The first half of my stay in Lisbon has been an incredibly enlightening journey, marking the transition from my academic background in Teaching Italian as a Foreign Language to the practical, fast-paced world of international cultural entrepreneurship.
One of the most significant aspects of my collaboration has been observing the diverse profile of our visitors. As I anticipated, the bookstore serves as a dual bridge. I have managed interactions with Italian expats seeking a “home away from home” and Portuguese learners eager to practice their Italian.
The main challenge has been logistical. I have gained firsthand insight into the complexities of importing books from Italy: dealing with shipping costs, customs, and the delicate balance of maintaining a catalog that is both culturally relevant and commercially viable. Understanding these “behind the scenes” dynamics has been an essential reality check for my future entrepreneurial ambitions.
I feel that the objectives of the EYE program are being met beyond my expectations. On a professional level, I am learning the “language of business” from inventory management to social media strategies. On a human level, my adaptation to the Lisbon lifestyle and the local business etiquette has broadened my intercultural competence. I am no longer just “traveling through books”; I am navigating the real-world complexities of the European book market.
The most important insight I have gained is that cultural mediation is the soul of a foreign bookstore. People don’t just come for a title; they come for the recommendation, the conversation, and the atmosphere.
Looking ahead to the second half of my exchange, I intend to refine my focus to maximize the benefits of this collaboration. My primary adjustment will be to take a more proactive role in event curation and community building. While the first phase was dedicated to observing and learning the “machinery” of the bookstore, I now feel ready to propose and lead initiatives that merge my pedagogical background with the store’s commercial needs.