Portugal is the most western country in Europe and is a fusion of Spanish and Portuguese culture.
When studying abroad in Portugal you will experience:
Beautiful travel opportunities to the seaside, mountains, and the Azores. Exploration of late Gothic architecture from the 16th century during a summer study abroad adventure. A football (soccer) game featuring the main national team, Selecção Nacional, or a rugby game in the capital of Lisbon
Portugal has been the underdog for centuries when it comes to the gems of Europe, but if you are looking for a study abroad location that combines a completely different culture with a nonthreatening metropolitan seaside country, Portugal is where to go.
Reasons to Study in Portugal
Here is why you should choose this country as your destination:
• Amazingly cheap! Portugal in general, offers a safe, inexpensive city to study abroad; financing your experience is hard enough without going to a country whose exchange rate doubles our own money’s worth
• Friendly people
• Amazing food – Lisbon is known for its delicious pastries
• Ancient and interesting history, documented in the countless old architecture, free museums, monuments and neighbourhoods
Where to Study in Portugal
Lisbon is not only the country’s capital city, but also the largest, and arguably the most breathtaking. Known as the city of seven hills, Lisbon sits on a series of hills by the sea. It is easy to see why Lisbon is so popular. Other places to consider include Porto and Coimbra.
Best Universities in Portugal for International Students
Many of the study abroad Portugal programs are language based. Portuguese is taught through countless language and culture emersion programs, most notably at the following Portuguese universities:
• University of Coimbra (one of the world’s oldest universities, founded in 1290)
• University of Porto
• Universidade Nova de Lisboa
Keep in mind that English is not widely spoken, neither in the university setting nor the general public of Portugal, so these language intensive programs might come in handy!
Guide & Tips for Studying in Portugal
Getting Here
There are three international airports in Portugal, located near Lisbon, Porto and Faro.
Transportation
Once in your study abroad program in Portugal the easiest way to get around is by their metro/light rail system. The Lisbon metropolitan area offers two subway systems: the Lisbon Metro and Metro Sul do Tejo whereas the other major metropolitan area, Porto, offers the Porto Metro.
Travel and Sightseeing
The Azore islands are beautiful islands located off the southern coast of Portugal. Take a ferry from one of the famous seaports in Leixões, Aveiro, Figueira da Foz, Lisbon, Setúbal, Sines and Faro. If you’re looking to travel further into the continent, the national railway system extends through Spain.
As always, no matter what country you travel in, always follow study abroad health safety info and safety guidelines to ensure that you are safe.
Money
As previously mentioned, study abroad Portugal is an extremely affordable study abroad semester, whether you choose the typical spring or fall semester, or a summer study abroad. Portugal is part of the European Union, so they use the Euro, like most other European countries.
Here’s what you need to know about the currency:
Coins: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2
Bills: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200,€500
Important
Make a list of important phone numbers and information with you on your program. Be sure to check with your school or program for any additional information you might need.