Download - PORTO Esn Survival Guide

Exchange in Portugal - 2011 Edition

A Guide for Exchange Students in Portugal

www.esn-portugal.org

Editorial

Are you an exchange student in Portugal or planning in coming to Portu-gal? On behalf of Erasmus Student Network(ESN), I welcome you to one of the best experiences of your life! I sincerely hope that by the time your exchange experience is over the idea of living to Portugal comes up to your mind at least once. The mission of ESN PT is to foster and promote student mobility in Higher Education. We are students helping students; this is what ESN is all about. In Portugal we are now 7 sections through-out the country supporting you during your stay, which is a small number compared to the 339 sections across 34 countries where ESN is present.This booklet was first created by the ESN LISBOA section in January 2010. Now in its second edition a strong effort has been made to rewrite this guide in order to better meet your needs. On one hand we have invited each section to produce more material and on the other hand we invited partner universities to include useful information about each institution.

Pedro Arez, August 2010

Contact and Publishing Information

ESN PORTUGAL/ESN LISBOAwww.esnportugal.org/ [email protected] / [email protected]: 2.0 / August 2010Print Run: 5000Editors: Pedro ArezAuthors: Pedro Arez, Gudrun Roehmig, ESN Lisboa, ESN Porto, ESN UTAD, ESN Aveiro, ESN Évora, ESN Coimbra/IPCoimbra.Official Review: Dr. Pedro Almeida - Language Craft Sponsorship: Pedro Arez, [email protected]: Karin Weber, ESN Zürich, SwitzerlandCopyright: ESN LISBOA/ ESN Portugal /ESN Switzerland.All photo are either owned by ESN local sections or from wikipedia commons, under respective copyright license.Both ESN Portugal and ESN Lisboa share equal rights over the development of this publication. Both entities are authorized to perform small changes to the pa-per version due to different sponsorship deals.

Editorial

Contents

Welcome ..................................................................................... 2History of Portugal........................................................................ 3Geography and Political System of Portugal................................. 4Madeira and Azores Islands .......................................................... 5Language and Religion................................................................ 6Portuguese Culture ........................................................................8Planning a Trip in Portugal.......................................................... 10

Finding a Place to Stay - Hints & Tips........................................ 12Working in Portugal..................................................................... 14Financial Matters ....................................................................... 15Health Care In Portugal ............................................................... 18Services (Mobile / Post) ............................................................. 22Portuguese Food and Beverages ................................................ 24News Portals / Internet .............................................................. 27Public Transport in Portugal........................................................ 20Things to do & Going Out .......................................................... 28Supermarkets ............................................................................. 29

Erasmus Student Network (ESN) .............................................. 30ESN Structure ............................................................................ 32Erasmus National Encounter............... ...................................... 35Buddy System, Tandem and ESN Card ..................................... 36Join the ESN Team .................................................................... 37Local ESN Sections ................................................................... 38 Lisbon,..................................................................................39 Porto.....................................................................................57 Aveiro....................................................................................65 UTAD....................................................................................69 Évora....................................................................................73 Coimbra................................................................................75Useful Phone Numbers............................................................... 80

2

Welcome to Switzerland

Bem-vindos/ Welcome to PortugalYou are about to experience an exciting term or year abroad. This booklet will prevent you from wasting precious time searching for information. You will find answers to all the key questions that may arise dur-ing your stay in Portugal.

Content of the Booklet

This survival guide is based on ESN Switzerland guide. The first chapter is dedicated to general in-formation about Portugal. There you will find histori-cal facts and useful information to help you discover your host country. The second part includes survival tips, such as how to find a job or house in Portugal, where to buy the cheapest food and much more. The third part focuses on information about ESN, how it works, its Portuguese sections and partner institutions. The fourth and final part gives you some Portuguese phrases and useful phone numbers.

Erasmus Student Network (ESN)

The aim of ESN Portugal is to make your stay an unforgettable experience. ESN activities take place all year long. These gatherings offer you the best opportunity to meet locals and other incoming stu-dents to get to know new places as well as Portu-guese traditions and of course to have lots of fun!

…Exchange your life!

ESN Portugalwww.esnportugal.org

Governmentwww.portugal.gov.pt

Portuguese portalswww.sapo.ptwww.clix.pt

University Informationwww.universia.pt

Welcome to Portugal

3


History

The name Portugal comes from the Roman name Portus Cale.

These are some of the highlights in Portugal’s his-tory:

• 5th century: The Roman empire;• 5th – 8th century: Germanic invasion;• 8th century: Occupation by the Moorish;• 1128: Portugal’s independence with its 1st king

Afonso Henriques;• 1415: 1st colonies overseas: Ceuta (Morocco)

as a prosperous Islamic trade centre;• 1418-1431: Colonisation of Madeira & Azores;• 1500: discovery of Brazil and beginning of

Portugal´s colonialism era;• 1580 1640: union of the crowns of Portugal

and Spain the Portuguese dynastic crisis;• 1755: Europe’s most devastating earthquake

destroys Lisbon; the entire downtown (Baixa) was rebuilt afterwards under the government of the ruling minister Marquês de Pombal;

• 1910: revolution deposes the end of monarchy, followed by economic problems and instability;

• 1932 – 1974: Estado Novo, the dictatorship ruled by António de Oliveira Salazar;

• 25.4.1974: “Carnation Revolution”, blood-less left wing military putsch that resulted in Portugal´s democracy and independence for its colonies

• 1986: Portugal joins the European Community

Lisboa

Portuguese Flag

Welcome to Portugal

Porto

4


Geography

Portugal is divided into following 18 districts:

Government in Portugal

Democracy

Portugal is a democratic republic based on the Con-stitution of 1976 and has Lisbon as its capital. The constitution grants the separation of powers among legislature, executive, and judiciary branches. Por-tugal like most European countries has no state re-ligion, making it a secular state.

Structure of the Portuguese Government

The four main governing components are the Presi-dent of the Republic, the Parliament, known as As-sembleia da República, the Government, headed by a Prime Minister, and the courts.

Welcome to Portugal

President: Aníbal Cavaco Silva, PSD (liberal party), since 2006

Prime minister: José Socrates, PS (socialist party), since 2005

Governmentwww.portugal.gov.pt

Parliamentwww.parlamento.pt

Supreme Court of Justicewww.stj.pt

5


Madeira & Azores IslandsThe two Autonomous Regions of Portugal are the Azores and Madeira. Together with Continental Por-tugal, they form the whole of the Portuguese Repub-lic. As established by the Portuguese Constitution and other laws, an Autonomous region possesses its own Political and Administrative Statute and has its own Government.

Azores

The Azores are located in the Atlantic Ocean, about 1,500 km from Lisbon and about 3,900 km away from the east coast of North America.

There nine major Azorean islands and the eight small Formigas. All of the islands have volcanic origins, although Santa Maria also has some reef contribution.

Madeira

Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean with Madeira Island and Porto Santo Island being the only inhabited islands. Ma-deira is an archipelago with volcanic origins from a Hot Spot, so is not geographically part of a specific continent.

It is a popular year-round resort, famous for its Ma-deira wine Vinho da Madeira, flowers, and embroi-dery artisans, as well as its New Year‘s Eve celebra-tions. The spectacular fireworks show at that time of the year is considered to be the largest in in the world according to the Guinness World Records.

Welcome to Portugal

Typical Cottage - Madeira

Lagoa das Furnas - Azores

Madeira Tourism Officewww.madeiraislands.travel

Azores Tourism Officewww.azorestourism.com

6


LanguagePortuguese is the official language of Portugal. It is a romance language that had its origin in what is now Galicia (Spain) and Northern Portugal, coming from the Galician-Portuguese language. It comes from the Latin spoken by the Pre-Roman inhabitants of the Iberian Peninsula about 2000 years ago. In the 15th and 16th centuries, it spread worldwide as Portugal established itself as a colonial and commercial empire (1415–1999). As a result, Portuguese is also officially spoken in Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, São Tomé and Príncipe, Guinea-Bissau, and East Timor. These countries, plus Macau Special Administrative Region (People‘s Republic of China), make up the Lusosphere, a term derived from the ancient Roman province of Lusitania, which currently matches the Portuguese territory south of the Douro river. Mirandese is also recognized as a co-official regional language in some municipalities of northeastern Portugal. It retains fewer than 5,000 speakers in Portugal (a number that can be up to 12,000 if counting second language speakers).

The Lusoshpere

Fernando PessoaFamous Portuguese Poet

Welcome to Portugal

Instituto Camõeswww.instituto-camoes.pt/

7


ReligionChurch and state were formally separated during the Portuguese First Republic. However, Portu-guese society can be defined as a Roman Catho-lic, with 84.5% of the population considering them-selves as such.

Many Portuguese holidays, festivals and traditions have a Christian origin or connotation. Although re-lations between the Portuguese state and the Ro-man Catholic Church were generally amiable and stable since the earliest years of the Portuguese na-tion, their relative power fluctuated. The growth of the Portuguese overseas empire made its missionaries important agents of coloniza-tion having played an important role in the evan-gelization and teaching in all inhabited continents.

The country has small Protestant, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon), Mus-lim, Hindu, Sikh, Christian Orthodox, Baha‘i, Bud-dhist and Jewish communities.

Temple of Fátima

Welcome to Portugal

Christ the King Sanctuary www.cristorei.pt

Fatima Santuarywww.santuario-fatima.pt

8


Portuguese CultureCulture

The Portuguese nation has its roots in the prehis-toric Lusitanians, which through the centuries got influenced by the Romans, the Germanics and the Moorish people. The golden age of Portugal’s his-tory took place between the 15th and 16th century, when Portugal was a world power and conquered the oceans.

The Portuguese are due to their former success still wallowing in the past and proud of their history. Compared to other European countries they are more partial towards the Atlantic Ocean and were long time geographically marooned because of the former antagonism with Spain. Also the closeness to Africa is remarkable in their mentality. Nowadays they can be considered as typical Mediterranean people, which are familial, traditional, welcoming and peaceful. Their positive lifestyle is character-ised by get-togethers in cafes, restaurants and bars.

