Erasmus Experience in Guarda, Portugal by Anna

Why did you choose to go to Guarda, Portugal?

Lots of students from my hometown, Kielce, have been advertising this location for many years. They made us love Guarda before actually arriving!

Besides, it has extraordinary landscapes, helpful citizens and weather that perfectly suits me.

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

I receive my scholarship for less than six months, because I'm here for only one semester. I obtain 400€/month, but my institution prefers to transfer 90% of the whole sum before leaving and the rest when coming back.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Guarda?

I am surrounded by students who are an opposite to "party animals". They prefer staying home, watching movies, playing computer games, or just chilling. I'm the same. So, I can't really comment this section, because I don't go out.

From my observations, Thursdays are days for partying, because everyone goes home for the weekend. There are many bars and pubs, so I bet one can find the suitable place to relax. As for the weekends, Guarda is more of a dead city if you're looking for entertainment.

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

If you love cosy, peaceful surroundings, Guarda is your place on Earth! The University has a learning style I admire, because almost all the lessons are practical and intense (I'm on computer science engineering). Unfortunately, you must be a hard working and patient person, because it doesn't provide lessons in English (of course, some teachers will take their time to explain in English, but it's their choice).

What is the food like?

The food averagely suits me, because I'm not a fish lover, and the meat isn't prepared with as much care. Cooks tend to not use many spices or herbs, so you might find the dishes tasteless. That's why I prefer to cook on my own. Of course I bow my head to "Bacalhau", because the things people make with this fish are amazing.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Guarda?

I had huge problems with finding accommodation, because when I was looking through websites before arriving, I couldn't find anything. I think people here are not used to providing information on the internet. So, when I arrived, it took me 5 days to find a room (it was even more difficult, because I was looking for a room with my boyfriend and practically all the landlords didn't speak English). At first, I lived in the dormitory for 10€/person per night! Many buildings I checked out where kept in horrible conditions. Finally someone told me to search for phone numbers on restaurant doors, and that worked! I found my room in no time!

How much does it cost to live in Guarda?

As I said, I receive 400€/month, and that is more than enough. My room with gas, electricity and water costs around 125€/month (I'm on the winter semester, so I use much more power because of heating and cooking on my own). Normally, It'd cost around 115€. Apart from that, I don't save money for food of anything, I live better than most of the students here. The best thing is, I still have money for a trip once a month. That usually costs me 80€/weekend (with accommodation, buses, restaurants etc).

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

I never had pressure to learn a different language, because I didn't care. But now, when I'm older and have the chance, I do everything to learn. I have less and less problems with understanding, because I work hard to learn. Apart from that, I have a Portuguese course which provides 2 h of learning weekly. It isn't much, so you are forced to work on your own (of course, it isn't obligatory).

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

First, I travelled by plane from Warsaw to Lisbon. That was a 5h trip.

From Lisbon, I took the train to Guarda (another 5 h).

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

Hmm, I don't have a favourite place, but I like to walk around the city centre enjoying the historical atmosphere.

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

"Mondego", which is right beside the University, is a great place to eat (7€/dinner). It is also famous for course dinners, because it's huge and the staff very silly and polite.

Eating a Francesinha in "Diguja" with your new friends is a "must-do"! (8€/dinner)

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The first thing you know about Guarda is the Cathedral in the centre of the city. It's beautiful not only on the outside, but also in the inside!

There are many smaller churches all around if you're interested.

Not far from the Cathedral you'll find the Museum of Guarda.

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

1. When arriving to Guarda by train, be sure to be there before 10:00 p. m. , because otherwise there are no taxi's to get you up to the city centre (Of course, you can choose to walk up the mountain with all your luggage! )
2. If you are not an expert in looking for accommodation, do everything you can to find it before arriving.
3. There is no central heating in homes, so if you're coming for the winter semeter, be sure to find a room with large windows to get as much sunlight as you can)
4. Don't save money, because this is a once in a lifetime experience, so get the most of it.