Testimonials

Training Areas

  •  I’m not going to lie, I really missed Portugal, but I think the Erasmus programme is something everyone should experience… it’s really strange at first, a new country, a new language, a new job, a new home, new people around you and you always feel that longing for what you’ve left behind, but then you get used to it, you settle into a routine and new people come into your life.  You’re practically living a whole other life, and after a while, just like that, you’re back to your normal life, back home with an experience that will stay with you.

    I know it’s something everyone who’s been there says in one way or another, but it really is true, it goes by in a flash. If you get the chance, make the most of it.

    Margarida Cintra, a student on the Film and TV Production course (23/25)

  • Everything went quite well; communication with the school was easy, and I feel we were warmly welcomed by both the students and the teachers. I was able to put what I’d learnt into practice and learn more about working on sound for film, as the school where we were doing our placement was a film school.

    Throughout my Erasmus placement, I worked with various pupils at the school, forming a small circle of people I worked with most regularly; these were mainly international pupils who had come from a range of different countries.

    All in general, it was an incredible opportunity for personal and professional growth that I would recommend to anyone. I felt very welcome in Warsaw and enjoyed my time there, but nothing lasts forever.

    Gonçalo Santos, student on the Technical Course in Music Composition, Production and Sound Techniques 23/25

  • I’m now back in Portugal, which means my Erasmus experience has come to an end. I’m pleased with the career path I’ve followed over the past six months, and I’m leaving the company feeling that I’ve made my mark and left my work in excellent shape.  

    I am looking forward to seeing the final result of the project I have been working on all this time, in which many of my contributions will be showcased. 

    I’ve learnt a great deal about the professional video games industry, and I’ll be putting all of this to good use in my next venture. All that remains is for me to thank everyone involved, from ETIC_Algarve, part of the European Union programme, to Nieko Games, who took me on and taught me some extremely useful skills in this field.  

    Miguel Cavaco, BA (Hons) Games Development student, 24/25

  • Now that this experience has come to an end and I’m back in Portugal, it feels strange to look back and realise just how quickly it all went by. It feels as though it was all a dream and that nothing actually happened. What at first seemed like a huge change has, without me even realising it, become a comfortable routine, full of little moments that I’ll carry with me.

    From a professional point of view, the work placement was extremely positive. Working in 3D modelling allowed me to develop, gain confidence and gain a better understanding of how an international company operates. In the last few days, there was even time for one last game of cards with my colleagues at work.

    I’m heading home with a sense of longing, new insights and plenty of stories to tell. My Erasmus experience ends here, but everything I’ve experienced over these past few months will stay with me.

    Lara Valério, BA (Hons) Games Design graduate, 24/25

  • I’m leaving Vilnius with a full heart and no regrets. I’m really looking forward to returning to Portugal; I’ve missed everyone so much already and I can’t wait to give my loved ones a big hug. A few years ago, I don’t know if I’d have believed I’d be where I am now. For a long time, I was afraid and had lots of doubts, but I’m so glad I decided to take the plunge anyway – to take a chance on happiness and on what I love doing. This experience has really been worth it and has helped me grow in so many ways, both personally

    I’ve learnt to step even further out of my comfort zone, to trust myself more and to cherish every moment of everyday life. This chapter in Vilnius has had a profound impact on me and I feel I’ve grown immensely. Now it’s time to bring this chapter to a close with gratitude and make room for whatever lies ahead.

    Jordana Gasparinho, a student on the Film and TV Production Technical Course (23/25)

  • It’s a bit of a mixed bag realising it’s all over, coming home, smelling the Algarve, seeing people I haven’t seen for three months – the funny thing is, it all went by so quickly that it doesn’t even feel like it’s been three months.

    Now it’s time to make the most of it, try to learn as much as possible and embark on the journey of building my portfolio; this has only just begun, and the Erasmus programme was just the start – I’m very grateful to ETIC_Algarve for giving me this opportunity.

    I’m going to miss Lithuania, although I never thought I’d miss the cold or being away from home; I must admit that, in a way, I’m already looking forward to going back to Vilnius, and I’ll be back sooner or later.
    All that’s left for me to do is to thank everyone who was part of this experience, and especially ETIC_Algarve!

    Gonçalo Gomes, student on the Video Games Technical Course 23/25

  • “Studying for a Bachelor of Arts in Game Design was a very important experience for my artistic and professional development. The course helped me to further develop the foundations of my concept art, such as storytelling. It is also worth noting that receiving feedback and guidance from industry professionals, who monitored my work, is undoubtedly one of the course’s greatest strengths.
    Another highlight was the opportunity to take part in mini-lectures and sessions with leading professionals in the video game industry, including, for example, one of the 3D artists who worked on the Final Fantasy franchise. These experiences allowed me to learn directly from professionals I admire and gain a closer insight into the reality of the industry.
    For my final project, I also had the opportunity to be mentored by someone who works at Larian Studios, one of my favourite video game studios. Having someone with experience at a company I admire overseeing my project, providing feedback and advising me on how I could improve my work was an extremely valuable and motivating experience.
    At the end of the course, I also had the opportunity to undertake a one-month placement at Tucan Studios, at Teesside University, which allowed me to put into practice what I’d learnt throughout the year. This experience ultimately led me to continue on this path, spending a further three months on the Erasmus programme at Teesside.”