Portuguese culture is also affected by the big number of immigrants from former colonies (e.g. Brazil, West African countries), which results in a varying multiculturalism and causes a quite cosmo-politan atmosphere especially in bigger cities.

Usefull Linkswww.ccb.ptwww.casadamusica.comwww.gulbenkian.ptwww.serralves.pt

Welcome to Portugal

9


Architecture

Traditional architecture is distinctive and includes the Manueline (also known as Portuguese late Gothic), a sumptuous, composite style of architec-tural ornamentation dating from the early decades of the 16th century and incorporating maritime el-ements and representations from the Portuguese Age of Discovery. Modern Portugal has given the world renowned architects like Eduardo Souto de Moura, Álvaro Siza Vieira and Gonçalo Byrne.

Wine

Portuguese wines have deserved international recognition since the times of the Roman Empire and recently have won several international priz-es. Some of the best Portuguese wines are: Vinho Verde, Vinho Alvarinho, Vinho do Douro, Vinho do Alentejo, Vinho do Dão, Vinho da Bairrada and the sweet: Port Wine, Madeira Wine and the Moscatel from Setúbal and Favaios. Port Wine is well knownaround the world and the most widely known winetype in the world.

Music

Portuguese music encompasses a wide variety of genres. The most renowned is fado, a melancholy urban music, usually associated with the Portuguese guitar and saudade, or longing. Coimbra fado, a unique type of fado, is also noteworthy. Internation-ally famous performers include Amália Rodrigues or Mariza. One of the most notable Portuguese musi-cal groups outside the country, and specially in Ger-many, is the goth-metal band Moonspell.

Welcome to Portugal

Usefull Linkshttp://arquitectos.ptwww.ivdp.ptwww.vinhoverde.ptwww.cavesvinhodoporto.comwww.vinhosdoalentejo.ptwww.viniportugal.ptwww.fado.pt

10


Planning a Trip in PortugalPlease don’t hesitate to contact the local ESN sec-tion if you are planning a trip to another city. They will be glad to provide you with information or help you plan your the best way possible.

Winter

Portugal is a beautiful country, with amazing beach-es. This does not mean you can‘t have fun in winter. As long as there is snow, winter sports are available in Serra da Estrela.Additionally we suggest a visit to the islands. Madei-ra is one of the most famous. With tropical weather, it has become a famous destination among eras-mus since low-cost companies started flying there. Surf is available all year round, with winter giving you more challenging waves and cold water but also cheaper prices on renting surf material.Check with your local ESN activities activities during Winter.

Summer

If you like sun, you are in the right country. Summer usually starts in the end of May and lasts until the end of September. When the temperature reaches 25ºC Portuguese people start going to the beach. Erasmus students are not that demanding and you can start seeing some North European students on the beach as soon as temperature reaches 20ºC.Although the Algarve is the most touristic place, it does not mean it has the best beach. Peniche, Cos-ta da Caparica, Figueira da Foz or Porto Covo are also some of the best beaches in Portugal.Portuguese Tourist Office

www.visitportugal.com

Welcome to Portugal

11

Welcome to Switzerland Planning a Trip in PortugalCultural Activities

Throughout summer you can find many open air festivals held across the country.Every two years, Rock in Rio invades Lisbon with a week of internationally renowned performers.Most of the student cities have their own student party more than once a year. Coimbra holds one of the biggest student party in Europe every year, known as Queima das Fitas. You can also find big student parties in Porto, Aveiro, Lisboa, Minho, Évo-ra etc..Also in summer time many cities and villages have festivals dedicated to the patron saint. In Lisbon, the Santo António festival in June is the biggest one in Lisbon, where most inhabitants fill the streets of the capital.

Social Integration

Portuguese people are normally helpful, hospitable and friendly. Erasmus can lead you to meet a lot of international people, disregarding the locals. So it is also up to you to make an effort to meet locals. The best way to get in contact with the local population is to join an association, dance club, sports club or even school. This could be a sports club, gym, stu-dent organisation, like ESN. It is often hard to make friends but once you have a Portuguese friend you can confide in him/her.

Welcome to Portugal

12

Survival Guide

Finding a place to stay - Hints & TipsGet Help

Getting an extra help from a local or a formal Eras-mus would ease your mission in finding a house. Not that this should be a “mission impossible”.Does your university or ESN section have a buddy program? Does your university has the record of students who did Erasmus in the year before?If you don’t get help, don’t desperate, you can also do it on your own!

Where to look for a room?

• Asking your university is a good way to start;• Your ESN Section Website;• Your University Website;• Student Association Website;• Onlince Classifieds;• Newspappers (Correio da Manhã, Ocasião).

Here is a checklist of points you should consider when seeing a house/room:

Contract: it is very hard to find accommodations with contract. A contract would make the agreement legal and you would have some responsibilities cov-ered by law. There is in Portugal some tendency to run away from taxes, although this tendency is more noticeable in the north of the country.

Does the room have a window?: It is illegal to rent rooms without windows, so try to avoid this kind of rooms also for your own mental health.

Accomodation

www.myplacetostay.netwww.bquarto.ptwww.custojusto.ptwww.olx.ptwww.universia.pt

13

Survival Guide

Price, what does include?: Get a clear picture of what is included in the price. Normally, all expenses are included in the monthly rent of your room but it is also possible to have the system room + ex-penses rent.

Household appliances: Consider that availability of many appliances (e.g. a dishwasher) has an in-fluence on the price you may afford.

Location: The location of the apartment has also influence on its price. If you are not planing to go out much, you can afford to live further away from the city centre.

Flatmates: Avoid living with people from your own country, this will limit your erasmus experience. Nevertheless, keep in touch with them. Having Por-tuguese flatmates can be interesting.

Number of toilets/showers:Take into account the number of toilets and showers available in the flat, according to the existing number of rooms.

Internet: Can you live without internet?

Can I bring a friend: Some landlords/landladies are quite strict when letting visitors in. Check this with them before renting a house, especially if you are planning to have many visits during the semes-ter.

Parties and noise: Old house will be prone to more noise since. This will definitely be important when throwing a house party/dinner. Enjoying friendly re-lations with your will also allow you more time be-fore someone calls the police.

14

Survival Guide

Working in Portugal

Visa and Work Permits

EU nationals are not restricted from finding work within Portugal and are granted a six month period to find employment with no visa. It is important to note that EU members do not require a work permit but can require a residency permit to be employed. These are routinely given out with easy applications and acceptances.

Other nationals working over three months must first obtain a resident visa. To live more than six months in Portugal, all foreigners must obtain a residence card. This enables them to use govern-ment services like health care if their employment is contributing to Portuguese social security taxes. Work permits are renewable on six month contracts.

Types of Jobs in Portugal

Portugal offers the same types of job as most other European countries.

Please note that for nearly every job you will need to speak fluent Portuguese. Work opportunities as an English teacher (or as a teacher of another lan-guage) and jobs in tourism are exceptions to the rule and therefore hard to come by.

Temporary work

www.kellyservices.ptwww.tempo-team.ptwww.Net-Empregos.com

Usefull links

www.mtss.gov.pthttp://europa.eu/youthwww.expatexchange.com

15

Survival Guide

Financial Matters

Currency

Portugal belongs to the euro zone, so if you come with a country that uses the euro you won‘t find any problem. If you come from outside the euro zone you can convert your currency at the airport or at any bank.

Banks

There are several banks in Portugal, including in-ternational ones, but they are all bounded to the national bank system. As a student you can open a bank account for free in most banks, and many universities have special agreements with banks.

Withdrawing money might make you paying a high fee (depending on your home bank) when using your home country bank card, especially if it is not from the Euro zone.

Payment

All bills and payments are connected to the Portu-guese ATM system, meaning you can pay them at every ATM. Gas, electricity, water, internet, insur-ances, car fines and even taxes, you pay do all that in the ATM machine. However, in order to be able to do this so you need to have a Portuguese bank account.Mobilephones are also topped up using the ATM.

16

Survival Guide

Financial Matters

Should I open a bank account ?

This is tricky question. If you don’t pay any fees to withdraw money in Portugal using your home bank-ing card, then maybe you may skip this section, then.However, if you pay something or if there are cur-rency conversions it may prove to be very beneficial for you.

Why open a bank account?

• you can top up your mobile phone everywhere;

• you can use debit card basically anywhere, since international cards are not accepted eve-rywhere;

• cheaper restaurants and stores often don’t ac-cept international cards;

• it is safer, since there is no need to withdraw big amounts of cash each time.

Suporter Bank:

17

Survival Guide

Financial Matters

BPI the ESN PORTUGAL partner bankBPI stands for Banco Português de Investimento, and is the ESN PORTUGAL partner bank for the year of 2010/2011.

ESN negotiated special advantages for Interna-tional Students studying in Portugal with BPI which provide you with:

• free bank account and temporary debit card;

• no need for Portuguese TAX id when opening your bank account (EU address necessary);

• internet banking in English;

How to open a BPI bank account1. Check if there are suggested BPI branch in your

city. They should be more informed about the BPI/ESN PORTUGAL offer;

2. Go to the suggested branch or to any other BPI branch and let them know you want to open a bank account;

3. Tell the bank employee you are looking for a “ NON RESIDENT BANK ACCOUNT”. The form exists in English, French or German;

4. In order to benefit from all these advantages it is extremely important that the bank employee is aware that you are looking for the “BPI PROTO-COL NUMBER 2577 and PE 554375”;

5. Inform the bank you want to receive bank letters in Portugal, and provide the bank with your cur-rent address in Portugal;

Suggested BPI Branchesin ESN cities

These are suggested branch-es of BPI bank. You should be able to go to any branch to open an account using the conditions that ESN has pre-pared for you.

