What is it?

Considering the importance of strengthening the University’s connection with secondary schools in the region and across the country, as well as encouraging young people to pursue higher education, it was deemed appropriate to create an institutional program that highlights the role of UAlg students as ambassadors and representatives of the University in their former schools.

In this context, the “UAlg Ambassadors” Program was established in October 2025. This institutional initiative aims to engage University of Algarve students in visits to their former secondary schools, fostering closer ties between the University and the school community.

How does it works?

The “UAlg Ambassadors” Program has as its main objectives to bring the University closer to secondary schools, motivate secondary school students to pursue higher education, highlight the role of university students in promotional and institutional activities, and strengthen a network of cooperation between UAlg and secondary schools.

How can I participate?

Students enrolled at the University of Algarve in Professional Higher Technical Courses (CTeSP), undergraduate degrees, integrated master’s programs, or master’s programs, who demonstrate motivation, communication skills, and availability to participate in at least one visit, are eligible to apply for the “UAlg Ambassadors” Program.
Applications must be submitted through an online form, available here.

How are the embassadors selected?

The selection of candidates will be carried out by the team responsible for the program, based on the following criteria:

a) Curriculum Vitae;
b) Pitch (optional): a video, with a maximum duration of one minute, in which the candidate answers the question “Why study at UAlg?”;
c) Preference for students who wish to visit their former school;
d) Interview, whenever deemed necessary and at the request of the responsible team.

Selected students will be invited to a brief training session, covering topics such as communication with young people, presentation of the University and its academic offerings, and strategies for sharing personal experiences in an assertive and motivating manner.

Students selected as UAlg Ambassadors will benefit from the following resources: promotional materials for distribution at schools; a program support kit, including a PowerPoint presentation, institutional materials, and UAlg-branded gifts; and a certificate of collaboration issued by the University.

How will it work?

Each secondary school will host one to two student ambassadors. The visits will be informal and dynamic, including a brief personal introduction, sharing experiences about the city of Faro and academic life (classes, cultural and sports activities, international mobility, etc.), information about courses, entrance exams, accommodation, and scholarships, concluding with a question-and-answer session.

The program also provides benefits for the selected students, namely:

a) UAlg Ambassador Certificate, awarded to all participants;
b) UAlg Ambassador Kit, including a t-shirt and promotional materials;
c) Ambassador Manual, containing guidelines and best practices;
d) Budget support for travel and meals, determined according to the district of the school being visited.