Erasmus in Portugal: key information to make the best out of your experience

These are some of the most common requirements and procedures:

• Many universities require health insurance for international students. You can indeed go with the European Health Insurance Card in case you have it, but keep in mind that in many cases you have to face a co-payment amount in consultations or tests.
• Demonstrate that you have sufficient financial funds to pay for your stay as long as your studies last.
• You must submit a motivation letter, the transcript of records and fill out the Learning Agreement.
• If you are a citizen of the European Union and your stay is between three months and one year, you have to apply for a temporary residence permit, called "Autorização de Residência". If you come from outside the EU, you will most likely need a visa to reside in the country during your studies.
• Some universities require a certificate attesting to the language level in which the course is taught, which may be Portuguese or English.

One of the main advantages of doing your exchange in Portugal is the low cost of living. It’s one of the cheapest countries in Western Europe. Accommodation, food, partying and travel are generally cheaper than in other countries on the continent, so you’ll be able to get the most out of your Erasmus in Portugal for sure!

Another reason why many students choose Portugal is because of its wonderful climate all year round. It has a Mediterranean climate where, normally, the average annual temperature is 20ºC and the minimum temperatures usually don’t go below 0ºC in winter. Remember that, however, it depends on which region of the country you choose for your exchange.

Portugal is a country with a very lively spirit and full of life. For this reason, its student atmosphere is incredible and there are usually a lot of nightlife options. Partying in Portugal is one of the reasons to do your exchange there! If you have the opportunity to visit them and party there, you can't miss the nightlife in cities like Albufeira, Lisbon, Coimbra and Peniche. These destinations have all the elements for you and your friends to have a boa noite.

And we couldn’t leave Portuguese gastronomy out of this list. Among the most popular dishes among students are the "francesinha", the "feijoada", cod in its different versions, and the star: the "pastéis de nata". Something to keep in mind: in the canteens of the universities you’ll be able to taste many of the Portuguese delicacies at cheaper prices than in other restaurants.

If cities are your thing, discover the charm of the capital, Lisbon, exploring its historic neighbourhoods such as Alfama and Bairro Alto. Also, visit the iconic Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, and enjoy the lively nightlife and culture. Another great city is Oporto, where you have to stroll through its narrow streets declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It also stands out for the wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia and the beautiful Dom Luís I Bridge that crosses the Douro River and offers spectacular sunsets.

Do you prefer a smaller but history-packed city? Coimbra stands out as one of the most beautiful, with its university being one of the oldest in Europe. Explore the historic centre and visit the Joanina Library, famous for its architecture and collection of rare books. Meanwhile, the town of Sintra looks like something out of a fairy tale, with its Palacio da Pena, its Quinta das Regaleiras and its Castelo dos Mouros, all surrounded by lush woods.

A stay in Portugal wouldn’t be complete without enjoying its natural charms. Relax on the golden sandy beaches of the Algarve region, explore natural sites such as the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve near Faro and the Peneda-Gerês National Park, famous for its mountainous landscapes, lakes and waterfalls, and tour the Portuguese islands of Madeira and the Azores with all their charms. You have to make the most of your stay in the Iberian country to explore it to the fullest!