LisbonBPI Branch ChiadoLargo do Chiado, 24

BPI Branch ISTAv. Rovisco Pais (Inside IST university)

PortoBPI BranchPraça Carlos Alberto, 40/44

AveiroBPI ArcadaRua Viana do Castelo, n.º 1 - 6

CoimbraBPI SofiaRua da Sofia, 41

ÉvoraBPI - GiraldoPraça Giraldo, 52

Vila RealBPI - Miguel TorgaAv. 1º de Maio, 40

18

Survival Guide

Health Care in Portugal

The EHIC card

European citizens who are travelling within the Eu-ropean Economic Area for private or professional reasons are entitled to a European Health Insur-ance Card (EHIC), which simplifies the procedure when receiving medical assistance during their stay in a member state.

The EHIC entitles the holder to the same treatment at the same cost as a national of that country. Be-ware that dental is most of the times not covered.

Non EU –EEA students

Students from countries outside EU-EEA should askfor further information in their own country before travelling to Portugal. If they fall outside the sys-tem mentioned above, students must get a health insurance, which will provide them with health care during their stay in Portugal. Without one of these, should they need medical assistance during their stay in Portugal, students will have to pay forthe respective health treatment.

Civil Liability InsuranceThis cost effective insurance is not compulsory, but is recommended, since health insurance poli-cies and the CESD do not cover civil liability (dam-age caused to third parties) of your daily activities (except University activities, which are covered by School insurance).

19

Survival Guide

Health Care 24hIn cause of any doube check this website

/www.saude24.pt

Health Care in Portugal

Personal Physical Accidents Insurance

This insurance is not compulsory however it is rec-ommended. Besides covering personalphysical accidents in your daily life, this insurance often provides you with repatriationinsurance, in case of sickness or accident (depend-ing on the insurance policies).

Claiming in Portugal with an EHIC card

Doctors and dentists: To benefit from treatment go to the nearest Health Centre (Centro de Saúde), show them a passport or EHIC card and ask to be treated under the EU arrangements. A standard fee will be charged that is non refundable. Under the state scheme in Portugal, dental treatment is limited and it is most likely that a non refundable fee will be charged.

Prescriptions: Medication is paid for in part by the patient (between 30 and 80 percent). Medicines prescribed for serious illnesses are free of charge.

Hospital treatment: Hospital treatment is free, however any secondary examinations such as X-rays and laboratory examinations will need to be paid for.

20

Survival Guide

Getting around in PortugalOverview

Public Transportation in Portugal varies a lot from region to region. But it is specially developed in the big cities, like Lisboa and Porto. Furthermore, trains generally run on time.

Railways

Most of the rail infrastructure is maintained and op-erated by the state-owned REFER. CP is the com-pany that runs all regional and inter city trains. Rail infrastructure shows higher developments in the centre and northern cost line.

Buses / Tramways

Most cities offer bus routes inside the city managed by a a state/municipal/private company. At district level, each district has its own company. At national level you can find Rede Expressos or Renex. Buses are usually cheaper and with more routes to every city; however, trains can offer a good price/comfort option for popular destinations.Discounts are available for students.

Tickets / Passes

Each city has its own ticket system. If you use the bus or metro daily, a monthly pass is recommended. Daily/weekly and one way tickets are also available.:

Railwaywww.cp.ptwww.transtejo.pt

Bus - (Intercity)www.rede-expressos.ptwww.renex.pt

Lisboawww.carris.pt

Portowww.stcp.pt

Coimbrawww.smtuc.pt

Évorawww.evora.net/sitee

21

Survival Guide

Getting around in [email protected] transportation discount

With this card you can have 50% discount on monthly tickets for public transportation. To get this card, you need a declaration from your university; only then will the transportation company give you access to the 50% discount.

Renting a Car

Renting a car in Portugal follows the same rules as everywhere else in the world, so you shouldn‘t have any problem in renting a car.Always pay attention to insurance coverage when you are renting the car.ESN has a partnership with a budget rental com-pany, where you can rent cars from 6.99 Euro per day plus 10% discount with your ESN CARD.

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking can be quite hard in Portugal since it is not a common thing. It is not illegal but most drivers are just not used to giving people a ride. People are afraid of everything that is unusual, like a hitch-hiker (especially a foreigner). In addition, during the last few years many people have been buying cars with just 2 seatsAs a rule, no woman stops for a male hitch-hiker, so going in couples might increase your chances.On the other hand, it is quite easy to get a lift with males driving alone. Many people work in a city and live in a town nearby. Male drivers usually pick up hitch-hikers because they want somebody to talk to. and have a few beers)

Transport Informaitonwww.transporlis.sapo.pt

Car Sharingwww.energiapositiva.pt

Car Rentalwww.interrent.pt

22

Survival Guide

ServicesMobile Phones

Portuguese’s largest mobile phone companies are TMN, VODAFONE, OPTIMUS. All three of them provide a nationwide coverage with their networks. There are other providers that use the networks of the above mentioned operators, offering mobile pre-paid offers at good rates. Before you choose a mo-bile phone or a subscription, you should check your ESN section for special deals with phone operators.

Postal Services

Portugal has a state-owned postal service, called CTT. There are many postal offices throughout the country. They are usually located in the city centre and/or near the train station. You also find many red mailboxes, where you can drop your letters. The market for parcels is privatised; therefore you have a choice between different companies if you want to send a package.

Mobile Phone Providerswww.tmn.ptwww.optimus.ptwww.vodafone.pt

Postal Service Providerswww.ctt.pt

24

Survival Guide

Portuguese Cuisine Portuguese cuisine is characterised by rich, filling and full-flavored dishes and is closely related to the Mediterranean cuisine. The influence of Portugal‘s former colonial possessions is also noted, especial-ly in the wide variety of spices used. Garlic is widely used, as are herbs such as coriander and parsley.

Breakfast is traditionally just coffee and a roll. Lunch, often lasting over an hour is served between noon and 2 o‘clock or 1 and 3 o‘clock, and dinner is generally served late, around or after 8 o‘clock. There are three main meals, lunch and dinner usu-ally include soup.

• Caldo Verde is a soup, containing potato, shred-ded cabbage and chunks of chourico sausage.

• Carne de porco Alentejana is a dish consisting of fried pork and clams. It is a poular dish with a mis-leading name, as it actually originated in the Algarve

• Cozido à Portuguesa is a dish whose ingredi-ents may depend on the cook, it may take beef, pork, salt pork, several types of enchidos (such as cured chouriço, morcela and chouriço de sangue, linguiça, farinheira, etc.), pig‘s feet, cured ham, potatoes, carrots, turnips, chick-peas, cabbage and rice.

• Pastel de nata is a small custard tart sprinkled with cinnamon.

25

Survival Guide

Portuguese Cuisine

• Bacalhau à Brás is one of the most popular ways to prepare codfish in Portugal. It is made from thin strips of cod mixed with onions, and thin strips of potatoes bound by eggs.

• Francesinha is a Portuguese sandwich origi-nally from Porto, made with bread, wet-cured ham, linguiça, fresh sausage like chipolata, steak or roast meat and covered with melted cheese and a hot thick tomato, beer sauce and served with fries.

• Tripas à moda do Porto consists of cow’s stom-ach served with white beans. It is considered the traditional dish of Porto, whose inhabitants are informally known as tripeiros.

• Arroz Doce is the Portuguese version of rice pudding. It is made with rice, sugar, milk, cin-namon and lemon. Depending on the region, it may have egg yok.

• Bolo Rei is a traditional Portuguese cake, usu-ally eaten around Christmas, until the Dia dos Reis (literally „Day of Kings“, a reference to the three kings) on January 6. The cake itself is round with a large hole in the centre, resem-bling a crown covered with crystallized and dried fruit.

26

Survival Guide

Portuguese BeveragesNon-Alcoholic

• Luso, one of the most well-known and oldest brands of mineral water. Portugal is a rich coun-try in terms of mineral water;

• Sumol is one of the oldest brands of fizzy juice, with pineapple being the most popular of the four flavours

• Compal, also a very well-known and old juice brand, known specially known for their multiple 100% fruit juices;

• Expresso, almost every portuguese likes them and drinks one or more expressos per day. Costing around 60 cents, the most well-known Portuguese brands are: DELTA and NICOLA.

Alcoholic

• Wine is a very popular beverage in Portugal. You can find vineyards all over the country. Wines change consistently across the regions where they are produced. Prices start around 2 euro/bottle.

• Port Wine is the most international alcoholic drink.

• Beer is a very popular drink for all ages, but mostly among students. SuperBock and Sagres are the most well known brands.

• Spirits, there are several local spirits throughout the country.

27

Survival Guide

News Portals / Internet

Newspaper

There are many different newspapers in Portugal.From general news and economy to sports and tab-loid you can find the newspaper of your choice. If you look enough you may find international news-papers like Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, Le Monde, etc.

Television

There are four terrestrial TV channels: Two public, two private. Public channels are RTP and RTP2. Private ones are SIC and TVI. RTP2 is a cultural TV channel, all the others are general channels. With cable TV you can have access to a great variety of Portuguese and international channels..

Radio

The radio market is not as restricted as the TV mar-ket; there are many different radio channels. Just explore them!

Internet

Internet access is available from ADSL/Cable/Mo-bile Phone Network. Prices start from 20 euros. Check with your section for special conditions with any service.Since you are staying for a short period of time, the main problem with most of the internet services is the duration of contracts that most services require upon installation.

Newspapers -www.sol.ptwww.expresso.ptwww.publico.ptwww.correiomanha.ptwww.ionline.pt.

Public Over the Air TVwww.rtp.pt

Private Over the Air TVwww.sic.ptwww.tvi.pt

Cable TVwww.zon.ptwww.meo.ptwww.cabovisao.ptwww.vodafone.ptwww.clix.ptwww.artelecom.pt

28

Survival Guide

Things to do & Going OutAsk your local ESN section for the best places to go in your town. Here is some general information:

Cinema

To see a movie in a cinema theatre costs between 3.5 to 7 euros. Additional discounts or promotions might be available.

