Erasmus Experience in Maia, Portugal, by Süreyya

Why did you choose to go to Maia, Portugal?

My school is in Maia but I was living in Porto.

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

It is 400 € per month but I got the 80 % of the money and the rest when I can pass the half of my exams. I also didn't got the money every month they sent me the hole amount.

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

Not because Maia is really far away from the city center. You will have 1 hour by metro. And also if you are an Erasmus student you don't have to participate that much in school. So I think it's better to live in Porto.

What is the food like?

They have a lot of fish here. But you can find everything what you have in your hometown I think. They just don't have that much freezed foods in shops.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Maia?

I found a very perfect place where I felt like family. And I payed before I came the caution.

How much does it cost to live in Maia?

In Maia accommodations are cheaper than Porto but I still recommend you Porto. The distance is really long to everywhere.

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

All Erasmus students have portuguese classes, which is you decision to choose or not. But the language is difficult I think, I couldn't get it.

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

Ryanair is really cheap. I came from Frankfurt and from Frankfurt to Porto is really cheap. And after airport, metro is the best way to choose.

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

I don't know famous places in Maia but in Porto. Where you can first drink is Adega and then, near to Adega, are two streets full of bars with students. Or Erasmus parties are every week in Villa Porto.

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

There are two really good kebab restaurants in Aliados: Estanbul and Kapadokia, but Estanbul just have pork. But students here cook more than eat outside.

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

If you school is in Maia but you want to live in Porto get a golden andante cart (metro, bus... ) cart for 3 zones and then get a blue cart which is just for 1 zone will be enough for you.