impression,” said Vinka Letica, who had previously participated in a similar program in Lithuania.

Student Tihana Barlek concluded: “This is one of the most valuable experiences of my studies. I learned how culture, sports, and gastronomy can shape a city’s image, and my favorite moment was the group dinner in Santa Maria da Feira – a moment that truly brought us all together.”

The summer school in Portugal once again confirmed the value of international educational experiences. EFFECTUS students returned with new knowledge, connections, and memories that will accompany them throughout their professional and personal development. The program demonstrated how important it is to learn beyond the classroom – through dialogue, collaboration, and direct exposure to different cultures.