Concerts

Especially in Lisbon, Porto and Coimbra you can find regular concerts both from national and interna-tional bands. As a below average country in buying power, concerts tend to be cheaper than in the rest of europe.

Night Clubs

Each city has its clubs, so check with your local section for a guide to the nightlife. LUX in Lisbon is known as the best in the country. Usually, if you pay at the door you get one or more drinks included. Drink prices vary from city to city, disco to disco and day of the week.

Night Transportation

There are night buses linking the main streets in most cities. Check local information for your city in order to obtain the night bus schedule.

Cinemahttp://cinecartaz.publico.pthttp://cinema.sapo.pt//www.lusomundo.pt

Ticketswww.ticketline.ptwww.fnac.pt

29

Survival Guide

SupermarketsThe best priced supermarkets are listed below.

• Continente/Modelo/Modelo Bounjour; • Jumbo/ Pão de Açucar;• Feira Nova/ PIngo Doce• Mini Preço• Lidl• SuperCor(El Corte Ingles)• ACS

Continente, Jumbo and Feira Nova are the three big players in the Portuguese supermarket scene with a good reputation and country wide promotions. All of them exist in different concepts, changing in size. Mini Preco and Pingo Doce play a major role, es-pecially in the big cities. SuperCor is a high end su-permarket, know for high quality products but also not for every pocket. however you can find almost everything there.Lidl and MiniPreço play the main role in the dis-count market, however Lidl presents itself in a big supermarket concept while Mini Preço exist in small stores.

Supermarketswww.continente.ptwww.pingodoce.ptwww.jumbo.ptwww.lidl.ptwww.elcorteingles.pt

partner:

30

Erasmus Student Network

What is Erasmus Student Network?

The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) is a Europe-wide student organisation supporting and develop-ing student exchange. It is composed of over 2,500 members from more than 250 local sections in 34 countries working in Higher Education Institutes (Universities, Polytechnics and University Colleges etc). ESN is organised on a local, national and inter-national level. Our network is in contact with almost 60,000 internationally-minded students.

The aims of ESN are to promote the social and per-sonal integration of exchange students. The local ESN sections offer help, guidance and other valu-able information to the exchange students hosted at their university. Newcomers find their way in the new environment easier and they can utilise their time in the best way to get as much out of their ex-change as possible.

Main Principles

• ESN works on behalf of exchange students.• ESN is committed to improve the social and

practical integration of exchange students.• ESN represents the needs and expectations of

exchange students on the local, national and in-ternational level.

• ESN provides relevant information about aca-demic exchange programmes and ESN re-sources.

• ESN works with the reintegration of homecom-ing students.

• ESN provides relevant information on academic exchange programmes and student mobility.

ESN Internationalwww.esn.org


31


PALLOMERI? PALLOMERI!

PALLOMERI is Finnish and stands for the area filled with many coloured balls where kids can play, for instance in shopping centres - a ball pool. PALLOMERI within ESN stands for a mindset or even a life-style that you can experience as an ESN member or together with ESN. It is about being young, being surrounded by motivated, interested, international students. It is about friendship, trav-elling, learning and having fun connected with an international exchange. And, by the way: in ESN it is also an abbreviation for Paneuropean Associa-tion Leading Local Organisations Making Erasmus Richer Inside.

partner:

32


International LevelInternational Board (IB)

The International Board consists of a President, a Vice-President, a Treasurer, a Network Administra-tor and a regular Board Member. The Board is the executive body of ESN. It can make decisions, ex-cept budgetary, strategic, and policy matters. The Board is supervised by CNR and AGM (see next page) while CNR represents AGM during the ESN year.

Council of National Representatives (CNR)

The Council of National Representatives represents AGM during the ESN year. It is composed of a Na-tional Representative (NR) from each country. They meet every two months.

Council of National Delegates (CND)

The Council of National Delegates is an enlarged CNR meeting taking place in September every year. Every country is supposed to send two National Delegates to this meeting, along with the NR.



33


International EventsESN International organises many international events throughout the year. At international events you can meet members of ESN sections from the whole Europe (and beyond!). The most important event and a highlight in the life of every active ESN member is the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

The AGM is held every March. During the AGM, sec-tions from all ESN member countries come together to take decisions about the future of the network. A lot of discussions, voting, presentations, excursions and parties take place during this event.

Regional Platforms

At Regional Platforms the section members from a certain region come together in order to share knowledge and to learn about new developments within the network.

Cultural Medley

The Cultural Medley is an annual event in which a section, a city or a country presents itself culturally to the rest of ESN through many exciting events and activities.Cultural Medley 2010 was organize in Lisbon.



34


National LevelNational Board (NB)

The National Board is responsible for the communi-cation between the sections as well as the commu-nication with partners and institutions outside ESN. Furthermore the National Board looks after the knowledge management, the organisation of Na-tional Events and the support of the local sections.

National Representative (NR)

The National Representative is responsible for the contact between the sections of the country and the International level.

National Platform

At the National Platform the members of the dif-ferent Portuguese sections meet and discuss cur-rent topics concerning ESN Portugal. Even though these are work meetings, the fun and social parts like a party on Saturday night can’t be missed. It’s the time for Portugal ESN members to connect and make new plans.

National Events for Exchange Students

National Events give exchange students (that is you!) the unique opportunity to explore the most in-teresting places in Portugal as well as to connect with exchange students of other Portuguese uni-versities. National Events take place several times throughout the year. Fun is guaranteed, so look out for them! The events are communicated by each section.



Local Sectionswww.esnportugal.org/

35


Erasmus National Encounter in PortugalEvery year all the ESN sections in Portugal get together to organize the Erasmus National Encounter. This is an event that gathers up to 400 er-asmus in the south of Portugal and it usually happens in the end of AprilThis is the poster of the last event.

36


What the heck is......Buddy System / Mentoring?

The Buddy System gives exchange students the possibility of “having a local student of their own”. Exchange students who apply to the Buddy System get a “Buddy” who shows „his“ city to the foreigner, helps with trouble shooting and tries to be a good friend. The Buddy programme is a great opportu-nity for exchange students to connect with locals. Its not only popular among exchange students, many Portuguese students like to care for a “foreign god-child”. You can get information about the ESN Bud-dy System of your host university on the homepage of the local section or as always: just ask the ESN guy/girl passing you in the aisle of the university.

...Tandem?

Tandem is a system of learning foreign languages with another student during individual meetings. That way you can learn or improve a foreign lan-guage for free. Besides, you and your partner can choose where to meet and the frequency of your meetings based on your own preferences. It is also an easy way to gain first-hand knowledge about an-other country. Not from books, but through a person like you.


ESN Portugalwww.esn-portugal.org

37


ESN Card Why Buying an ESN Card?

The ESN card is the magic key for many ESN ac-tivities. It gives you cheaper access to trips, parties and other activities organised by ESN sections. There are many special deals for ESN card hold-ers. In Lisbon for example you get free entrance into clubs and cheaper drinks with your ESN card. For further details on discounts check the homepage of the according section! And have a look at the dis-counts from our partners for each section and at the national level.

ESN Community

Owners of an ESN card can also enjoy the ben-efits of the online ESN community. If you register your ESN card on the ESN international homepage (www.esn.org) you will be able to access information about career opportunities, travels and discounts in the whole of Europe.

Where Can I Get the Card?

Being an exchange student, you have the oppor-tunity to get an ESN card from the ESN section of your host university for a small amount.Most of the Portuguese sections in Portugal work with the ESN CARD.


ESN Portugalwww.esn-portugal.org

38


Join the ESN Team

You want to keep in touch with an international en-vironment after your exchange experience is over? Then we recommend you to join your local ESN section after you return to your home university. If there is no ESN section in your city yet, nothing easier and more challenging than starting a local section with your friends and other former exchange students.

Advantages for Members

Besides being in contact with an international envi-ronment, a commitment as an active ESN member gives you many possibilities such as:

• Managing independently successful projects• Personal development• Trainings and conferences• Practice of foreign languages• At times ECTS credits granted by your university• Easier entrance in the job market• Influencing EU policy makers in area of education • Offers through ESN Card - discounts, prizes...• New friends from around Europe• Fun events

How to Set Up a New ESN Section

Firstly check under www.esn.org/esn_international/section.php if there is not already an ESN section at your university. If there is none, go to www.esn.org/members/become_section.php where you can find all information needed to set up a new section.


39

Eramsus Student Network - Lisboa

Helpful information forExchange Students in Lisbon

www.esn-lisboa.org

40

Erasmus Student Network Sections

ESN LISBOA

What is ESN LISBOA ?

ESN LISBOA is the Lisbon section of the Erasmus Student Network.ESN LISBOA is a non-profit organisation born in September 2008 by the hand of a small group of Portuguese Erasmus students that had just come from their Erasmus.

ESN LISBOA started as an informal student group and organized activities in the first semester of 2008/2009 with no more than 150 IST exchange students. In 2009/2010 ESN Lisboa took a crucial leap and started offering its support and activities to all ex-change students in Lisbon. More than 50 different activities were organized throughout this year, tar-geting almost 2000 exchange students.

Nowadays ESN Lisboa is formed by voluntary Por-tuguese and international students from various uni-versities in Lisbon and it is considered the biggest section in Portugal in number of organised activities and exchange students.

Who are we ?

ESN LISBOA as voluntary non profit association is made by mostly Portuguese voluntary students, however international students are starting to play an active role in the association as well.


ESN LISBOA Website www.esn-lisboa.org

41


What do we do ?

ESN LISBOA has as its main goal the integration of international exchange students in Lisbon and in the portuguese culture;

ESN achieves this objective through a different set of projects:

• Buddy Program - Voluntary Portuguese stu-dents helping international students;

• Weekend Trips - Culture and leisure trips to dif-ferent destinations across Portugal;

• Movie Nights - Providing exchange students with the opportunity to watch Portuguese mov-ies with english subtitles;

• Sport Events - ESN has organized football tournaments between exchange students and the possibility for exchange students to attend to radical sports activities, like SkyDiving;

• Cultural days - Providing free visits to muse-ums and monuments across Lisbon;

• Day Trips - Trips to close locations or cities to visit relevant monuments or events, lasting no more than one day;

• Punctual Events - Punctual events like barbe-cues or wine tastings;

• Parties - Parting is part of the Erasmus life, we do not try to hide this we think party is important;


42


Can I Join ?

