Erasmus Experience in Beja, Portugal by Simona

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Why did you choose to go to Beja, Portugal?

I wanted to study in Portugal, so the only one possibility to go there was going to Beja.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

I was there for four months. Total amount was 1600 EUR. It was enough.

What is the student lifestyle like in Beja?

Beja isn't a very big city, it doesn't have a lot to offer for students. There are some bars and clubs, but I honestly didn't like them. I can't say that student life is bad, of course it depends on people with who you are communicating. Still I had here one of the best moments in my life, good experience.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Beja to other students?

I would recommend the University, the teachers are very nice with Erasmus students, they threat us like their colleagues, they are kind, but if you don't want to study but just "party hard" I would recommend to choose a bigger city.

What is the food like?

Food is quite light. Not fatty, tasty. People here like to eat a lot of fish, it is very popular. In bars and cafes you always can find "Tosta Mista" (It's sandwich with ham and cheese). In the canteens students can eat for 2, 30 EUR. It is quite cheap and very tasty. Every day there are different dishes.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Beja?

I lived in residence of students. It is nice place to live, nice rooms, clean, cleaning ladies come two-three times a week to clean. And it wasn't so expensive - 165 EUR per month. But one disadvantage - in the kitchen there wasn't a cooker, just fridges and a microwave. So you cave to buy your own cooker plate or make your meals in microwave.

How much does it cost to live in Beja?

I spent about 470 EUR per month. It isn't so much, you can spend less, but I was travelling, I wanted to see this country, so I spent more.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

I can say, that Portuguese language is very hard for me. I am from the North so it's nothing similar to my language. Yes, courses are available, we had Portuguese language for two months in university for free. And it was enough to learn basic things.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Beja from your city?

I was travelling from Lithuania here. There wasn't direct flight, I had to take two planes. Most economical way is to buy two different flights. I bought like one ticket where was two connected flights, but it was mistake, it was more expensive.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Beja?

I liked very much two places, its "Guitar Riffs bar / café concerto" and "Cais Na Planície - Sunset, Café & Lounge".

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Beja?

It's Cais Na Planície - Sunset, Café & Lounge. They have amazing french fries!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The Museum of archaeology and the Castle.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Beja in the future?

Bring warm clothes, because it isn't so warm here like it looks. Summer is long, but in November and December it is quite cold.

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