Erasmus Experience in Fafe, Portugal by Martin

Why did you choose to go to Fafe, Portugal?

I wanted to choose something from Spain or Portugal, and this was only one opportunity, where i could study in english language.

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

The semester starts in 14th September and finish is last week before christmas. Then is exam peirod in January.

What is the student lifestyle like in Fafe?

Students there are very nice. Tradition here is, that you can meet a lot of students in suits. Association of students also organise a some parties or dinners for students.

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

Yes ! The teachers are very friendly and helpfull, and students too. It is not big University, but you can make better relationships.

What is the food like?

Typical here is a seafood and fish - Bacalao. The other typical dishes are Francesinha or Cachorro. Also people eat here lot of pork meat and rice.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Fafe?

The University do not give you accomodation, but they can give you some contacts.

How much does it cost to live in Fafe?

Around 100 - 150 eur - include gas and electricity

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

Portuguese language for me is little hard. When you speak Latin language, is for you more easier. You can participate in portuguese language course in University.

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

From Slovakia there was no direct flight to Portugal, I had to travel from Prague, or from Budapest is also possible. The best way is travel to Porto. From Porto to Fafe is around 50 km. Lisbon is more far away.

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

There are not much places to go on a night out. There are discoclubs like Praca da Musica or Bowling, or there are some bars in city, but in 2 o´clock they are closed.

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

You can eat in University canteen, where menu cost 3,5 eur. Near University is Unibar where you can eat Franceshina. In city centrum are also lot of restaurants, also some brasilians restaurants.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There wont be some concerts or events in city. But the best cultural site is country around. There are lot of hills, windmills, and lakes. From hills are spectacular view to whole region !

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

Fafe is not big city, University is not also big. There is not big nightlife, but despite of this you can have here nice time ! People here are very friendly, helpful and very kind ! If you want travel, or go to night out, in area of 50 km you have cities like Guimaraes, Braga or Porto. These are very nice cities and you can meet there a lot of other erasmus students.