Feel free to join us at one time you want to foster the exchange students in Lisbon! If you are com-municative, outgoing, open-minded, ready to help and up to experience a great time? Then you are a perfect person to help us in several projects!Send your application to: [email protected] and propose potential tasks you could take over!

Where to find us?

ESN Office

Our Office is located in the heart of the city center in the bustling famous quarter called Bairro Alto:address: Rua da Atalaia, 157b

MusicBox

Known as a paradise for emergent musics and DJ’s, it is a small concert hall and club located in the cent-er of Lisbon (Cais do Sodré).It This is where ESN LISBOA organizes its Erasmus Tuesdays Parties.

ESN Website

The ESN Lisboa website gathers all information re-garding the activities, parties and projects.

Facebook

“Erasmus Lisboa 2010/2011 - ESN LISBOA” is the name of the group created for this year for the ex-change students in Lisbon.


How to get to ESN OFFICE?

1. Catch a Metro until Baixa/Chiado (blue and green line), get out at the upper exit;

2. Keep on following the tram tracks go-ing up the hill, after crossing the square Largo de Camões;

3. Take the first up-leading street on your right (Rua da Atalaia);

4. After 5 min. climb-ing you will find our office on the left side of the street, located inside a building owned by the city’s town hall (Câmara Municipal).

MusicBox

www.musicboxlisboa.com Rua Nova do Carvalho nº 24

43


ESN CARD in Lisbon

The ESN Card is the membership card of ESN Lis-boa . With it you get:

• European Valid ESN Card• Discounts in our Trips and other Activities• Access to our Parties• Drink discounts in our partner bars• Car rental discounts• Promotions in other ESN sections

ESN CARD PARTNERS

Drinks

The ESN CARD gives you special prices in ESN partner bar in Bairo Alto.

Car Rental

Interrent its one of the cheapest car rental compa-nies in Portugal. You can rent a car from as low as 6.99€ a day. Check ESN Lisboa Website for info.

Gym - Ginásio Clube Português - GCP

Looking for a Gym and can’t find one without a con-tract that makes you stay more than six months ?Check ESN Lisboa Website for more info.

Toolani

Toolani is an internet based phone operator and international partner of ESN. For 5€ free balance check this address http://www.toolani.com/esn/ .


Apolo BarTravessa da Cara nº 8, Bairro Alto

Interrentwww.interrent.ptSanta Apolonia Train Sta-tion

GCPwww.gcp.pt

Toolaniwww.toolani.com/esn

44


The City


The History

Lisbon was founded in the mists of antiquity be-ing at least a thousand years old when first ruled by the Romans. It has been the capital of Portugal since it was taken from the Moors in 1147, be-coming the capital of the kingdom in 1255.

In the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries Lisbon was the starting point for the discoveries made by Portuguese navigators, which rapidly changed the city into an interna-tional trading centre for the merchandise that flowed from the newly discovered colonies.Over the centuries Lisbon naturally grew and changed. However, in 1755, Europe’s most dev-astating earthquake destroyed about two-thirds of Lisbon and killed more than 90,000 people. The rul-ing minister, Marquês de Pombal was responsible for rebuilding Lisbon’s city center, creating what is presently known as Baixa Pombalina (downtown). This was Lisbon’s darkest moment in history.Nowadays, Lisbon is one of the most beautiful capi-tals of Europe and popular destination for travelers and students, while still maintaining the marks of its early glorious history.

Tourism

www.visitlisboa.comwww.portugalvirtual.ptwww.castelosaojorge.egeac.pt

45


Museums

www.oceanario.ptwww.museu.gulbenkian.ptwww.museuberardo.comwww.museu.marinha.ptwww.mnhn.ul.ptwww.mnarteantiga-ipmuseus.pt


Lifestyle

One of the best ways to get a feel of every day life is to find a cosy, preferably Art Nouveau café (there are thousands with one seemingly on every street corner) and sit outside at a pavement table and watch the world go by. Lisbon has its own unique café style and it’s one of the best things about daily life, just sitting, whiling away half an hour and watch-ing the world around you.

Urban Image

Europe’s westernmost and sunniest capital is situ-ated on the north banks of the river Tagus (pt. Tejo). The charm of Lisbon exists in its strong links to the past and its surprising contrasts: twisting, nar-row streets in the older quarters, spacious avenues close to the centre, famous UNESCO monuments and bleached limestone buildings.

Lisbon is rich in architectural styles with Roman-esque, Gothic, Manueline (Portuguese late gothic) Baroque, Traditional Portuguese, Modern and Post-Modern buildings mixed throughout the city. Not only because of that, in 1994, Lisbon was the Eu-ropean Capital of Culture and further organised the Expo ‘98.As it is also one of the rare European cosmopolitan cities that faces the ocean, it uses water as one of the features that define the city, which helps a lot in orientating in the occasionally labyrinth neighbour-hoods.

46


Nightlife

Bairro Alto’s popularity emerges from the dense of bars (about 200), as well as the unique way of go-ing out: Having a pre-drink (or as the Spanish would say Botellón) before going to one of the clubs in the surroundings. Cheap prices are usual: 1l beers are affordable for just 2€, 1/2l Caipirinha for 4€ and a shot starting from 1€.

Bairro Alto – Portugal’s most popular district

The neighbourhood of Bairro Alto (upper district) is situated at one of the hills in Lisbon’s historical cen-tre. Nowadays, it functions as a residential, shop-ping and entertainment district. It is one of the old-est districts of the city. Dozens of fado singing clubsanimate the area along with nearly fifty bars and restaurants.

The Beach

On sunny weekends there is always a wide variety of students, travellers and jumble sellers gathering at the closest beaches around. You can either get a train to the west at the station Cais do Sodré (direc-tion: Cascais) and get out at one of the stops (e.g. Carcavelos, Estoril) or go by bus (from Praça de Espanha) to Costa da Caparica in the south, where the more beautiful and less crowded beaches are.


47


Shopping

Lisbon remains the Western Europe’s least expen-sive capital and is a true shoppers’ paradise! In the center’s downtown you can find traditional and spe-cialist shops, many of them are even worth going into just for their distinctive decoration. Portuguese designers are based in Bairro Alto and Chiado. Bair-ro Alto is also popular with the alternative fashion set, with club and street wear shops. Most of those only open in mid-afternoon and continue well into the night. In the Chiado quarter you will also find lux-urious international brands from Hermés to Cartier along with popular modern retailers like Zara, H&M, United Colors of Benetton, Foot Locker, and some quaint traditional old shops and bookstores. For high fashion head to Avenida da Liberdade, home to well-known international names such as Empo-rio Armani, Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss, Burberry or Escada.


Shopping Malls

Colombo (largest shopping mall in Europe), Metro: Colegio Militar/Luz;

Centro Vasco da Gama (located on the Expo area), Metro: Oriente;

Armazéns do Chiado (in the very center, Rua do Carmo 2), Metro: Baixa/Chiado

Amoreiras (the oldest one, Av. Eng. Duarte Pacheco), Metro: Rato;

El Corte Inglês (Av. Antonio Augusto Aguiar, 31) Metro: São Sebastião;

48


Universidade de LisboaPartner University

The University of Lisbon is a public university with a recognized scien-tific tradition. Re-established in 1911, this institu-tion is seen today as a dynamic

place for training with a strong humanistic and sci-entific culture. It is a University that not only offers a strong academic component in its education, but that also invests on its cultural and technological legacy. At the academic level, the University of Lisbon of-fers a wide range of courses, graduate and post-graduate in five strategic areas: Arts and Humani-ties, Juridical Sciences, Health Sciences, Social Sciences and Sciences and Technology. The Uni-versity is reinforcing the multidisciplinary compo-nent of its study plans, intending to promote the in-ward mobility between courses, thus allowing for a greater flexibility and inter-weaving of the students´ study paths. Presently, the University of Lisbon in-tegrates more than 22000 students belonging to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd study cycles (Graduation, Masters and PhD) and approximately 1800 teachers.

International Students – Before and upon arrival, international students should contact the Erasmus Office of the Faculty at UL in which they will be studying. (Please see the section Contacts of Eras-mus Offices of Faculties of UL)

Eramsus Student Network - Lisboa - Partner

ULnesswww.desporto.ul.pt

49


University of Lisbon Students Union

The University of Lisbon Students’ Union (AAUL) was created in 2007 in order to strengthen the ties between UL students’ representatives and to en-hance the representation of UL students both at central level (e.g., the Rector and his team) and externally (e.g., the Minister for Higher Education). Thus, AAUL represents the students and the local students’ unions from the University’s schools.1. To start renew the dialogue about Bologna

Process and insist in its correct application, es-pecially regarding student mobility and student-centred learning.

2. To remind the University that if all students are equal, they are all unique and different. Some are athletes, some are workers, some are young professionals who return to University in order to advance their careers, still others are student representatives, like us, and others come from abroad. Equality means enforcing different rules adapted at each case and making sure every school, faculty or institute applies them.

3. To promote equality and academic success by demanding more scholarships and more fund-ing for social services.

4. To start a dialogue about a sustainable univer-sity, and achieve a green, or at least, a greener campus.

5. To strengthen ties with international unions and networks, giving an important international ex-perience to students and promoting a better quality of life for every student, regardless of her or his nationality.

To all students, incoming and outgoing, we promise our tireless support.


