Erasmus Experience in Setúbal, Portugal by Karen Næs

Why did you choose to go to Setúbal, Portugal?

After I was declined from my original placement, Norway - I had to options: Portugal and Belgium. Therefore I chose the place with the best weather!

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

3 months. I received about 1000 euros.

What is the student lifestyle like in Setúbal?

There are not many people in this city. The Erasmus students hang out a lot together, so this is really nice if you like the other students. On Thursdays there is "student's night" in two bars "downtown", so you can party a little bit with other students.

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

To me this city is not very appealing. I really missed life and people around me. But it is very easy to get to Lisbon, which is a magnificent city!

What is the food like?

That depends on where you go. I found a lot of really nice restaurants with great fish and seafood, which I love.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Setúbal?

No, I searched on Airbnb and found the cheapest solution. I lived with a really nice Portuguese girl and her 4 cats and 1 dog.

How much does it cost to live in Setúbal?

I paid 150 euros per month.

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

I didn't get any courses, but I know that some of my fellow students did. Even though I don't believe that they learnt much from it. I understand a little bit of Portuguese, because it resembles Spanish quite a bit, and I have studied Spanish for 6 months.

But for me, who was doing a nursing internship, the language was a huge barrier and a reason that I didn't get much out of my internship.

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

By plane.

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

There is only one or two streets with clubs in Setúbal, down by the beach.

These clubs resemble each other quite a bit and are not very interesting. I would recommend to go to Lisbon and take the first bus home. There is though, a really nice wine bar downtown in Setúbal called "Corktale".

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

"Carne do Convento" and many many more. Just walk the streets and you will explore and find them yourself!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The Nature Park of Arrábida is wonderful and so beautiful and also the beaches.

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