My Motivation 

Right after completing my Bachelor’s in Teaching Information and Communication (Applied Digitalisation), I wanted hands-on experience in marketing. I chose to do something bold—head to Portugal on my own, without any friends, university program, or Erasmus support. It was my first real solo adventure, and I was excited to see where it would take me. 

The Internship – Moana Surfschool 

Moana Surfschool, based at the picturesque Guincho Beach in Cascais, Portugal, founded by Alex, it thrives on a deeply personal and friendly atmosphereFrom day one, I felt like I had joined a big, international family. Along with another intern, Karolina from the Czech Republic, we were the first to begin this kind of internship at Moana. 

Our tasks included content creation mainly for TikTok. We were guided by Alex, Joan, and Paul, but were also encouraged to bring our own ideas to life. The relaxed but creative work environment gave us both the space to grow, learn, and support each other through the process. 

We had a lot of creative freedom and used tools like Canva Pro and CapCut. Most mornings were spent gathering footage at the beach, and afternoons editing at cafés or our apartments due to limited Wi-Fi at the surfschool. 

@moanasurfschool

Accommodation – Botanique Guesthouse 
Finding a place to stay proved to be one of the biggest initial challenges. With universities closed and no student housing available, I ended up booking a private room in a hostel called Botanique Guesthouse. It was a cozy and clean place with shared bathrooms and a kitchen, located about 20 minutes from the city center. The house had a large garden with plenty of seating, a pool, three shared bathrooms for eight rooms, a spacious kitchen, and a cozy living room. 

The City – Cascais 
Cascais is a charming coastal town—small, vibrant, and full of life. A popular weekend destination for Lisbon locals and tourists alike, it offered a mix of beautiful beaches, quaint streets, and delicious food. I spent most of my days either at the surfschool or exploring the town’s “city beaches.” I also made a few day trips to Lisbon, which was just a short Uber ride away (Uber is very affordable in Portugal!). 

Evaluation & Reflection 

My stay abroad was both professionally and personally enriching. At Moana Surfschool, I gained hands-on marketing experience, learning to work creatively and independently in a small, international team. Culturally and socially, I met wonderful people, explored Cascais and Lisbon, and experienced daily life in Portugal beyond tourism. 

Going alone without Erasmus or university support pushed me to grow—managing my time, adapting quickly, and relying on myself. These skills, along with the creative and digital experience, will benefit me in my future teaching career. 

Most importantly, this month abroad strengthened my confidence and independence. I’m grateful for the memories, the people I met, and the chance I took—one I don’t regret for a second.