Associação Académica da Universidade de Lisboa (AAUL)

Serviços de Acção Social da Universidade de LisboaEdifício da Cantina 2Avª das Forças Armadas1649-026 Lisboa

Email: [email protected] Web: www.aaul.pt


ULness www.desporto.ul.pt

50


University Students Halls of Residence

Erasmus students have the possibility to stay in the university residences of the UL. As the number of places is limited, the UL can not guarantee accom-modation for everyone.

University Canteens

The purpose of the Social Services of the University of Lisbon is to help students, namely concerning food (canteens and snack-bars), accommodation and health (medical and nursing care, and psycho-logical support). Visiting students are also entitled to such services.

At the University can-teens the price of a standard meal is around Eur 2.20 for stu-dents, and it includes soup, the main course, bread, a glass of milk or juice and dessert. The two canteens of the UL also serve light meals and macrobiotic food.

All students, visiting students included, can apply for a card issued by the Social Services. The card is obtained upon presentation of a document from the Faculty in which they are registered.

Eramsus Student Network - LisboaEramsus Student Network - Lisboa - Partner

Transportation

Underground „Cidade Universitária“ Station (Yellow Line)

Buses:Carris: 31 - 35 - 738 - 768From south bank: Transportes Sul do Tejo (TST) Almada - Cidade Universitária; Costa de Caparica – Cidade Universitária; Setúbal – Cidade Universitária

TrainFertagus and CP EntreCampos station

51


Location

The University of Lisbon Campus is in a prime loca-tion and has excellent transport links. The Univer-sity is close to the airport allowing easy access by car, taxi and bus. There are direct services to and from Airport. Most of the Faculties and Institutes (or-ganic units) are located at the Campus, with the ex-ception of the Faculty of Fine Arts, the Professional Guidance Institute, the National Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Science and the Astronomy Observatory of Lisbon – Infante D. Luiz.

University Sports Office - ULness

In the area of fitness, we highlight the excellent conditions that the ULness Academy offers, with 2 modern rooms (operating on the adjacent building to Canteen I, have several sports activities open to students and staff of our University and also the general public).

There is a room for group lessons and other for the Cardio and Fitness exercises. At this facility are offered sessions of Pi-lates, Hip Hop, Yoga, STEP, Belly Dance, Taekwondo, Capoeira, Aerobics and other spe-cific activities of Fitness.

You can also have mas-sages and enrol in spe-cific dances courses and outdoor activities (surf, BTT…).



UNIVERSIDADE DE LISBOA www.ul.pt

Universidade de Lisboawww.ul.pt

52

Erasmus Student Network SectionsEramsus Student Network - LisboaEramsus Student Network - Lisboa - Partner

ORGANIC UNITS CONTACTS

Faculty of Fine-Arts Erasmus Coordinator Prof. Jorge Gonçalves Erasmus Student Support Mr. Carlos Alcobia

Phone/Fax: (+351) 213 252 116 Email: [email protected] Website: www.fba.ul.pt

Faculty of Science Erasmus Coordinator Prof.ª Maria José Boavida Erasmus Office Ms. Ana Paula Matos

Phone (+351) 217 500 000 Fax: (+351) 217 500 162 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Website: www.fc.ul.pt

Faculty of Law Erasmus Coordinator Prof. Vasco Pereira da Silva Erasmus Office Ms. Rosa Guerreiro

Phone: (+351) 217 977 051 Fax: (+351) 217 950 303 Email: [email protected] Website: www.fd.ul.pt

Faculty of Pharmacy Erasmus Coordinator Prof.ª Manuela Catarino Erasmus Student Support Ms. Clementina Carvalho

Phone: (+351) 217 946 400 Fax: (+351) 217 946 470 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Website: www.ff.ul.pt

Faculty of Letters Erasmus Coordinator Prof. António Feijó External Relations Unit Ms. Denise Moura

Phone: (+351) 217 920 061 Fax: (+351) 217 920 030 Email: [email protected] Website: www.fl.ul.pt

Institute of Geography and Territory Planning Erasmus Coordinator Prof. Doutor Eusébio Reis Erasmus Office Ms. Elisabete Nunes

Phone: (+351) 217 920 000 Fax: (+351) 217 960 063 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Website: www.igot.ul.pt

Faculty of Medicine Erasmus Coordinator Prof. J. Lacerda International Cooperation Office Ms. Helena Baião

Phone: (+351) 217 985 111 Fax: (+351) 217 985 110 Email: [email protected] Website: www.fm.ul.pt

Faculty of Dental Medicine Erasmus Coordinator Prof. Alexandre Cavalheiro Erasmus Student Support Ms. Helena Matos

Phone: (+351) 217 922 600 Fax: (+351) 217 937 501 Email: [email protected] Website: www.fmd.ul.pt

Faculty of Psychology Erasmus Coordinators Prof.ª Ana Isabel Saraiva Prof.ª Ana Sofia Correia Santos

Phone: (+351) 217 943 600 Fax: (+351) 217 933 408 Email: [email protected] Website: www.fp.ul.pt

Education Institute Erasmus Coordinator Prof.ª Carmen Cavaco Erasmus Student Support Dra. Isabel Ramos

Phone: (+351) 217 943 600 Fax: (+351) 217 933 408 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Website: www.ie.ul.pt

Rectorate Erasmus Institutional Coordinator Doutor Tomás Patrocínio International Relations Unit Ms. Maria João Antunes Ms. Sara Albino

Phone: (+351) 210 113 482 Fax: (+351) 217 933 624 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ul.pt

Universidade de Lisboa Contacts

Universidade de Lisboawww.ul.pt

53


Universidade Técnica de LisboaPartner University

The Technical University of Lisbon, founded in 1930, is one of the largest Portuguese public universities offering to its students technical and professional qualifications capable of satisfying the needs of the present society in a world branded by internationali-zation and global competition. The University teach-ing staff comprises 1 300 academics and the total student enrolment is about 21 000.The mission of Technical University of Lisbon is to promote, develop and transmit high quality scien-tific, technical and artistic knowledge, encouraging innovation and adapting to the changing needs of society in terms of ethics, culture and growing inter-nationalisation.Technical University of Lisbon aims to be a leading European University in training professionals to the highest standards, and to be at the forefront of sci-entific research, innovation and service provision. In their specific areas, the Schools that make up Technical University of Lisbon are the largest and oldest in Portugal. In all of them run centres, insti-tutes, units or other bodies dedicated to research, cooperation, international relations, business links and the labour market. The Schools are:• Faculty of Veterinary Medicine - FMV• School of Agriculture - ISA• School of Economics and Management - ISEG• School of Engineering - IST• School of Social and Political Sciences - ISCSP• Faculty of Human Kinetics - FMH• Faculty of Architecture - FA

Eramsus Student Network - Lisboa - PartnerEramsus Student Network - Lisboa

54


Internationalization

Technical University of Lisbon has been promoting international cooperation with institutions of higher education from European and Third Countries. Our university has a history of cooperation with univer-sities not only from Europe but also from South America (Brazil, Cuba, Peru, Chile, Mexico), Africa (Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, S. Tomé, South Africa) and Asia (East Timor, Macau, China, South Korea and Thailand).Technical University of Lisbon has a large experi-ence in mobility programmes financed by Euro-pean Commission, namely Erasmus, Alβan, Alfa and Erasmus Mundus Master Courses. Technical University of Lisbon in 2009 has been awarded with the ECTS LABEL. In last year the student ex-change flow of UTL totaled about 700 outgoing stu-dents (448 under Erasmus Programme) and about 1900 incoming students (443 under Erasmus Pro-gramme).

To ensure, with efficiency and quality, the mobility activities, Technical University of Lisbon provides a Central International Relations Office that concen-trates and coordinates the general actions of the Programmes. This office is supported (due to the decentralized structures of the various Schools) by the International Relations Offices of the Schools, who promote direct contact with students providing support in visa procedures, coaching and counsel-ling, language courses, health and welfare services, meals/canteens, sports facilities, libraries and stu-dents’ associations.


55

Erasmus Student Network SectionsEramsus Student Network - LisboaEramsus Student Network - Lisboa - Partner

Support for International Students

Publicity for international mobility are ensured by the following ongoing activities and specific actions: a) Providing information on the University’s website b) assistance for obtaining visa c) Producing information for students d) Organising sessions to promote mobility e) Ensuring equal opportunity by implementing in-stitutional measures including the establishment of agreements with new partner countries and the pro-vision of programmes suitable for candidates with disabilities.To all students involved in mobility are applied the ECTS system, using the tools available by it, thus assuring in a transparent way the full academic rec-ognition for the studies done. The ECTS system is applied to all students involved in the mobility programme; the procedures in this system ensure transparency in the academic recognition of the studies carried out.Technical University of Lisbon will continue to stand-ardize its high levels of quality, asserting itself as an excellent university at international levels, promot-ing a type of teaching that guarantees the required competences for an employment market that is more and more demanding and in constant muta-tion, and it is of the utmost importance that the re-search lines integrating trans-national teams is opti-mized, in order to have in the existing technological, scientific and human resources a better response in lucrative terms.

56


Instituto Superior de Engenharia de LisboaPartner Institution

Lisbon Superior Engineering Institute is the result of the restructuring of an institution with a long-stand-ing tradition in engineering teaching in Portugal, the Industrial Institute of Lisbon (Instituto Industrial de Lisboa), which was created in 1852 by Royal Decree signed by Queen Maria II. Since 1988 it became part of a network of Polytechnic Higher Education establishments, integrated in IPL - Polytechnic Insti-tute of Lisbon (Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa).

ISEL aims to contribute to the development of the society by providing a thorough training in Engi-neering. The intention is to promote education in line with the highest international standards, within the needs of work market. ISEL has a teaching staff of 546 lecturers and, this academic year, has about 7 000 students. The Campus it’s organized by in-dependent buildings, one for each existing depart-ment, equipped with facilities such as laboratories and computer rooms. There is also a library, can-teen, a student’s residence, a banking agency, copy services, several cafeterias and a sports centre. Life at ISEL is not limited to the educational component.

