Erasmus Experience in Lisbon, Portugal by Aurélia

Why did you choose to go to Lisbon, Portugal?

I had to do a language study holiday during one month for my studies. My University proposed different destinations and I decided to go to Lisbon because I knew that the life was not expensive there and I wanted to discover this city.

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

I don't know yet because we will receive the scholarship in a few weeks. But I know that last year the students received between 100 and 600 euros.

What is the student lifestyle like in Lisbon?

It's very enriching because there are lots of things to see (the architecture, castles, the Christ The King Statue... ), to learn and to do (Colombo is an enormous commercial centre, the beach is not too far from Lisbon or you can just take a walk in the streets). We discover another culture and meet new people. In the University as in the city, there are lots of students from different countries. Also, the life isn't expensive as I said, which is important for a student, and you feel safety. Finally, I would say that the lifestyle there is enjoyable and warm.

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

I recommend it, yes. At the University, I had a great experience thanks to my professor, and I heard good words about the other ones. My professor taught me well Portuguese while I didn't feel pressure.

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What is the food like?

The food is very cheap! I was eating in fast food every time because I could have a lot for not much money. And more generally, the food is tasty. I ate in some restaurants and liked it.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Lisbon?

My university in France proposed us an accommodation for not too much money (because they had a partnership). So it didn't cost me. But I think we should be careful and maybe pay more money to have a good place of living.

How much does it cost to live in Lisbon?

It doesn't cost a lot because shops are not expensive, food is not expensive, and there are lots of things to do without paying.

It costs a bit more for the public transport because, for example I paid 42 euros to move in Lisbon (take the subway and the bus) for one month, but I had to pay the train to go to the beach or when I wanted to move out of Lisbon. But if you like moving by taxi, they are not too expensive.

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

Yes, I was beginner in Portuguese, and I came there to learn this language at the University. The language is not too difficult to get to grips with, but at the beginning I had some difficulties because it looks like Spanish. At the University, we trained ourselves thanks to orals, listening, by writing... and thanks homework to!

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

The plane.

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

In the nightclubs! there are a lot of nightclub for all the wants. Caribbean, electro, Brazilian, rock, commercial... there are also famous streets with bars with music.

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

Unfortunately I don't remember.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Castelo de Sao Jorge, the "miraduros", the different squares and the abundant churches, Sintra, Santuario de Cristo Rey, Belem, the Parque Eduardo VII.

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