Polytechnic of Setúbal Welcomes 145 New International Students for First Semester
The Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal (IPS) has officially welcomed 145 new international exchange students for the first academic semester. The arrivals, which took place this week, are part of the institution's ongoing commitment to internationalization, primarily through the European Erasmus+ program and the Ibero-American Cooperation framework. The new student body represents a wide geographical diversity, with participants arriving from countries such as Brazil, Chile, Greece, Denmark, Ukraine, and Turkey.
To facilitate their integration, the IPS, in partnership with the Academic Association (AAIPS), is hosting a comprehensive welcome program titled “Integration Days.” The week-long initiative, which commenced on Monday, September 22nd, features a series of organized activities designed to introduce the students to the institution and the region. The official agenda included a formal welcome session, a boat trip along the coast, and a pedipaper, or scavenger hunt, through the city of Setúbal, allowing students to familiarize themselves with their new surroundings.
In a statement, Professor Ângela Lemos, President of the IPS, emphasized the importance of this international cohort. “Receiving these students is a moment of great satisfaction for the Polytechnic of Setúbal. It reflects the quality and attractiveness of our educational offerings on an international scale. These young people contribute to a multicultural academic environment, which is fundamental for the comprehensive training of all our students and for the enrichment of the entire community.”
The welcome program also includes social events, such as the “Integration Nights” parties, aimed at fostering connections among the new arrivals and with local students. The activities are structured to provide a holistic introduction to life in Setúbal, covering academic, social, and cultural aspects. The program is scheduled to conclude this Friday with a guided visit to the European Researchers' Night, an event hosted by the IPS at the Casa da Baía. This will provide a final formal opportunity for the students to engage with the research community and learn more about the institution's scientific activities.
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A representative from the AAIPS noted the success of the integration efforts. “Our goal with ‘Integration Days’ is to ensure that every new student feels welcome and supported from the moment they arrive. By combining official institutional events with informal social and cultural activities, we help them build a network and quickly adapt to life in Setúbal. The positive feedback we have received confirms the importance of this structured welcome.”
The presence of these 145 students represents a significant logistical and housing process for the city. Their arrival marks the beginning of a period of intense academic and cultural exchange that will last throughout the semester. The institution provides support services to assist students in finding accommodation and navigating the administrative requirements associated with their stay in Portugal. The successful integration of these students is a key priority for both the Polytechnic Institute and the city of Setúbal as it continues to position itself as a welcoming destination for international education.
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