Erasmus Experience in Porto, Portugal by Filippo

Why did you choose to go to Porto, Portugal?

I was fascinated by the city and the faculties. All of them are build really recently and offer a lot of services inside. Furthermore, I thought: how much do I know about Portugal and Portugueses? So I decided that go to Porto could be also a great occasion to know more about this misterious and fascinating European country.

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

My scholaship was guaranteed for all the academic year (almost 11 months) and the amount was enough to enjoy a good lifestyle in the city.

What is the student lifestyle like in Porto?

Portuguese students' cultural is probably unique in Europe: each faculty organizes regularly parties and cultural events and also the erasmus students can attend them. Also: the city offers a lot of discounts (see public transport) and places to do sports for a cheap price.

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

Absolutely. Portugal has invested lot of money in infrastructures and in general in the educational system. The studies qualities has reached the highest position in the European rank and the teachers are among the most decorated in all Europe.

What is the food like?

Portuguese cooking is full of different kind of influences (especially from Brasil of course). In Porto is in general based on heavy food (take a look at the typical city recipe, the "Francesinha") but the city offers a lot of different places where you can eat also lighter dishes (look for the fast food chain "loja das sopas" which offers really healthy food).

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Porto?

I think a good idea is always seach for an apartment at least one month before the beginning of the semester. A lot of ads can be find online on sites for room renting.

How much does it cost to live in Porto?

Basically depends on your life style. The city offers food and entertainment for every kind of people so it's just a question to choose if you want to be a spender or stingy!

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

All the portuguese courses are offered to Erasmus students by the Faculty of Literature. They are quite cheap and offer the opportunity to get to know other foreign students. The language it's easier for people who already known a latin language (spanish,italian,french) but it can be learnt spending time not only with international students but also with portuguese colleagues.

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

Airplane.

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

The main night bars are all set in two parallel streets close to "Torre dos Clerigos"; after a drink in Adega Leonor (which is close to Praça dos Leôes) you can go there and have fun in different clubs which plays every kind of music you could like.

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

Canastra Azul which is close to Ribeira and then almost all the restaurants close to Praça Carlos Alberto.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Casa da Musica, Serralves Foundation, Parque da Cidade, Torre dos Clerigos and of course all the Ribeira district (I really suggest the bridges tour by boat)