Erasmus Experience in Lisbon, Portugal by Claudio

Why did you choose to go to Lisbon, Portugal?

I chosen this city cause I wanted stay in Portugal, visit it and try the best Porto wines. I study enology.

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

9 months, 310€ per month from Europe and mine University, enough for the rent and the transport pass.

What about the food?

Here bar and restaurant can be cheaper than international fast food chains, and the quality of food is much higher. Portuguese food is interesting and tasty, but to find the secrets of this kitchen it takes personal passion, cause many times Portuguese young people don't know their own traditional foods and to find out a good recipe or restaurant is up to you.

What is the student lifestyle like in Lisbon?

It's the biggest city, but not so big relatively to other capitals in Europe. Here you can have party and live music almost everyday, or have a calm lifestyle, for study, sport, relax a stay by yourself.

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

I recommend the city, Lisbon is ancient, is degraded but is true. Services are getting better, is comfortable without car. It has many things to visit or places in which is mandatory to spend some hour, breathing that spirit and that peaceful atmosphere. University is good as well but bureaucracy for Erasmus is never easy and you have to remind things frequently to your coordinators.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Lisbon?

It's easy. You can change house frequently, during the year people are always moving and there are rooms. But if you ask for 3 months or more you can get priority.

How much does it cost to live in Lisbon?

It's obviously more cheap than many other countries. A room/month is 200-300, if you search well. Inside the center can be more, but is up to you search more. The life cost is not high, bar, restaurant, clubs and museums are cheap as well.

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

Is not easy at all, you read it but they pronunciate different and very close. It takes time, but leasting everyday you will get something in few months, and start a conversation.

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

Airplain, Lisbon is far from everything, even for Porto is convenient a flight.

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

First step for tourists is Bairro Alto, a very kind and populated neighborhood, quite until midnight, then is full of youngs in partymood. More quite and traditional are Mouraria, Alfama, Intendente, Graça, where you won't find young drunk tourists, you can see traditional live music everyday, take a walk in a fantastic place at nightlight. I suggest miradouro of Alfama or Graça at least once in life.

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

S. ta Rita for a good price, TiNaterça for a best meal, and many others.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Belem is the most famous but here you will find many thing about the old kingdom and the catholic presence, such as Pantheon, Igreia de S. Vicente etc. the best museum is the Gulbenkian, and every museum is free the first Sunday of the month.

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

In Lisbon old and modern, rich and poor are well mixed as in every big city. Homeless are almost everywhere, they are not dangerous and they are part of the landscape (Praça da Figureira). The ruined parts are the most fascinating in my opinion. Get used to walk up and down, hills are everywhere. Careful at night, it's better don't walk alone in narrow streets, young guys are used to steal money and cellphones, maybe better don't take the ID at night. But this is the minimum because the rest is positive. You will be surprised.

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