From July 17 to August 1, 24 outstanding students from UESTC traveled to Iscte - University Institute of Lisbon in Portugal for a 15-day summer program focused on technological innovation, entrepreneurship and intercultural learning. Centered on technological innovation, business practice and holistic education, the program brought together academic courses, company visits, historical and cultural study, and final project presentations. Through an intensive and well-structured overseas learning experience, the students broadened their international horizons, strengthened their intercultural communication skills and practical capabilities in innovation and entrepreneurship, and contributed to closer and more sustained exchanges between the University and its Portuguese partner institutions.
Innovation in Practice, Skills through Experience
At the heart of the program was a project-based Introduction to Entrepreneurship course series delivered by experienced mentors from the Iscte incubation center. The curriculum covered the full spectrum of technology entrepreneurship, including entrepreneurial thinking, market research, business model development, risk assessment and the implementation of digital products, with project-based learning embedded throughout.
Classes centered on teamwork, industry case studies, creative brainstorming and the progressive refinement of project outcomes. Drawing on their academic backgrounds in communications, electronics, computer science and related fields, students worked in teams to develop digital innovation projects, taking their ideas from needs assessment and solution design through to the preparation of full business plans. Each team completed multiple rounds of presentations and iterative improvement. On July 29, all teams delivered their final project pitches in English, presenting their product concepts, technological strengths and market strategies while demonstrating key product functions. Their strong disciplinary foundations, confident English communication and outstanding teamwork received highly positive feedback from the instructors.
History and Culture: Learning Beyond the Classroom
Beyond the professional curriculum, the program placed a strong emphasis on historical and cultural learning. Assistant Professor Cecília Vaz from the Department of History at Iscte was invited to deliver a special course on Portuguese history and culture, introducing students to the country's historical development, local customs and artistic traditions and providing an academic foundation for their field-based learning.
The program also featured a hands-on cultural workshop in traditional tile painting, where students brought their own ideas to life through original designs. The group visited a range of distinctive cultural and historical sites, including the Museum of Lisbon, Jerónimos Monastery, Benfica Football Club and Baleal Beach. Stepping beyond the classroom, students experienced Portugal's historical architecture, sporting culture and coastal way of life firsthand. Professor Vaz also designed a series of engaging field-study challenges that encouraged students to observe their surroundings with curiosity, think critically and uncover the historical layers and cultural details of the city for themselves.
Outside scheduled activities, students actively engaged with local faculty members, students and residents, learned basic Portuguese, and experienced local cuisine and everyday customs. These face-to-face encounters helped them move beyond cultural stereotypes and develop a more open, inclusive and equal-minded understanding of cultural diversity.
Industry Visit: Engaging with the Frontiers of Innovation
On July 30, the delegation visited MCG, a well-known local technology company, for an in-depth industry learning experience. Company executives and technical experts shared insights into Portugal's digital industries, policies supporting start-ups and emerging opportunities in Europe's innovation ecosystem. Students raised questions on topics including the international expansion of technology ventures, youth entrepreneurship and differences between the Chinese and European communications industries, leading to in-depth discussions with industry professionals.
By observing the research, development and operational processes of an overseas technology company at close range, students gained a more tangible understanding of Europe's innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. The visit further strengthened their enthusiasm for technological innovation and gave them a clearer sense of the opportunities and responsibilities facing young engineers in an increasingly globalized world.
Learning, Reflection and Growth
The program concluded with a closing ceremony on July 31, bringing the 15-day overseas learning experience to a successful end. Looking back on their time in Lisbon, students said the program had not only enriched their professional knowledge and strengthened their capabilities in innovation and entrepreneurship, but had also offered a meaningful encounter between cultures and an opportunity for personal growth, self-reflection and a broader outlook on the world.
Reflecting on the experience, student Xu Dongmiao said, "I am grateful to the University and the School for their support. These 15 days were far more than an ordinary study tour. I came away with the insight to make everyday life more convenient, the ambition to turn ideas into real projects, and the satisfaction of earning a small 'unicorn company' certificate."
Student Ding Yue added, "I used to know Europe only through books. This time, by stepping into Portuguese campuses, companies and streets myself, I came to truly understand the meaning of intercultural communication. In the future, I will continue to seek out more opportunities for international exchange, strengthen my all-round capabilities and work toward becoming an innovative professional with global competitiveness."
The 2026 Portugal Summer Program marked another successful step in the School's efforts to cultivate globally minded talent. The 15-day journey, which integrated learning with practice, not only deepened the friendship and institutional cooperation between the University and Iscte, but also provided 24 students with an immersive platform for growth abroad.
Looking ahead, UESTC will continue to expand its portfolio of short-term overseas programs, create more high-quality opportunities for international learning, and encourage more students to venture beyond national borders and engage with the wider world. Through these efforts, the UESTC aims to nurture a new generation of innovative, internationally minded young professionals equipped with both strong disciplinary expertise and a global perspective.
