Erasmus Experience in Lisbon, Portugal by Jonny Jay

Why did you choose to go to Lisbon, Portugal?

Because I really wanted to learn the portuguese language.

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

10 months, 2.300 €

What is the student lifestyle like in Lisbon?

Usually my lessons for the master degree are in the afternoon or in the evening, so they can work during the day if they need money and hang out after classes in the night.

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

Definitely. An enchanting place where to live, full of nice people and places.

What is the food like?

Soup and fish dishes are very common, but I don't like them. I really enjoy all the sweet stuff that you can find in the pastelarias (a lot of kind!)

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Lisbon?

No, I decided to book it before to come here, it's a house for 9 erasmus students.

How much does it cost to live in Lisbon?

Not more than 150-200€ per month.

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

Yep, I learned it but for non-neolatin speaking people could be really difficult. Yes, my Politecnico organised some coursed and they lasted until December.

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

By easyjet, or (even cheaper) from Porto, with RyanAir flights.

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

In Bairro Alto, definitely. Full of colours and young fellows.

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

Some friends of mine said that close to the Cathedral da Sé you can eat in a good restaurant with Fado live music.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Belém tower; Oceanario; Castle of São Jorge; Sintra; Évora.

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

...don't forget your costume suite! Lisbon is the second capital city most warm in Europe and you can go surfing for the most part of the year! ;)