Main Websitewww.isel.pt

Student Association Websitewww.aeisel.pt

International Office [email protected]

Student Association [email protected]

Transports

MetroRed LineChelas StationBus:Nº 10: ISEL / Praça do ChileNº 749: ISEL /SaldanhaNº 718: ISEL / AmoreirasNº 750: Algés / Oriente


57

Eramsus Student Network - Porto

Helpful information forExchange Students in Porto

www.esnporto.org

58


ESN Sectionwww.esnporto.org/

Universitywww.up.pt

Tourism / Townwww.portoturismo.pt

Public Transportwww.stcp.pt

ESN PORTO

What is ESN PORTO?

ESN Porto is the oldest ESN Section in Portugal. Founded in 1991, this section receives around 2.000 exchange students per year. So if you’re go-ing to Porto expect a lot!

Where are we?

Our office is located in the rectory of the Univer-sidade do Porto, on the top floor; address: Praça Gomes Teixeira. During the reception week we are open every day. Normaly we open on Wednesdays from 14.30 till 17.30.

What do we do ?

ESN Porto organizes a theme party every week, usually on Thursdays. The bars and themes vary as much as possible, so expect something different every week. We also hold cultural visits to museums and other important places in the city.

ESN is not a travel agency. We are just regular stu-dents like you trying to have fun and meet people from other cultures. We are not professionals organ-izing trips, but volunteers with lots of experience, so we are good at it! As we do not profit from our trips, you won’t find a lower price anywhere. Usually transportation, accommodation, visits, parties and dinners are included in the price. When it comes to breakfast and lunch, that depends on the trip.


59


Our activities

• Eurodinner: Cook typical dishes from your country and share them with everyone;

• Pubcrawl: 1 night, 6 different bars and lots of drinking games and fun;

• CinEsn: An exclusive cinema session for you;• Portuguese night: Come and taste traditional

flavours of Portugal and watch a Fado concert;• Café lingua: If you either want to learn or teach

a new language, this is the perfect event for you;• Football tournament: Time to show us your

football skills;• Surf course: You’ll be living near the sea, so

no excuse for not learning how to surf. ESN provides you a 8 lesson surf course for half the price.

Weekend Trip calendar:

• Surf Camp - Early October – 3 days in Peniche (the best surf beach in Portugal) lots of beach and surf lessons during the day and barbecues and parties during the night;

• Trip to Lisbon– Mid October and March – 3 days – We will show you everything you need to see in Lisbon from the monuments to the night-life, all of these in the company of 120 erasmus.

• Snow Trip - Early January – A weekend in Serra da Estrela with snow sports and parties;

• Extreme weekend- June- One weekend with nature and adrenaline;

• Trip to the Algarve –March– Lots of sunshine and beaches – 4 days in Praia da Rocha one of the top places in the Algarve.


60


The City

Porto also known as Oporto in English, its Portu-gal‘s second largest city and the capital of Norte region. Being the largest city in the region, it is con-sidered to be the economic and cultural heart of the entire region, with an estimated population of about 220,000.One of Portugal‘s most internationally famous prod-ucts, Port wine, is named after the city because it is produced in, and shipped from the area. Franc-esinha (literally Frenchy) is the most famous popu-lar native snack food in Porto.In December 1996, UNESCO classified this city as Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Night life

Porto is a city with an intense nightlife.Nights here usually start late and last till the dawn. A typical meeting point for Portuguese students is Pi-olho, close to reitoria. There you’ll see lots of people outside just chilling and drinking. Erasmus normally meet at Adega Leonor (on the corner next to piol-ho). You can also check Rua Galerias Paris where you’ll have the same exquisite atmosphere, but with slightly older people. After that, you can try one of the Bar/discos downtown. Pitch, Gare, Maus hábi-tos, Tendinha or Plano B are some suggestions.Monday’s night is one of the best Erasmus eve-nings, where the meeting point is Ribeira (close to the riverside) at the bar Prioridade, famous for tis two for one on mondays. After Ribeira everyone goes to La Movida disco club. If you’re more into big warehouse clubs there’s an industrial zone where you can find lots of clubs to enjoy.


61


Transportation

In order to ride Porto’s public transportation system you will need to buy an “andante”, which is the gen-eral ticket requested in all public transports (metro, train and buses). The price depends only on the path, on how many zones you cross. So if you want to go from a place to another, you pay the same weather you catch 3 different buses or only one. An one-way ticket costs: 1€ and you can buy it at any metro station. If you already have an andante you only have to recharge it, you don’t need to buy a new one.Make sure you validate your andante before you get on the vehicle, and every time you switch lines you need to validate it again.For a monthly student ticket you pay 16,75€ or 11,17€ if you aged under 24 years old for Z2 (only center) and 21,65€ for Z3(covers 3 zones) you can get your monthly ticket at Trindade station. The metro is open from 6.00am till 1.00am.Buses, depending on the line, can run only during the daytime or all night long.


Metro: www.metrodoporto.pt

Bus: www.stcp.pt

Trains: www.cp.pt

General Info:www.itinerarium.net

62


Accomodation

Finding a place to live in Porto is generally the first concern of Erasmus students, but this doesn’t mean it’s the easiest thing to do. There are two options for you, regarding this matter: you can either apply for one of the residences destined for mobility stu-dents or try to find an apartment/room in the private houses.

Residences

The are residences available for exchange students from the Univeristy. The rent per month is 105.00 EUR (for undergraduate students) and 155.00 EUR (for post-graduate students). Cleaning, internet ac-cess and linen are included in this price.

Private Housing

Porto’s real estate market is a little bit different from most European cities, as most Portuguese don’t leave in the center. This is good news for erasmus students because the houses in the center become a little bit cheaper.Prices vary depending on the place and conditions of the house: 150€-250€ are the “normal” prices for a room in Porto. Normally, rent prices don’t include gas, electricity or internet.

Buddy Program

We strongly recommend you to join the Buddy pro-gram from ESN Porto. Your Portuguese Buddy can be a great help in finding you a nice place to live


University Residences:Campo AlegreRua do Campo Alegre, 1395

ParanhosRua Dr. Manuel Pereira da Silva

BandeirinhaRua da Bandeirinha, 66

D. Pedro VRua de D. Pedro V, 223

63


The University - Universidade do Porto

The University of Porto is the one of the largest higher education and research institution of Portu-gal and one of the top 200 European universities.With origins dating back to the 18th century, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Portugal.

Today, about 28,000 students (11,000 postgradu-ate) attend the courses provided by the U.Porto’s fifteen schools (13 faculties, a biomedical sciences institute and a business school, each one with a considerable degree of autonomy).

• Faculty of Architecture, FAUP• Faculty of Dental Medicine, FMDUP• Faculty of Economics, FEP• Faculty of Engineering, FEUP• Faculty of Fine Arts, FBAUP• Faculty of Law, FDUP• Faculty of Letters, FLUP• Faculty of Medicine, FMUP• Faculty of Nutrition and Food Science , FCNAUP• Faculty of Pharmacy, FFUP• Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, FPCEUP• Faculty of Sciences, FCUP[1]• Faculty of Sport, FADEUP• Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, ICBAS• Porto School of Management, EGP

The University buildings are grouped in three main sites (called ‘poles’). In the city centre lies Pole 1; Pole 2 (Asprela) is a campus in the northern end of Porto; Pole 3 (Campo Alegre) is located in the western part of the city, over the river Douro bank.


Useful Links:

www.alojamento.fap.ptwww.olx.pthttp://aefeup.pt/houseshttp://porto.coisas.com

64


65

Eramsus Student Network - Aveiro

Helpful information forExchange Students in Aveiro

www.esnaveiro.org

66


ESN AVEIRO

What is ESN Aveiro?

ESN Aveiro is the newest ESN Section in Portugal, located in Aveiro. It is a non-profit organization and it was officially approved as ESN Section on the 4th of July, 2010.

Who are we?

We are a group of voluntary students with some ex-perience in mobility programs, as most of us were Erasmus Students in the past. Our group is man-ly composed by Portuguese students but we also have some foreign students that add a multicultural background to our group.

What do we do?

This section runs a mentor/buddy program, aim-ing to provide help and support to every Exchange Student that comes to Aveiro. It also organizes a lot of events such as trips, parties, sports and cultural events, etc…

Where are we?

At this moment we don’t have an official office, but whenever you want to see us, you can contact us by email and we’ll receive you in the rectory

Eramsus Student Network - Aveiro

ESN [email protected]

67

Erasmus Student Network SectionsEramsus Student Network - Aveiro

The City

Aveiro is a beautiful city, located on the Portuguese coast and just an hour away from Porto. This small city has much to offer including lovely untouched beaches where you can just get away from the city in 10 minutes.Aveiro is called “The Portuguese Venice”, because of its canals and boats (moliceiros) that resemble the Italian city Venice and its typical boats (Gondo-las).Aveiro is known in Portugal for its traditional sweet, ovos moles, made of eggs and sugar.

The University

The University of Aveiro, created in 1973, is consid-ered to be one of the most dynamic and innovative universities of Portugal.It is consistently ranked as one of the best in Por-tugal, mainly in science, engineering and high-tech, according to recent national and international rank-ings. In 2009, it was ranked in the 38th position in Europe and 137th position in the world in the area of EngineeringIn 1994, the top national search engine, SAPO, was created in this university.UA has 17 Academic Departments which work to-gether in an inter-disciplinary manner according to their academic and research affinities.

Universitywww.ua.pt

International officehttp://www.ua.pt/gri/[email protected]

68

Erasmus Student Network SectionsEramsus Student Network - Aveiro

Don’t miss

• Semana do Caloiro (Aveiro) - Reception of the freshmen in Aveiro, a week of parties and con-certs (October)

• Semana do Enterro (Aveiro) - Also known as Academic Week or queima das fitas, a week for partying without classes (April)

• Feira de Março (Aveiro) - It’s a traditional and commercial event that has happened in Aveiro since the year 1434. (March / April)

Points of interest

Shoppings:- Fórum Aveiro- Glicínias Museum:Museu da CidadeFábrica de Ciência Viva de Aveiro

Eramsus Student Network - UTAD

Helpful information forExchange Students in Vila Real

http://esn.utad.pt

70

Erasmus Student Network SectionsEramsus Student Network - UTAD

ESN Section

What is ESN UTAD ?

