Experience in University of the Algarve, Portugal by Vera

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Generally, what is University of the Algarve like?

The University of the Algarve has 4 campus: Penha, Saúde, Gambelas and Portimao(this campus is in Portimao but for erasmus students and students that study in Faro isn't important because you don't have classes there is a small campus ). Penha is inside of Faro and in there are 5schools: ESGHT(manegement, hospitality, Marketing and Tourism)Comunication, Engineering.Arts and Sports. The Campus of Gambelas is bigger than Penha include courses like Biology, Maths; scientific Courses, it is outside of Faro and all Erasmus Students have almost all their classes there, if your course is in Penha like for example Tourism you will have classes in Penha and Gambelas. There is also the Campus of Saude(Health) this campus is smaller than Penha is inside of Faro and near of Shopping. So the Campus of Gambelas is where you have almost all your classes and is outside of city.

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What are the facilities like?

You can get the Bus easily to different points of the city, There are Buses until 9hpm. if you are going to rent a room inside of Faro I advice you to buy a bus ticket is around 35€ per month because you will need it to go to Gambelas that is outside of Faro and you have almost all your classes there.

It's better for you to rent a room inside Faro because you will find everything you need there, the nightlife is inside the city, There isn't nightlife in Gambelas. You will find many Supermarkets:Aldi, Lidl, Pingo Doce Where you will find drinks and food cheap. There are 3 or 4 Gyms. You have also the choice of school sports where you choose an activity like Zumba you pay 12€ per month 2 times for week or you pay 20€ and you can do all the activites. The Gym if you prefer is around 25-30€ per month, you can go all days and stay the time that you want. If you like Swimming there is an Swimming pool too.

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What are the tutors like?

The classes are in Portuguese I don't know if you are going to have all your classes in portuguese but part of them yes. The teachers are attentive I am sure that they will help you with everything that you need

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Are the lessons easy in University of the Algarve?

If you have facility in Portuguese I think you dont need to Worry but depends also if your course is easy or difficult in your University. When you have more difficulty in some Subject or with other thing, you should ask for help from your colleagues, sometimes they can have notes from previous years and will be easier for you.

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Does the University organize activities; what are they like?

The University does not organize many activities sometimes there are some speeches and study visits where you can do and see something different. Here is more you have to organize your activities, maybe you will have more activities than us normal students.

Do you think the teaching is of a high quality?

The University of the Algarve has very good teachers and some are recognized abroad.

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Are there any stories you can share?

The best that Faro has is the Weather, Almost all days are sunny days but the beach is far from the city you have to get a Bus to go to the Beach. Is a small city and dont have many things to visit, the best that you can do it when you have time is get a bus and visit others cities of the Algarve.

In University we have academic tradition so I am sure that will like it on thursdays we wear a outfit of the University and we do the party, is when there are the best parties, on Tuesday is a good day of the week to get out too.

The drinks in bars and discos are a bit expensive so I advice you buy drinks before in supermarkets and Cafes. The bar where goes all the erasmus students is "Património"I am sure you will love it! Good Luck

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