Erasmus Experience in Guarda, Portugal by Hasan

Why did you choose to go to Guarda, Portugal?

I actually did not choose it. When I ranked Erasmus cities to go, I did it randomly except for my first choice. Of course, Guarda wasn't my first choice so it is useless to talk about it since I have been unable to go to my first priority.

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

Scholarship was covering the period of time that I spent there as an exchange student. I have been in Guarda almost 5 months. Living cost is absolutely based upon the choices of student him/herself. Since Guarda is cheaper than any other city of both Portugal and even Europe, maybe the world, I achieved to save money when I went back to home. But one of my Erasmus friend just spent his all scholarship within 15 days! That's why I still admire him just because of his extraordinary skills to spend money so quickly even in Guarda.

What is the student lifestyle like in Guarda?

Party! Life is just about partying and drinking but not tea or juice. I am talking about alcohol.

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

If I recommend it with respect to city and university, my answer is definitely no! But if you want to see the world's most sincere people then why not?

What is the food like?

Heavily pork and fish. And of course bacalhau!

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Guarda?

As I mentioned, cost to find an accommodation was just nothing. I stayed in dormitory, actually I preferred the most expensive way, in charge of 120 €. But my friends even found an apartment for €70. So I love luxury.

How much does it cost to live in Guarda?

You are king of the king with 300€ per month. But if you are as crazy as my friend that I mentioned above, 15 days are enough to spend your scholarship altogether.

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

Portuguese class we had. English is a suck! But I found an opportunity to improve my Spanish by taking Spanish course.

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

From the airport just catching the bus to bus station if you land in Lisbon. Then everything is going well so you will see. But if you land in Porto, then the easiest way to bus stations is by metro from the airport. So you have limited opportunity to Guarda from any other city of Portugal. I heard there is railway but I never tried. So buses are ok!

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

If you go out from your house, you will immediately see where the crowd is!

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

Never!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Nothing!

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

Think twice guys! :)