Erasmus Experience in Porto, Portugal by Kamila

Why did you choose to go to Porto, Portugal?

To be honest I was always in love with Portuguese language and culture only by reading about it, so then I wanted to get to know this country even better.

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

In my case the scholarship was for 9 months and I have got something like 3000 euro.

What is the student lifestyle like in Porto?

The courses in Porto were not that easy as everybody thought, but if you are organized well you will have enough time to enjoy night life which is awsome there:)

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

Definitely yes! I cannot imagine better place for exchange.

What is the food like?

Lots of seafood, which is amazing, delicious, fabulous. You will be missing it guys for many months after erasmus, as I do. Moreover pastelarias, which means best sweets ever!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Porto?

Accommodation is not that expensive in the first semester I was living next to the Sao Bento station and had a single room, so I paid like 220 euro a month (all bills included), the other term I chose to share a room with my friend and it was like 5 min walking from the cetrer, so I paid 190 euro with bills.

How much does it cost to live in Porto?

Usually I spent about 500 euro a month (including some small trips).

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

Language is easy to learn and you have many opportunities to sing for a course at the university which is cheaoer or in a private school.

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?

Galerias de Paris, there and around are all the bras or near Aliados there are clubs as well.

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

Definitely try the restaurants in Matosinhos for the fresh fish. all restaurants near ribeira are nice as well. Traveller cafe makes a good deals for students and it has got a nice food.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Make sure you will participate at least once on the fado contert. There are lots of different music conterts as well. It is worth to see the churches and visit the wine factories. Visit casa da musica nad seralvess.

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

Just enjoy your time in Porto cause in such a wonderfull place like this the time pass too quickly. I really envy you, that your time there is just beginning and mine is already gone:(

Go on every single party, meet as many people as possible, go around Portugal, drink lots of Porto:) enjoy time with Portuguese people and their culture, try their cusine!