Erasmus Experience in Faro, Portugal by Mauricio

Why did you choose to go to Faro, Portugal?

Classes are in Portuguese, so it would let me improve my language skills. Good weather, cheap city.

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

10 months, 1000 euros a month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Faro?

Around 400 Erasmus/Exchange students. Small group that allows to have 'family' friend groups. Therea re many outdoor activities, and not so many entertainment activities. The city is so small that you could meet everyone walking in the streets all the time!

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

I recommend the city if you look for small cities and quiet spaces, and I would recommend the University if you plan to study something related to marine science or tourism.

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What is the food like?

I can't stand to eat more codfish (bacalhau) but you can find a lot of other seafood and international food, there are plenty of restaurants. Going to "Hamburgueria da baixa" is a must.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Faro?

Not at all, there's a lot of available apartments to rent at a quite cheap price (between 140-200 euros with expenses included).

How much does it cost to live in Faro?

I spent around 10-15 euros every night I went out, 12-15 euros if going to a good restaurant, just 2. 5 euros for cantine meal (available to go for lunch or dinner), transport is very expensive (2. 22 euros each way), but don't need to buy it unless going to Gambelas Campus, I recommend moving by walking. For groceries I spent 15-25 a week more or less. And 190 (expenses included) for rent close to Baixa (3 minutes to bars and clubs area).

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

Classes are in Portuguese, so Erasmus non-portuguese speakers can skip their classes, having lots of time to chill out. There are language courses available. Just few people in the city speak English, most of them are students. Get the dictionary prepared!

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

Ryanair and easyJet are available in the Faro Airport. Also, train or bus to Lisbon costs 13-17 euros and bus to Seville costs 15-17 euros. To visit Algarve region I suggest to rent a car, because train schedule is very limited, otherwise take a train and start walking!

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

• Clubs: First Floor, Patrimonio, Twice (opens at 3AM), Ditadura (rock and live music).
• Shots: Call In.
• Pubs: O Castelo, Piper's Irish Pub, Galeria Tridente (0. 5 euros a 25cl beer).

*You could find all of these at Baixa neighborhood

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

• Brazilian steak-house (Rodizio): Shopping mall - 16 euros (all you can eat).
• Chinese food: Shopping mall - 10 euros (all you can eat).
• Kebab: O Russo (late night after clubs) - 3. 50 euros.
• Pizza: No name, it is behind first floor - 2. 00 euros.
• Hamburgers: Hamburgueria da Baixa - 7. 50 euros.
• Sushi: Osaka, Nagoya, Magoya, Sushi Pearl - 12-15 euros (all you can eat).
• Vegetarian: Some fancy restaurants where menu is more varied.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Almost none, the beach is the best place you can find in Faro. Cidade Velha is the historic centre and there's a secret place (underground tunnels) I found out after 8 months of my stay in Faro. This place is at the café in historic centre (can't remember the café name).

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

Arrive in Summer time, it's a lie that the lowest it gets in Faro (or Algarve region) is 15°C. It can get 6°C with Real Feel of 4°C. So... yes, buy a small heater (10 euros at Jumbo Box at the Shopping mall). Travel around Algarve region! Is a must going to Benagil Cave and also try to get the ferries from Faro port going to desert islands where you can find excellent beaches (3-5 euros roundtrip).