Erasmus Experience in Braga, Portugal

Why did you choose to go to Braga, Portugal?

Because I was interested in the work of a professor from the University of Minho.

How long does the grant last? How much money do you get for help?

My grant lasted for 10 months and that was enough for me to live, feed myself, have fun and travel.

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What's the student environment like in Braga?

Braga is a city with lots of students, the university has many extra-curricular programmes for everyone, from the university's own orchestra, to parties for freshers, the gym, language courses etc. Moreover, the university is located in a great position in the city, close to a big supermarket and shopping mall, close to a park and also is surrounded by various cafés and bars.

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

Yes, definitely.

What's the country's food like?

Portugal has many different typical dishes, but a daily meal for students can be in the university cantine (€2. 40, including: soup, bread, juice, main course and desert), where the food is good, but after eating it for months, is a bit boring!

There are also various restaurants close to the university and spread throughout the city centre where the food is very good and the prices are accessible (from 3 to 5 euros)! These meals generally consist of a dish with pork (or fish) accompanied by rice, chips, salad and a drink.

For vegetarians there isn't much choice apart from omelettes with vegetables and cheese. However, the university cantine has vegetarian meals, but only if you get a password.

Everyone has to try the many different cod dishes, the well-known francesinhas (Portuguese hot sandwich with meat, cheese and an egg on top) and alheiras (type of sausages), all typical foods of the country, as well as the diverse deserts!

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How did you find accommodation?

The university had accommodation and there are also offers for rooms and apartments to rent. It's easy to find accommodation, since the number of rooms on offer is very big.

How are the prices of accommodation? And the prices in general?

The university accommodation costs around 80 to 100 euros, to rent a room is about 100 to 200 euros. This can vary a lot.

The north of Portugal has a lower living cost than the south of Portugal, and consequently a lot lower than other European countries. You can live well with relatively little money!

What's the language like? Did you attend a language course at the university?

I don't have problems with Portuguese, since I'm Brazilian and my native language is also Portuguese.

What is the cheapest way to get to Braga from your city?

The cheapest way is the go by plane to Porto and from the airport get a metro to the Porto train station. From there a train to Braga.

Where would you recommend for a night out in Braga?

The city has many options, with different styles.

And eating out in Braga? Can you name your favourite places?

There are different places with different prices, it depends on how much you want to spend and what you want to eat.

There is something for all prices, and principally for all "grants".

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And in terms of cultural visits?

Braga has various museums and diverse churches (it's the Catholic capital of Portugal), there are archeological sites from the pre-Roman and Roman era. There is a lot to do.

Do you have any advice you'd like to give future students in Braga?

Enjoy your stay, study and enjoy yourself!