Erasmus Experience in Porto, Portugal by Lourdes

Why did you choose to go to Porto, Portugal?

It wasn't my first option, but when the list of possible destination, I chose it, because I like Portugal and the Portuguese language and I didn't know anything about the north.

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

At first I was there for 5 months, but I'm planning to extend it. The grant that I was give was for €1, 200 for 5 months.

What is the student lifestyle like in Porto?

It's really good, the people here are a bit more reserved in the beginning than we, Spanish people, are when we meet Erasmus students, but they're really nice and polite and are willing to help you with what they can.

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

Absolutely!

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What is the food like there?

It's really good.

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Porto?

Yes. My advice is to not leave it to the last minute, so you can find a place that you can afford and that's in a good location, etc.

How much does it cost to live in Porto?

You can live off of €170-250. Some rents include bills and some don't, it depends on the area and the state that the flat is in. The bills (light, water and gas) aren't very expensive, maybe the most expensive is the gas, so if it's included in your rent, all the better.

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Is the language easy to get to grips with?

Are there language courses available at the university?

I didn't go on any courses. You'll get to grips with it fine, sometimes you might have to ask people to "falar" more slowly, but in general it's fine.

It's not hard, although it's a bit more difficult for us Spanish people since we can make ourselves understood, because the majority of Spanish and Portuguese words are very similar or they use synonyms for our words, so since it's not difficult for us to communicate, we have to force ourselves. (For example, if you're in England, English and Spanish aren't similar at all, so you learn to speak some English or you can't communicate, that doesn't happen here).

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

By car, or by bus to Lisbon and then a flight to Porto.

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Where would you recommend for a night out in Porto?

Ribeira, Vilaporto, Boulevar, 77...

And to eat in Porto? What are some of your favourite places to go?

For eating, the best thing to do is to try a bit of everything. Francesinhas, pastel de nata, and lots of the desserts that they make are spectacular (pasteleria Rua Santa Catarina is the best).

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Everything is beautiful, but the best things are Ribeira, Luis I bridge, Aliados and Matosinhos beach.

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Do you have any advice for students coming to Porto in the future?

Enjoy it to the max and push yourself to speak.