ESN UTAD is the Vila Real section of the Erasmus Student Network for the “Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro”. It is one of the newest sec-tions in the country, created only in 2009, and work-ing with up to 170 exchange students

Who are we?

ESN UTAD, as all ESN sections in Portugal, is a non-profitable organization pulled through by the solid of work of volunteers, mainly ex-Erasmus from UTAD and incoming Erasmus students. ESN doesn’t profit from the activities organized.

What do we do?

ESN UTAD develops several projects to enhance the life quality of each international student:• Buddy Program – Providing a mentor/tutor for

each international student;• Tandem Program – Providing you easier ac-

cess to learning Portuguese;• Trips – Trips around the most famous places of

Portugal with a huge load of fun and adventure;• Sporty Activities- Volleyball, Basketball and

Football competitions, pub crawl and city games;• Cultural Events – Visits to close-by museums,

theatres and palaces, wine tasting with exqui-site refinement, among others;

• Parties – Being an important part of the Eras-mus experience we organize parties, to improve the fellowship among exchange students.

ESN UTAD

http://[email protected]

71

Erasmus Student Network SectionsGlossary

The City

The History

Vila Real is an enriched historical city with a lot of in-teresting characteristics both within and outside its boundaries. It is located in a 450m height plateau, by the side of Corgo river, affluent of Douro river, surrounded by the mountains of Alvão and Marão. The city shows unquestionable signs of having been inhabited since the Paleolithic. The present city, was created by D. Dinis in the year of 1289 and holds now approximately 50 thousand people.

Landscape and urban image

Vila Real’s geographic location enhances greatly its natural beauty. A few kilometres away from the city there is the National Park of Alvão where, apart from the great diversity of fauna and flora, you can find very typical and ancient small villages, such as Ermelo and Lamas de Olo, definitely worth visit-ing. Gorgeous waterfalls can be seen all across the mountains, such as the famous “Fisgas de Ermelo”.

Night life

Vila Real is also known for its enthusiastic academi-cal environment. The life of an Erasmus student in Vila Real comes to complete change when the sun goes down. A place certainly not to be missed is the main square, called Pioledo where you can either have a normal coffee or taste the very good Portu-guese beer. Take your time with your friends, meet new people and relax.

Eramsus Student Network - UTAD

72

Erasmus Student Network SectionsEramsus Student Network - UTAD

The University

The Vila Real Polytechnic Institute, founded in 1973, was transformed in 1979 into the Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro University Institute and, in 1986 be-came a fully-fledged university. Despite its relatively short history, the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD) has already developed consid-erable national and international prestige. Today, after over 23 years of commitment to high quality teaching, research and community exten-sion, UTAD has earned its rightful place among the new generation of Portuguese universities, and is striving to make its name at both national and inter-national levels as a centre of academic excellence and innovation.

One of the University’s key challenges in the up-coming years will be to adapt its current portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate courses to the Bologna Declaration proposals and to the rapidly changing requirements of the labour market, to the shifts in economic and social priorities at national and EU levels, and the teaching and research op-portunities provided by new technologies.The campus, built on the site of a number of adja-cent former farm estates, or quintas, is 10-minute walk from the city centre and has bus connection to any city corner. There are also two academic units closer to the centre - the ex-DRM building, which houses the Department of Economy and Sociology, and a complex containing CIFOP (the Education Department), the Department of Arts and Crafts and the Department of Physical Education and Sports. UTAD also has installations in Chaves.

Universitywww.utad.pt

Socrates/Erasmus Address: Quinta de Prados, Apartado 1013, 5001-801 Vila Real

Phone :+351 259 350439Fax: +351 259 350 629E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]

Eramsus Student Network - Évora

Helpful information forExchange Students in Évora

http://esn.aaue.pt

74

Erasmus Student Network SectionsEramsus Student Network - Évora

ESN Section

ESN UÉvora was created in March 2009 and is highly integrated in Evora University Students’ Un-ion. The major task is to give all the support needed for the integration of foreign students in University of Évora: helps to find accommodation, learning the language and having fun. The ESN Section organ-izes events like parties, meetings, trips, system tan-dem meetings, cultural and sport events.

The City

Évora is ranked number two in the Portuguese most livable cities survey of living conditions. Due to its well-preserved old town centre, still partially enclosed by medieval walls, and a large number of monuments dating from various historical periods, including a Roman Temple, Évora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The University

The University of Évora, the second oldest in Portu-gal, was founded in the 16th century (1559).The Jesuit college (Colégio do Espírito Santo) in Évora operated between 1559 and 1759. The Colé-gio do Espírito Santo became famous as a centre of learning and rivalled the University of Coimbra. The University of Évora resumed work in 1973 as a state-run university.

Universityhttp://www.uevora.pt/

Tourismhttp://www.goalentejo.pt/

Eramsus Student Network - Coimbra

Helpful information forExchange Students in Coimbra

www.esncoimbra.comwww.esnipcoimbra.com

76


ESN in Coimbra

The local sections of Erasmus Student Network (ESN) in Coimbra are ESN Coimbra (also known as Associação Sócrates-Erasmus da Universidade de Coimbra (ASE-UC)) and ESN-IP Coimbra (dedi-cated to the Polythecnique Institute Colleges) being both organiza-tions founded by volunteers (newly gradu-ate, university students and former Eras-mus students) with the goal of helping the i n c r e a s i n g numbers of foreigner students and promoting their integration in the academic life of Coimbra through activities such as, sports, cultural events, sightseeing trips and

international par-ties. We are here to make your stay better, easier and for you to have a pleasant experi-ence in Coimbra, the city of knowl-edge, the city of students.


77


The City

Coimbra is a traditional city, located in centre of Por-tugal. This city has a lot to offer including several important archeological remains, fado sung by stu-dents, stories about forbidden love affair and a very excitant nightlife. The daily life is marked by the students, they ani-mate the city through their academic traditions, with the highlight being the Queima das Fitas, the most important event that marks the end of the academ-ic year. As students of the university usually state: “The city of students – it totally defines the city. Coimbra is divided into two distinct areas: • Alta (upper town): is the older part which con-

sists of steep narrow streets, were the “repub-lics” (typical communal student residences) are to be found, as well as some of the city’s most important buildings Sé Velha (Old Cathedral), Sé Nova (New Cathedral) and the University of Coimbra.

• Baixa (lower town): where most of the city com-mercial activity is concentrated. By the river Mondego we find the Monastery of Santa Cruz and several medieval churches.

The city’s large student population guarantees an active, sometimes raucous, nightlife. You’ll find the bars around the Sé Velha (Old Cathedral) and its square, Largo da Sé Velha, packed with students, professors, and locals, who drink, gossip, and dis-cuss academic priorities. Your favorite experience will definitely be hopping randomly from bar to bar.


78


Accommodation

It is easy to find rooms for rent, as there are a lot of landlords, who offer annually their apartments. The rooms´ prices (with furniture) are around 125€/200€ for a double room and 150€/250€ for a single room. Sometimes expenses (electricity, water, internet and gas) are included in the price. Internet is not always available by standard in the apartments, sometimes you have to request it from the landlord. We usually take, between one to three days to find a house. If you prefer a private apart-ment, you can find some of them for rent around 350€-650€/per month.

Transportation

When moving around in Coimbra it is always pos-sible to take a walk, as there are pavements eve-rywhere. Also, there is an urban bus connection (in the town and it is easy to catch a bus to go to dif-ferent parts of the town. You can also use a bicy-cle but there are no isolated cycle tracks and a hilly city landscape may make cycling complicated. City bus is the only way of transportation inside the city; they run every 10 to 15 min, depending on the bus you take (except on weekends and holidays). For a monthly student ticket you pay 23,00€ or 17.50€ if aged under 24 years old. For pre-bought tickets you pay 6,10€ for one ticket with 11 trips or 2,00€ for one ticket with 3 trips.


79


University of Coimbra

Coimbra University is a public university and its ori-gins date back to the 13th century (as it was already founded in 1290 by Portuguese King Dinis I). Nowa-days, it has students from 70 different nationalities; almost 10% of the students are foreigners, which makes it the most international university in Portu-gal. The University of Coimbra holds a great histori-cal meaning in Portuguese speaking world as well as in Europe’s higher education system.The University of Coimbra is an indisputable refer-ence in higher education and research in Portugal, due to the quality of the courses and to the advanc-es achieved in pure and applied research in various areas on knowledge.Today is composed of eight Faculties: Humanities; Law; Medicine; Science a nd Technology; Phar-macy; Economics; Physiology and Education Sci-ences; and Sport Science and physical Education.

The Polytechnique Institute of Coimbra (IPC)

It was created in 1979 when Polytechnic Education was introduced in Portugal. Since then IPC has be-coming today one of the largest Polytechniques in the country and one of the most important institu-tions of higher Education in Portugal. In spite of the IPC´s recent history, it inherited the tradition and experience of the colleges which became part of it.Today is composed of six schools: ESAC ISCAC, ISEC, ESTeSC, ESTEGOH, ESE.


80

Glossary

Useful Phone NumbersPan European Emergency 112Police 115Fire Service 117Fire Brigade 118Toxicological centre 145Police 117Medical Emergency 112

Useful LinksGovernmentwww.portugal.gov.pt

Map of Portugalhttp://mapas.sapo.pt

Public Transportwww.cp.pt (train)www.rede-expressos.ptwww.renex.ptwww.ana.pt (Portuguese airports)

Telecomunicationwww.pai.pt

Portalswww.sapo.ptwww.clix.ptwww.aeiou.pt

ESN IS THE PREFERED PARTNER OF:

ESN PARTNERS:

Download - PORTO Esn Survival Guide

Top Related