Erasmus experience in Guarda, Portugal

Why did you choose to go to Portugal, Guarda?

Because my school had an agreement with that university.

How long did your grant last? How much money did you get for help?

The scholarship lasted 5 months and I was getting 400 euro per month to help me with my expenses.

How is the student life in Guarda?

The student life is rather calm and relaxed. They really focus on studying.

Do you recommend Guarda and its University to other students?

I recommend Polytechnic Institute of Guarda and the city not really. Ayrica University is the best one in Turkey, that's why the have agreements with other good universities.

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How is the food?

I can say that it is similar to our cuisine and they are mostly prepared with olive oil.

How did you find accommodation?

Our school offered us a 2-floor private house in the campus. I think that accommodation conditions and being in the campus was a really good opportunity to meet people.

How expensive is accommodation? What are the costs of living like in general?

Accommodation prices are about 65 euro per month and then, you will spend about 15-20 euro on living expenses.

Was it easy to handle the language? Were there any language courses at the University?

The language was an issue, because all the classes were in Portuguese and, therefore, the subjects were hard to follow. It is necessary to spend more time in the library and study from English books.

What is the easiest and cheapest way to go from your city to Guarda?

There are 2 ways to go Guarda:

1. If you go to Porto, it takes 2 hours by bus from Porto to Guarda.
2. If you go to Lisbon, it is easy and cheap to go to Guarda from Lisbon by train.

Where would you recommend for a night out in Guarda?

These are lots of good options to hang out at night: Soda Cafe, Cathedral Bar, People Cafe and Vivaci Shopping Mall.

Which restaurants do you recommend in Guarda?

Restaurants in Vivaci Shopping Mall are rather good.

What are the must-see places?

Historically and culturally, there is only a castle and a museum.

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Do you have any advice for future students coming to Guarda?

If you guys are going to Guarda in autumn, I recommend you take warm clothes because it is the highest point of Portugal and it always rains and snows. In addition, get your documents in English and other books you may need in English before you go. Most important, get a pocket dictionary to have day-to-day conversations in Portuguese, because not many people speak English there.