Two young Bermudians of Azorean descent have become the first-ever participants from Bermuda to complete the University of the Azores Summer Programme.

Sydney Rego and Catrina Furtado joined 21 students from the US for an immersive 17-day academic and cultural programme, held across the islands of Sao Miguel and Terceira from July 1 to 17.

Both participants have returned to Bermuda with official bilingual certificates from the University of the Azores, equivalent to 6 ECTS (3 US) credits.

The programme was organised by the Luso-American Development Foundation, the University of the Azores and the Regional Government of the Azores.

The two candidates were selected following a rigorous local selection process conducted by a seven-member committee of prominent members of the Portuguese-Bermudian community.

Ms Rego recently completed a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at Bournemouth University in Britain.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology with distinction from Queen’s University in Canada, where she appeared on the Dean’s Honour List multiple times.

The 24-year-old has Azorean ancestry on both sides of her family, with her paternal grandmother born and raised in Água de Alto, Sao Miguel.

Ms Rego said: “I particularly enjoyed the lectures on the history of the Azores, the longstanding relationship between the Azores and North America and the farming and fishing industries.”

She added: “I’ve left this trip feeling much more connected to my culture, and with a strong desire to finally learn to speak Portuguese.”

Ms Furtado, 19, in her first year of a Bachelor of Science in marine biology at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

She has built a record of hands-on experience in marine science and conservation.

The connection to her Azorean heritage has been nurtured through family visits to Sao Miguel and active participation in Bermuda’s Portuguese cultural community.

She said: “I really enjoyed the programme and feel like I got a lot out of it: meeting new people, learning more about the Azores and its history and culture and experiencing different parts of the islands.”

The Portuguese Cultural Association of Bermuda and Azorean Diaspora Council have already started preparations for Bermuda’s participation in the 2027 edition of the programme.

Details on the application process are expected to become available by the end of 2026, and eligible residents of Bermuda of Azorean descent aged 18 to 25 are encouraged to consider.

Richard Ambrosio, PCA chairman and Bermuda Representative on the Azorean Diaspora Council, said: “This inaugural participation was everything we hoped it would be.

“Sydney and Catrina were wonderful ambassadors for our community, and we are deeply grateful to FLAD, the University of the Azores and the Regional Government of the Azores for welcoming Bermuda into this programme from its very first edition.”