4 February 2025
Camila Ribeiro, a 4th-year PhD student in Materials Science & Engineering at Departamento de Engenharia de Materiais e Cerâmica - Universidade de Aveiro e do CICECO, took on the challenge of an FLAD internship and spent four months in the United States.
Specializing in alternative processing of ceramic materials, Camila is now sharing her experience, insights, and tips to help future students make the most of their own international opportunities. Check here to review the interview ou read the article below:
What is a FLAD internship, and how did you learn about it?
FLAD, the Luso-American Development Foundation, provides financial support through scholarships in various categories. In particular, the scholarship I benefited from is aimed at providing financial support for research in the United States for master’s students, doctoral candidates, and researchers from Portuguese universities. I learned about this opportunity through CICECO announcements received via email.
How was the selection process?
Thus, I received the FLAD scholarship for a four-month internship at the Research and Materials Institute of the University of Pennsylvania in the last semester of 2024. The selection process is based on completing an online application form on the FLAD website and submitting several documents, such as the work plan, a recommendation letter from the Portuguese institution, an acceptance letter from the American university, and an estimated budget for the requested period.
What are the most positive aspects and the biggest challenges of this experience?
I believe the main challenge is stepping out of one’s comfort zone and leaving the familiar environment to go to a new country—with a different culture, language, and working methods. However, at the same time, I believe this leads to significant personal and professional growth while also providing the opportunity to form partnerships, collaborate, and create valuable connections. The encouragement given to collaboration with foreign institutions certainly makes this experience more feasible.
What role did CICECO/DEMAC play in this experience?
I also believe that this support helps in developing innovative and high-quality scientific work, allowing these two institutions to come together, generating benefits for both sides. What suggestions do you have for future applicants? My advice is for everyone to take advantage of these opportunities because, although they may seem challenging and complex, they are incredibly rewarding and will undoubtedly bring future benefits.
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Camila Alves Ribeiro
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