Erasmus Experience in Braga, Portugal by Zhanna

Why did you choose to go to Braga, Portugal?

My home University (Moscow State Linguistic University) has a bilateral agreement with the UMinho, and I was selected for the Erasmus+ programme to spend my mobility period in Braga. My main reason for choosing Braga, and UMinho, was that this university has the best linguistic programme for bachelor’s degree in Portugal. What is more, Braga is one of the oldest, most historic and authentic cities in Portugal, which reflects the cultural traits of the country I’m deeply in love with.

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

My mobility period lasted 5 months (from September 2018 till February 2019), and since I’m not from an EU-partner country, I was awarded a scholarship of 800€ per month and a reimbursement of my travel costs to and from Portugal.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Braga?

The student lifestyle in Braga is very versatile, thanks to the wonderful ESN Minho team! We had a lot of trips organized by the ESN (such as trip to Gerês, to the northern region of Portugal), which were interesting from the historic and cultural point of view, and beautiful, as we spend an absolutely wonderful time with other students! Though I must admit that I spend most of my time with the studies, there’re a lot of possibilities to interact with other students in bars, in clubs and, of course, at the university. (Here I have to mention that the prices in the student areas are just amazing) Moreover, as Braga is such a historic city, you may just visit the center, museums, galleries, listen to the national music.

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

Yes, I would definitely recommend Universidade do Minho to other students. The teachers are very qualified and highly professional (I studied on two programmes - Portuguese and Lusophone Studies and Applied Languages). Moreover, for me it was an unforgettable experience to practice my Portuguese, since all the subjects I had chosen were in Portuguese (with the exception of Inglês C2). And, as I already mentioned, the programme of Applied Languages is the best programme in the field in the country. And of course I would recommend Braga too - when you are sitting near the Bom Jesus Cathedral watching the sun goes down behind the hills filling the horizon with golden and pink shades of the sunset you just can’t think the contrary.

What is the food like?

This is the only arguable point for me, because I’m a vegetarian, and most of traditional Portuguese dishes which are served in restaurants are not-vegetarian. But! They always served me some vegetarian-friendly equivalents, so I didn’t have much problems. All the dishes I tasted were very well prepared, and especially I must mention traditional Portuguese sweets and cakes, and coffee, and chocolate, you must try them all! The food is rather cheap, a cup of coffee in a cafe will cost you approximately 1, 5€, a piece of cake 2€, and, for example, a main dish 3-5€.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Braga?

At first, yes. Though I did find some good sites for accommodation, as far as I remember I found mine via Facebook. I found my room I think on the 20 of August (or a bit earlier of a bit later), and I arrived in Portugal on the 3rd of September. I strongly recommend you start looking for accommodation as soon as it is possible, because if you wait the prices may go higher and higher as it was in my case. As I had scholarship I didn’t get a place at the university residence, so I had to find my own accommodation.

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How much does it cost to live in Braga?

I think 500-700€ may be enough depending on a student’s preferences, of course. However, if you would like to travel you may need some extra money. But I should mention that you will have discounts if you are traveling in a big group or if you are under 25.

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

Yes! You can take Babelium Portuguese language course (Babelium is a language canter at the university), which will cost you approximately 100€ for the whole semester. However, it is not considered to be ECTS. And you can travel with the English language!

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

Frankly speaking, from my city it’s always so very expensive to travel to Braga since I live in Russia. I need first to take a plane from Moscow to Lisbon (direct), or from Moscow to Porto, and after that go to Braga by train. Or if you take a Moscow-Porto flight, you may take a bus from Porto airport to Braga, which costs approximately 10-13€.

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

Bar Académico, Sardinha Biba, other bars and other places. Don’t forget about a sunset at Bom Jesus!

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

Maria Bolacha, Montalegrense, Tasquinha Bracarense and others - these are near the university, and you may like to visit some traditional restaurants in the city center, all of them are good.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Historic center of the city, Santuário Sameiro, Bom Jesus Cathedral and many others. From Braga you may as well travel to other destinations, such as Porto, Viana do Castelo, Bragança, Amarante, Chaves, Valença, Guimarães and many others!

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

Braga is a wonderful place to live in and to study. As there are many students who are renting flats, I would recommend that you find accommodation as soon as possible so as not to overpay. Braga has a nice location, you can travel to the nearby cities as well as to other regions of this beautiful country. And seize the opportunity, don’t waste money on some insignificant things which you can buy in your own country, try to study, to travel a lot, to interact with new people and to make new friends. Most students tend to travel to other European countries, though I would recommend to explore Portugal too, because it’s so versatile, so unpredictable and so fascinating, that it’s going to be your personal never-ending adventure. Take care of yourself, but don’t be afraid to get lost, because Portuguese people are open-minded and are always eager to help you. I wish you luck in all your future journeys, as well in your academic performances, and I’m sure you will totally enjoy your Erasmus!