My Erasmus Experience in Porto, Portugal. By David.

Why did you choose to go to Porto, Portugal?

As well as for economic reasons (the other options I had were quite expensive), I had a friend that did his placement there the year before, and I had the opportunity to visit him and the school. I was left very impressed by the high quality of ESAD (Escola Superior de Artes e Design), and so I decided to go to Porto myself.

How long did the grant last? How much money did you receive as help?

The grant lasted for about 4 months, although you could extend it (if your home school doesn't stop you) and the amount depended on your home autonomous community and if you were given a grant by the Mec during the previous year.

In my case, I went and I received a sum of 80% of €1, 600, more or less, by Mec and 80% of €500 from Europe, these were in monthly installments.

source

What is the student lifestyle like in Porto?

Very good. The truth is that any Erasmus experience is positive. The Portuguese have great charisma, but they are very shy, you have to take the lead quite often. And then there are the so-called "Harries Potter"... They are Portuguese University students who dress in black capes on top of tartan suits and go around the city humiliating freshmen. It's something that's super serious and traditional for them. We Spaniards laughed our heads off.

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

Oh, yes, of course! In general, Portugal is very undervalued when it is really fascinating, they have a culture and a way of understanding life that is much more pronounced than in Spain.

source

How is the country's food?

In general, not very good, especially as far as sausages go. There is a lot of fried foods in bars-restaurants. But it is very rich in fish. Cod is a speciality and in soups, and they also have extremely good coffee.

Was it hard for you to find accommodation in Porto?

No, not at all, it took me a while to decide, due to the quality, I wanted to find something I liked and at the best price.

How much does it cost to live in Porto?

The same as in Spain. Rooms between €130 and €200. The food in the supermarket is the same price as well, but eating out is cheaper.

source

What about the language? Did you go to a course at the University?

Well, it's very calm. I am Spanish, so adapting was quite easy, the most difficult thing is pronunciation, in the way that Spaniards are a bit stupid (in general). It is more difficult for you to understand them, than for them to understand you.

At the beginning of the academic year, we were given a small intensive Portuguese course of about 20-30 hours, and the Spaniards only used to listen to bit about how to pronounce things, because there is a lot of very similar vocabulary. The Turks freaked out.

What is the cheapest way to get to Porto from your city?

By car with 3 others or by bus.

source

Which places would you recommend to party in Porto?

The center, basically the area of Piolho where the rectory is, very close is Paris galleries, which is a street full of pubs and super cool dives: the Hardclub, the Gare, the Armacen do Cha, the B Plane. If you have the opportunity to go to a concert in "Casa do Musica" and to the party at "Serralves", then you must go.

What about eating in Porto? Can you quote your favorite places?

The best place was always in our house. But there were some other places that were really great.

In Ribera (very touristy) in the area opposite where all the wineries are, there is a small place just in front of the last-but-one pole of the cable car (I don't remember the name) that looked really sleazy but they gave us some terrible clams.

In the "Mercao de Bolhão" you can eat fresh fish with a garnish for €4 for a single dish.

And in general, you always find little bars that have a bit of talent and very cheap prices.

source

What about a cultural visit?

The architecture is emblematic; it is very destroyed but that's part of its charm. There are a thousand cultural stories on the streets and associations and cultural centres. Many museums, the Serralves, the wine one, the photography one, etc.

Any advice you want to give to future students in Oporto?

Oh, yes, of course. Always ask for prices (when eating outside home) because sometimes they take advantage. At nighttime, do not enter the neighbourhood on the left as you go to the Ribera because sometimes there are robberies (the neighbourhood below the cathedral). And even on Mondays there is still usually a party (for students) in the Ribera, but don't even go, it's shit and you risk getting mugged. Do not leave valuables in your car and especially if you leave it parked in the same place for several days. Chat to the Portuguese, they are very shy but have a lot to teach us, and throw yourself into the deep end (for example with the language). I give you this advice not because there is violence and extreme poverty, but because there are more people thrown in the street with fewer resources and in a deeper crisis than in Spain. The minimum wage is €420, that's all I'm saying. Just be careful, like anywhere else.

source