Thanks to the call for applications from our FHDW, we became aware of the possibility of an Erasmus scholarship, which we applied for without hesitation. The application documents were made available to us immediately by email, so that we were able to complete the application process early, which included the documents of a normal application including a letter of motivation, CV and certificates. When we received positive feedback about the confirmed sponsorship, we were able to complete and send in the required agreements in consultation with our supervisors before an online language test in English was waiting for us. This only required 20 minutes of concentration in order to determine the language level and fulfill the requirements for abroad.

Contact with the subsidiary in Portugal that took us on was very straightforward. Weeks before departure, we got to know the small local team early on in initial video conferences and were able to start the phase abroad prepared. The trip did not require any major entry documents apart from the usual ID card or passport, the Covid-related vaccination certificates and the Passenger Locator Form. Fortunately, this was organized through our partner company, so that we were also insured abroad through Wortmann KG. The FHDW supported us in this and advised us of all the necessary insurance policies in order to be able to accept the scholarship.

On the day of arrival, we took a rental car to Frankfurt Airport. After a little sweaty anxiety due to the excess baggage rules, we finally sat excitedly on the plane to Porto, full of expectations and anticipation. When we arrived, we were immediately greeted by the warm spring sunshine.

We took an Uber to our accommodation in just ten minutes for a few euros. Our apartment was a step ahead of many Portuguese dwellings, as we even had heating, among other things. What is a matter of course in Germany is considered a luxury in Portugal.

We had a direct sea view from our balcony and immediately dreamed of warm summer evenings with the sound of the sea in the background. The location of our apartment was about a three-minute walk from the beach and 20 minutes by car from Porto. So we had “the best of both worlds”!

One day later, we were picked up by our supervisor and taken to Felgueiras, where the office is located. During the 45-minute drive, we were able to marvel at the eucalyptus forests, mountains and good weather. At the office, we also met our second colleague, a shoe technician. After we had settled in and been given a short tour of the office, we set off for the four shoe factories. We introduced ourselves to all the production managers and managing directors and tried to remember all the names.

On the very first day, we were shown the various production steps that lead to a finished shoe. We could hardly believe how much work goes into the shoes, which we otherwise only saw as samples or end products. As the first lunch break approached, our colleagues took us to the “farm”. The small restaurant in a very rural location quickly became one of our highlights. For just nine euros each, we were able to sample Portuguese cuisine for many lunch breaks.

In addition to the production facilities, we also gained an insight into the various suppliers. From decoration factories to shoelace production and textile retailers, we learned how many people outside Wortmann KG are involved with our shoes. In addition to shoe manufacturing, we worked with our product design and management team. We were given the chance to get creative and were allowed to choose colors for prototypes, draw our own shoes and select textiles. Our personal highlight was standing on the production line and producing our own pair of shoes.

As we spent the whole day together, we spent some of our free time in different ways. While one of us often spent his time after work in the gym right on the beach, the other was out and about in various shopping centers, cafés and bars in Porto. On the recommendation of our predecessors, we discovered the Portuguese brunch culture and the famous Vino Verde together.

We shared the household chores in the shared flat and we often went shopping in the large supermarkets such as Lidl or Continente. For fruit and vegetables, however, it’s also worth visiting the mini-markets that can be found in almost every street. They were generally a little cheaper than the chains, but still comparable to German prices.

Food and clothing tended to be cheaper than we were used to at home. Fortunately, Wortmann organized a rental car for us from the third week onwards, which made shopping and leisure activities easier. At the weekend, Uber was our main means of transportation. Thanks to Erasmus+ and a care allowance from Wortmann, we had the opportunity to discover a lot of Porto. What we are very grateful for is that Wortmann also covered the entire three-month rent for our accommodation.