Field of study in Wageningen: Bsc Environmental Sciences (major A)
Study period exchange: 13/02/2023 – 30/06/2023
Country (exchange): Portugal
City (exchange): Aveiro
University (exchange): University of Aveiro
Faculty (exchange): Department of Environment and Planning (Msc Environmental Engineering)
2. Motivation for exchange
Why did you choose to go on study exchange?
I wanted to live in another country for a longer period of time and had heard many good stories of friends who went on Erasmus before.
What is the reason you chose for this country/university?
For me the main reason for choosing Portugal was that I wanted to go to a country where I could be outside a lot, with good weather😉 Also the very close beach to surf was a big plus for me! The university has a department in my field of study where I could follow courses. I also found out the university had a Marine Biology Department and that I was able to follow some courses there, I ended up following one course in this area but this addition also was a reason for me to choose this university!
3. Accessibility to reach destination
Do you have any tips to reach your exchange destination?
I went to Aveiro by bus and train, which if you book in advance was actually the same price as a flight there (because you also get money for travelling green from Erasmus+). It did take a little bit more time.. (it took me around 25 hours) But I did this for environmental reasons, so for me it was worth it😊. I took the bus to Paris, train to Bordeaux, bus to Salamanca and from there to Aveiro. You could also go by train to Barcelona from Paris and then to Madrid. There is a bus connection between Madrid and Aveiro. If you want to fly to Aveiro, you can fly to Porto. From Porto you can get a cheap train to Aveiro.
4. University and studying
Could you provide some general information about the followed courses?
How is the study formalized?
All my courses were master courses which consisted of projects and lectures. Examination is always at the end of the semester. I would recommend following master courses as there is the biggest chance those are in English. Workload is overall less, but at the end of the semester you’ll have a lot of deadlines and exams.
What is the culture of the university?
It was good, Portuguese people are friendly. And because of some group works you also have interaction with them. Lectures are also very friendly and helpful.
What does the university offer the student additionally?
There is a gym on the university that also offers classes which is really fun. For catering you have different canteens where you can have cheap big lunches😊. In almost all the university buildings there is a little bar/café where you can buy snacks, coffee, lunch etc.
5. Housing-travelling-living
What are the possibilities for housing?
There are residences on campus and I knew some people who lived there. It is very cheap and you live in a hallway comparable to our starflats. There are also many houselords who rent their apartments to Erasmus, which you can find on Facebook mostly. I lived in a house and would recommend finding a house as it is nice to share a home with other Erasmus.
What is the culture of the country like?
Portuguese culture is gooood, very relaxed and easy going. Main differences are that people are late here, and lunches are a very social activity (which usually takes 2 hours followed by a coffee).
Could you give a general price indication of the place of residence compared to living in Wageningen?
Prices can vary, but are usually cheaper than in NL. Around 250-300 euros is a normal price to pay for a room here.
Could you give some information about public transport infrastructure?
Prices to visit other cities by train are cheap (you can go to Porto for 4 euros, and by bus to Lisbon for 15 euros!) Local busses are always a bit tricky, as they can arrive late or not but that is something you’ll get used to haha! To go to the beach we usually took uber, which is very cheap here if you are with more people! Or there is a bus which takes you there for 3 euros😊. I travelled to university by bike.
6. Free time
What are must-sees in the area?Â
There are a lot of ‘passedicos’ (wooden walking paths) in the nearby area that are definitely worth the visit, also: there is one week in the semester schedule called ‘academic week. This is a free week with 7 days of parties in the university, which many people combined with travelling! Also the Portuguese Islands are very beautiful: Madeira and the Azores.
What does not appear in the travel guide, but is worth a visit?
I would really recommend to rent a car and go do road trips through Portugal, because inland it is beautiful. There are beautiful beaches in the south (if you want to skip the touristic Algarve, go to south of Lisbon you also have beautiful beaches). Also parks such as Geres and Serra da estrela are beautiful.
Do you have general tips and tricks about leisure time?
My favourite restaurant was Taberno do Arco, which is cheap and has very good Portuguese tapas dishes!!
7. Challenges & best moment abroad
What was a challenge you have experienced?
I did not experience a lot of challenges, only the language can be an obstacle a bit as not all Portuguese speak English and Portuguese is a hard language to understand.
What was your best memory abroad?
I used to go swimming in the ocean after doing sports or surfing and this was for sure one of my best memories here! Also the university has these so called ‘Salinas’ (salt extraction lakes) around it, where the view of the sunset is absolutely stunning!
8. Contact Details
Would you like to ask Janne more questions about her exchange?
Send her a mail:Â janne.salverda@wur.nl Â