My Erasmus Experience in Lisbon, Portugal by Martina

Why did you decide to go to Lisbon?

I visited a friend who was on Erasmus in Lisbon and I fell in love.

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How long does it last? How much money did you receive to help you?

It lasts from 5/6 months to 9 months. I did it for 5 months and I received 230 euros per month.

What's the student atmosphere like in Lisbon?

Don't expect a university like ours. The classes are small and they hand in work and do weekly presentations. The professors are very informal and exams are different to what we would expect. Studying books for at least 3 weeks does not exist. We say that the exams are easier than what we are used to, but you have to do work throughout the course. No one goes over the top with studying, but they work hard and prepare presentations and do tasks at home.

Would you recommend the city and university to other students?

I would recommend Lisbon to anyone. It is an exciting, lively, multicultural, captivating city. The university, in my case La Cattolica, I wouldn't recommend.

Personally, I didn't get on very well with a professor who was by the way, in charge of the Erasmus, so she had special consideration for the foreign students.

What is the food like?

Very good, especially for those who love sweet things and fish. Try "pasteis de nata", they are unbeatable. Everything is cheap. You can eat a good dinner with meat or fresh fish and try different types of salted codfish for 12 euro.

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Is it difficult to find accommodation in Lisbon?

Quite: the best thing to do is to go there and view the houses yourself. Or contact a former Erasmus and get in touch with the landlord.

How much does it cost to live there?

Not much, in comparison to what we are used to. You can have dinner for 11-12 euro, beer and cocktails cost half as much as they do in Italy, and at night it's normal to return by taxi.

How did you get on with the language? Did you attend any courses at the university?

My university provided a course, but it was very basic and not very useful. Because of this, I signed up for an external Portuguese course in conjunction with ESN and I learnt Portuguese well there.

What is the cheapest way to get to Lisbon from your city?

Airplane.

Which places would you recommend for going out at night in Lisbon?

Bairro Alto, Bica, Chapitò, Urban Beach.

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And for eating out in Lisbon? Tell us your favourite places.

"Carne na pedra" in praça Camoes.

Do you have any advice that you would like to give to future students in Lisbon?

Try not to only be with other Erasmus. Make friends with the Portuguese and discover places that the tourists don't visit.