In partnership with the Global Career Center, East Tennessee State University's Center for Global Engagement recently sent 13 undergraduate and graduate students to internships in Lisbon, Portugal.  

Earlier this year, the students participated in interdisciplinary project-based internships, which offered them an incredible opportunity to engage in hands-on work as part of a team while immersing themselves in the vibrant culture and dynamic business environment of Portugal. 

Nine students worked with The Lakhani Group, a multifaceted company specializing in immigration services, asset management, real estate development and hospitality. Through their internships, students gained valuable insights into the intersection of these industries and contributed to various projects that enhanced their practical skills and knowledge base. 

The remaining three interns joined the Portugal-Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting businesses operating in both Portugal and Hong Kong. These interns focused on fostering cross-cultural business relations and contributing to initiatives that empower and support international business ventures. 

Honors College students pose with their internship supervisors.

The participating students included: 

Undergraduate 

Alexandra Battle (interior architecture) 

Kate Boundy (music) 

Sarah Garland (health administration) 

Jared Huff (management) 

Kendall Robertson (international affairs) 

Andrea Stephens (rehabilitative health sciences) 

Hunter Turgeon (finance) 

 

Graduate 

Esther Hoffman (public health) 

Boluwatife Oluwamakinde (information systems) 

Matthew Perkins (history) 

Jessi Stevens (data analytics) 

Sarah Wicker (business administration) 

Noah Wren (public health) 

 

"The internship in Lisbon provided us with an invaluable experience to apply our academic knowledge in real-world settings," said Alexandra Battle, one of the participating students. “Working alongside professionals in diverse fields allowed us to develop skills that will be essential in our future careers while also embracing a rich cultural experience.” 

Dr. Karla Leybold, assistant dean and director of the Center for Global Engagement, said, "We are proud to support our students' international endeavors. These internships not only enrich their education but also prepare them for successful careers in the United States or abroad." 

Students will have the opportunity to present their internship projects and answer questions about their experiences on Monday, April 7, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. in the D.P. Culp Student Center, rooms 303/304. The presentation is open to the public. 

ETSU is a leader in offering innovative opportunities for students to extend their learning beyond traditional classrooms. This program exemplifies a commitment to fostering global perspectives and professional development. 

For more information about the internship program and potential future opportunities, please contact Dr. Karla Leybold at leybold@etsu.edu. 

East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.

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