Erasmus Experience in Lisbon, Portugal by Miroslava

Why did you choose to go to Lisbon, Portugal?

When I decided to go on Erasmus, I started to search information about possibilities where to go. I could go everywhere in Europe but I knew that I would like to go somewhere to the south of Europe. When I found my university (ISCTE-Business school) I knew that it will be right choice. I did my research and it was one of the universities on the south, where I was sure about studying in English. ISCTE has a lot of Erasmus students and perfect organization. When I saw some pictures of Lisbon and Portugal as general, I knew that Lisbon will be my new home.

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

Scholarship can help you with covering the costs. But for sure you will need to have another money. I got from my university 360€/month. Scholarship depends on your home country and university. Be prepare to spend a lot of money during your Erasmus experience but for sure it was the best way how I spent money during my life. My scholarship covered around 40% of costs.

What is the student lifestyle like in Lisbon?

Student lifestyle in Lisbon is great. A lot of international students, parties, trips. Very good organization of everything. Universities are also very good. Try to find some information. If you want to love your Erasmus experience, go to Lisbon.

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

Yes, totally yes. Lisbon is amazing city with a lot of students, nationalities and perfect opportunities where to go during the day or night. You just need to choose what you want to do.

I studied at ISCTE-Lisbon University Institute. This university has more schools and I was part of Business school. For me it was perfect. I created my timetable and I had courses only 3 days during week. It is very important to choose right subjects, so I can recommend to gather some information about it on web page.

What is the food like?

Food in Portugal is little bit different. Well, it is country on the south so there is a lot of seafood. Also, they have some traditional food like bacalhau (salted cod) you can find it everywhere prepared on different ways. Amazing are pasteis de nata, brigadeiro and other small cakes. Portuguese people love coffee. You will love it also. It is great and cheap, perfect combination. There is a lot of things that I can write about Portuguese food but the best way is to try it on your own.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Lisbon?

It is not hard to find accommodation in Lisbon. There are some students residences and a lot of flats for students where you can live. Your university will help you to find something. Also ESN organization helps students to find right place or you can search on internet. It depends where you would like to live, in which part of city. Try to find something close to Bairro alto, but not in Bairro alto. I think that very good areas are: Baixa Chiado, Rossio, Marques de Pombal or Cais do Sodre. Also there are another good areas but everything depends on a flat.

How much does it cost to live in Lisbon?

I can compare it with Slovakia. It is very similar, but of course it depends on situation where you live, how often you go to parties and how often you would like to travel.

• Accommodation (single room): around 300 €/month
• Travel card: 35 €/month
• Food: 200 €/month
• Free time: 200 €/month

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

In Portugal people speak English well, so it is easy to communicate with them. I didn't learn Portuguese, so I don’t know if it is hard to learn. But I know that there are some language courses at the university.

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

The best way how to travel from Slovakia to Lisbon is for sure by plane. I flew from Vienna with TAP Portugal and it was ok. Also you can travel from Budapest to Lisbon. I chose direct flight because it was the easiest.

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

Lisbon is one huge party. You can go where you want during all week. There are some miradouros - open space where you can meet a lot of people and drink some wine of sangria. Perfect place in Lisbon is Bairro alto. You will go there often, sometimes every night. This area is full of small bars and pubs, where you can dance, drink some shots or long drinks or simply stay on the street and talk with your friends. All Erasmus students meet there and after they go to some clubs. Nightlife in Lisbon starts later, don't be surprised. After some days you will be comfortable with it. Normal night in Lisbon - meeting at Bairro alto before midnight to drink something and then go to the club - clubs open around 1. It is amazing time. Enjoy it.

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

Lisbon is full of good restaurants, so the best is find what you like. Also there are some all-you-can-eat places, Chinese, Brazilian or other typical restaurant. I already mentioned a place called pastelaria, you can take a snack or coffee.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

In Lisbon you can find a lot of museums, galleries, monuments. Lisbon is not a huge city but you can find everything. Old part of the city called Alfama, where you can walk or listen to the Fado (typical music - very sad but charming), new part of the city with business centres, you can enjoy river view or miradouros. If you will take a train, you will need around 30 min. and you are on the beach. Amazing, everything is so close.

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Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Lisbon?

Enjoy it. Every moment, every day and night. It will be for sure the best time of your life. And if it is possible, try to go not only for one semester but for two. It will be right decision, believe me.

Weather is perfect whole year, but in Portugal you can travel a lot. Beaches in Algarve, trip to Madeira (flight tickets around 60 €, accommodation 10€/night! ), north of Portugal, etc. You need only to choose a date. If you want you can also travel to Spain, because it is close.