Erasmus Experience in Porto, Portugal by paul

Why did you choose to go to Porto, Portugal?

For the second semester of my Master course, I had a choice between Poland and Portugal. I chose to go to Portugal, more specifically in Porto, because of two main reasons, the first being that the subjects which I wanted to take were mostly there. Secondly, I could not imagine myself living in a place with temperatures below zero. There was a time that the temperature in Poland dropped to -30 C while the temperature at Porto at that time was a comfortable 20 C. Since I am from a tropical country, I just couldn't imagine living in a place with negative temperatures.

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

The scholarship that I received while I was in Porto was 1000 Euros a month. I studied in Universidade do Porto for around 5 months.

What is the student lifestyle like in Porto?

The teachers in Porto are unlike any other that I encountered in the other European countries which I studied at. They were really good and expected us students to perform well, an arrangement which I found to be fair enough. The Portuguese students were also very kind to us foreign students: they did their best to make us comfortable when we studied in Porto. It also helped that many Portuguese students were really, really, really good in English.

Although there were times that studies could be quite stressful, Porto does not lack parties to get to. There are clubs that one can go to, and very exciting events, such as the Quiema das Fitas. Indeed, I enjoyed myself when I was in Porto.

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

Yes, I highly recommend that students live in Porto, that they immerse themselves with the culture of the Portuguese. It's a very laid back town, and the architecture (the Eiffel bridge, among others) does not disappoint.

What is the food like?

Francesinha is the dish that I most miss in Porto. It is a dish that borrowed inspiration from the French Croque Monsieur, but which the people of Porto added a little something to. Composed of various meat slices, wine/beer sauce, and topped with fries, who could ask for more?

For those that could not eat meat, a plate of Bacalhau com Natas will not disappoint.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Porto?

Fortunately for us, the contacts of my Master course in the University found us accommodations at a good price. By Portuguese standards, it was quite expensive, but considering the fully furnished rooms that we were provided, I think the price was well justified.

How much does it cost to live in Porto?

It really depends. However, the amount that one would need to live in Porto will heavily depend on the accommodation price as most of the things in Porto aren't that expensive. With that said, I would give a range instead of a definite number. With my accommodation, I think I was spending around 550 Euros a month in Porto. If one can find an accommodation that is rather cheap, maybe 400-450 Euros a month would suffice.

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

Portuguese isn't exactly the easiest language to learn. To many Europeans, the conjugations will come rather easily as it is also a Latin language. To Asians like me, it is rather a challenge to learn the conjugations that come with a Latin language as well as the way the Portuguese pronounce their words. Nevertheless, the Portuguese are very helpful: if you need help with their language, they are always there to help you with it. Universidade do Porto has various language courses available to those interested to learn the language.

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

International flights.

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

Galeria de Paris. There are a lot of clubs and people out there when the clock strikes midnight.

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

Cafe Santiago is the best place to get your Francesinha dose. It is located near the Bolhao metro station.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Students and visitors alike shouldn't miss the wine cellars of Porto. There, they will learn more about the different wines that Porto makes, from ruby to white. Believe me when I say that the people of Porto know how to make excellent wines. Then, one could also go through the Eiffel bridge (Pont Luis) and to Torre Dos Clerigos.

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

Have the time of your life in Porto. Make friends, make good memories. I have gone around Europe for quite some time and I must say that Porto is a very unique town :)