It all began with a passion for bringing people together. Long before UNCOVER officially existed, I volunteered with ESN, helping international students feel at home on this beautiful island. Later, while studying abroad in the UK, I experienced the power of student communities as an international student myself. That experience deepened my belief in how powerful these connections truly are.

I continued organizing events for Erasmus and mobility students simply because I couldn’t imagine stopping. The impact was significant; again and again, students told me how much those experiences meant to them.

That love, the feedback I received, and the sense of purpose fueled my motivation. In 2025, after nearly a decade of dedicating myself to this as a passion project, I decided to pursue it full-time.

I'm Diogo Pestana, and UNCOVER Madeira is now my mission: to create the most welcoming, adventurous, and community-driven experience for international and mobility students/interns/volunteers in Madeira.

The Story Behind UNCOVER

Our mission

To craft authentic, joyful, and impactful experiences for international and mobility participants in Madeira through vibrant cultural events, breathtaking nature adventures, and a nurturing community that embraces you like home.

Why We Exist

We believe studying abroad should be about so much more than just classes. It’s a chance to explore new places, grow personally, and meet amazing people who can change your view of the world. That’s where UNCOVER comes in! We’re here to help you make those connections and ensure that you never feel like a stranger on this beautiful island.

Who We Welcome

Whether you're here as part of Erasmus+, volunteering, undertaking a mobility project, or simply seeking a community, you belong here. UNCOVER is a space for all young, curious, open-minded souls who want to make the most of their time in Madeira.

Our values

At UNCOVER, our focus is on fostering a genuine sense of belonging. We value curiosity and encourage people to explore different cultures, ideas and friendships. We power everything we do with energy, lead with openness, and do everything with intention — because experiences should be meaningful, not just memorable.

What began with hesitation soon became one of the best decisions of our lives — Madeira felt like home from the very start. Diogo’s genuine way of being and welcoming spirit brought us closer, and together we shared unforgettable experiences as close friends.

Matěj & Míša