The course gave me the possibility to discuss at the international level what are the experiences of different countries in establishing mental health systems and how countries are trying to implement changes in the real life of people with mental disabilities.

The course was a career-defining, and eye-opening experience for me. It allowed for learning and supervision under the direction of experienced, and world-renowned faculty. It also sparked some of the sincerest and deepest friendships with other trainees in the program. Finally, I could not think of a better location to explore “perspectives” and “mental health” than sunny Lisbon; whose peaks and viewpoints inspire reflection, exploration, and meditation. I strongly recommend this training program to any future leaders, advocates, and diplomats of health.

Given that mental health has been left to the background in many countries, especially in developing countries, a course that has among its objectives to expand the horizons in order to improve the quality of services and preserving the human rights of people with a mental disorder and the integration of mental health in primary care, is undoubtedly a big achievement. The creation of an international class with professionals from different latitudes and environments, allows an unique workshop, which, along with the remarkable faculty that guides the course, will certainly result in added value in students professional and personal lives.

The annual Global Mental Health course has been a great source of inspiration and enrichment both professionally and personally. I will forever carry in my memory the beautiful moments experienced during the lectures and group activities, the exchange of opinions at restaurants and cafés, and of course the sunsets over the Tejo. In addition to the invaluable contribution of the teaching committee, I have also learned so much from all my classmates, discovering new perspectives and forming new bonds and friendships.

Our group was diverse. We had lols of very interesting discussions from different perspectives and also allowed me to make sense of my local perspective, along with the incredible amount of very senior and very knowledgeable people we got to meet both from the lecturers and the students.