    Soraia Sousa, BA (Hons) Games Design student 24/25

  • “At first, I thought it would just be another course, another certificate. However, I ended up creating much more sophisticated projects in this short space of time, thanks to the freedom and autonomy that a course of this nature offers.
    I feel I’ve developed a great deal during this period, both personally and as a developer.
    All thanks to the support of our mentors.
    This diploma, which is internationally recognised through Teesside, has given me the skills and confidence to look beyond Portugal, and has introduced me to more specialised studios abroad.”

    Pedro Neves, BSc (Hons) Games Development student, 24/25

  • ‘As a Games Development student, I had a very independent learning experience. The course offered numerous opportunities to develop complex projects, which was extremely useful for anyone looking to build a portfolio, or even to explore areas that aren’t usually covered in such depth.

    The lecturers were invaluable; they are people with a wealth of professional experience, something I value greatly. The course coordinator, Risa Cohen, was brilliant, and made sure the course always offered as many opportunities as possible. For example, she organised masterclasses with professionals who had worked for Riot, Square Enix, and so on. We also had the opportunity to visit Teeside University, which was interesting.

    Overall, my experience was positive as I was able to work on projects that helped me grow as a professional, and I learnt a great deal from the tutors. I would also add that it was a huge help to be able to complete my studies with a Bachelor’s degree without having to go through lengthy equivalence procedures and/or study the course in England.”

    Francisco Simões, BSc (Hons) Games Development student, 24/25

  • “My experience as a Games Design student was very important, both creatively and professionally, largely thanks to the incredible lecturers who taught us and supported us.
    Throughout the modules, I delved deeper into areas I’m really passionate about, especially video game narrative. It was a real pleasure and a positive experience to have a module dedicated solely to this aspect of the game development process. Also, thanks to the creative freedom afforded by the modules, I was able to study many of the creative processes and elements of the Asian industry, particularly the Japanese one, which I find fascinating.

    The lecturers were also an essential and highly positive part of the course. As well as sharing their extensive technical knowledge, they are very dedicated and approachable, adapting to our needs. Their feedback and encouragement were vital to the development of my projects and to my confidence in my work.”

    Thanks to Professor Artur and the creative freedom afforded by the course, I was able to improve my portfolio in the areas I wanted to focus on. Throughout the modules, I was then able to build a more cohesive portfolio featuring work geared towards the sector I would like to pursue in the future.

    In short, I believe that my experience on the course and as a Games Design student was valuable and positive, largely thanks to the incredible professionals who taught us and the freedom given to students during the modules, which ultimately enabled us to build a portfolio of work tailored to the games industry we wish to pursue.

    Joana Aleixo, BA (Hons) Games Design student, 24/25

  • During my Erasmus experience, I have grown a lot on a personal and academic level. Being away from home taught me to value alone time and independence. This autonomy not only strengthened my confidence, but also allowed me to appreciate the value of activities done alone.

    I was fortunate to meet people from around the world and explore incredible places I never imagined visiting.
    Every new experience, from city trips to weekend getaways, has contributed to my growth and learning.

    Furthermore, the diversity of cultural and gastronomic experiences broadened my horizons and provided me with unforgettable moments.

    Although I lived this experience mostly alone, it was actually a source of growth. Independence and adaptation to new situations were essential for my personal development.

    Professionally, this experience proved to be enlightening. Meeting people from different fields helped me better define my future aspirations and goals.

    If there was a restart button to relive this journey exactly as it was, without changing anything, I would load it without hesitation. This experience was truly transformative.

    Vitorino Mestre, Trainee from the Graphic Design Course 23|24. Erasmus+ Internship in Ljubljana, Slovenia, 2025.

  • The months passed and bonds were created: colleagues became friends, friends became family. Between dinners, teas and rants, we always support each other.

    Professionally, I’ve grown huge. I worked with Czech and world-renowned brands, collaborated with a team of 20 people and learned. Adaptation was difficult, especially in communication, but we evolved. Thanks to my commitment, I was able to maintain the position remotely, which makes me proud.

    The months passed and bonds were created: colleagues became friends, friends became family. Between dinners, teas and rants, we always support each other.

    Professionally, I’ve grown huge. I worked with Czech and world-renowned brands, collaborated with a team of 20 people and learned. Adaptation was difficult, especially in communication, but we evolved. Thanks to my commitment, I was able to maintain the position remotely, which makes me proud.

    Erasmus+ changes anyone’s life. If anyone is reading this and has any doubts about going, just go! Get out of your comfort zone and enjoy what the world has to give you!

    LIVE!

    Schlibaty

    Renata Canas, Trainee of the Communication and Multimedia Design Course 22|24. Erasmus+ Internship in Prague, Czechia, 2025.