Erasmus Exerience in Portland, the United States by Megane

Why did you choose to go to Portland, the United States?

I have always wanted to go to the United States. The country intrigued me. I wanted to know much about this culture and this diversity.

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How long is your stay for? How much aid do you receive?

The exchange was fundamentally planned for just a semester with the university of Rennes. I chose to leave the first semester. I liked it a lot here. I asked the university of Portland if it would be possible to extend my stay for the second semester and it was accepted so I'm staying in Portland for both semesters.

How is student life in Portland?

The students are kind and welcoming. They help you if you need anything. I find the atmosphere much less individualistic than in France.

Would you recommend the city and the university of Portland to other students?

Portland is a small, quiet city and a good place to live (I say this for the instant because it hasn't snowed yet... but lots of people here don't like Portland from January onwards because of the very abundant snow and very low temperatures (-25°C)). The university is quite small so it's easier to find your way around.

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How is the country's food?

I understand why everyone says we're lucky in France because we have good food. :) I would say it's decent. You can find practically anything but the food generally seems less 'healthy' than in France. On the other hand, they have the best burgers I've ever eaten. :)

Did you have any difficulties in finding accommodation in Portland?

I found a student hall on the Internet and I could reserve and sign the lease online - so very practical. It's called 'Bayside village'. It's a student hall with 400 apartments. Each apartment is 4 bedroomed, so 4 people. I have my own room and I share the apartment with 3 American students. It's really nice.

How are living costs in Portland?

The cost of living is high, especially for a student. My rent costs me $600 a month, which adds to my phone contact of $30 (the cheapest without internet). The food is expensive. I spend around $40-50 a week on food shopping a week and I don't eat extortionate products at all. Expect to spend $300-400 at the beginning of the year to buy books. Their books are very expensive. I hope to be able to resell them in order to buy those for the second semester.