A journey shaped by curiosity and opportunity
The SEA-EU Office at the University of Algarve spoke with Isabella Valotta da Silva, a 27-year-old Master’s student in Tourism, to learn more about her internship experience at the University of Brest (UBO) and how it has contributed to her academic and personal journey within the SEA-EU Alliance.
Driven by a strong curiosity to explore the world — from discovering new cultures and experiencing different cuisines to enjoying nature — Isabella decided to step outside her comfort zone and embrace an international opportunity. “I applied for this internship as part of my Master’s, but also because I wanted to broaden my horizons and explore new opportunities,” she explains.
Her six-month internship in Brest quickly proved to be much more than an academic requirement. “The internship consists of developing a project focused on the economic overview of SEA-EU cities — ‘SEA-EU Alliance’s Cities Comparative Economic Overview’ — which involves research, meetings with partners and stakeholders from each city, as well as participation in events and workshops,” she says.
Through this work, Isabella has had direct contact with the SEA-EU ecosystem, particularly through her connection with Brest Métropole, the local authority responsible for managing and developing the Brest metropolitan area. “It has been very interesting to be in direct contact with one of the SEA-EU partners here in Brest and to discover many different areas I could pursue in the future. It has also been very rewarding to step out of my comfort zone, learn a new language and immerse myself in a new culture, in such a rich region of France,” she highlights.
Beyond the professional dimension, the experience has also been deeply personal. Over the course of this journey, she has developed a range of skills: “Throughout this experience, I have developed skills in communication, data analysis, organisation and teamwork, but have also gained more independence and autonomy.”
Growing beyond borders
Living and working in Brest also brought some surprises. “I was surprised by how vibrant Brest is, with so many events and activities taking place every week,” she shares, highlighting the city’s cultural vitality.
Reflecting on the impact of the experience, Isabella is clear: “This internship has given me more confidence and motivation to go further, both professionally and personally.”
If asked to summarise her experience in just a few words, her answer is simple: “I would describe my SEA-EU experience as a rewarding and challenging transcultural experience.”
For other students considering a similar path, her recommendation is clear: “I would recommend this type of internship because it is a great way to broaden horizons, explore new fields of study, discover new destinations and put skills into practice while gaining further knowledge.”
Stories like Isabella’s show how the SEA-EU Alliance continues to connect universities, cities and cultures, creating meaningful learning experiences that go far beyond the classroom.
Would you like to have a similar experience?
If you are a Master’s student at a SEA-EU university, you can apply for internships at partner institutions such as Kiel, Cádiz, Brest, Split, Malta, Gdańsk, Nord, Algarve or Naples.
It is an opportunity to develop new skills, gain international experience and explore different academic and cultural contexts.
New: Digital internships
The alliance is also developing digital internships, allowing students to collaborate remotely with international teams.
