Erasmus Experience in Guimarães, Portugal by Tuan

Why did you choose to go to Guimarães, Portugal?

University of Minho is the host University of my scholarship. It located in Guimaraes. I did not know anything about Guimaraes before I came here

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

My scholarship is 34 months. But my PHD program is mandated 4 years. The scholarship grant is 1500e/month

What is the student lifestyle like in Guimarães?

I have not any information about it. Some students enjoy sport, other like party, or go to bar for drinking and dancing. Here, the Erasmus students usually organize party or travel together.

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

Yes, of course.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Guimarães?

No, the University help me when I came. Actually, it is not difficult to find accommodation in Guimaraes.

How much does it cost to live in Guimarães?

around 500-700 euros

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

Language is difficult, more than English :).. But it is not difficult to familiar in communication with people here. There is Portuguese course for international students.

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

You can go to Guimaraes by bus or Train. Bus is most economical. From Porto airport, there are shuttle buses directly to Guimaraes.

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

In the historic center of city. It is UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are a lot of bars there

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

I have not any information about it. Using travel guide is good way

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Guimaraes is small city. Some nice places are Castle, Historic center and Penha mountain

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

Guimaraes is small and beautiful city. It is nice place for live and visit.
From the train and bus terminal, you can take taxi to the center or University. Cost about 5 euros. Find a map and discover the city by walk