Field of study in Wageningen: Plant Sciences
Study period exchange: 13/02/2023 – 03/07/2023
Country (exchange): Portugal
City (exchange): Lisbon
University (exchange): University of Lisbon
Faculty (exchange): Instituto Superior de Agronomia
2. Motivation for exchange
Why did you choose to go on study exchange?
Various reasons. First of all, the possibility to study/live abroad is never more accessible than with an Erasmus. You receive some financial compensation, the universities help you with finding the necessities and there are other students who do the same so you also meet a lot of people with the same intention. This plus my international working urge motivated me to do an Erasmus.
What is the reason you chose for this country/university?
Some of the courses, but especially the weather conditions and the country itself with its culture and traditions.
3. Accessibility to reach destination
Do you have any tips to reach your exchange destination?
I travelled by airplane as the bus took 36+ hours. However, I had some friends who travelled by bus, so it is possible. Book early, then it is cheap.
4. University and studying
Could you provide some general information about the followed courses?
How is the study formalized?
Work load is pretty low during the first months, then everything needs to be handed in the last weeks. Enough time to relax and study. Provided material is also fine, however they don’t use a organised website to put the documents on (like Brightspace), so some teachers mess up(they use some other website, hard to work through). However, it is still good enough.
What is the culture of the university?
The culture is fantastic, you are welcomed in an exchange group and they have every week small parties at the university. If you don’t have any nerves, getting to know the local students can be possible.
What does the university offer the student additionally?
You can buy lunch for 2,80. Very low price and traditional Portuguese food. Really easy and pretty ok. I would recommend eating there. Sports was possible, but I recommend you doing it elsewhere.
5. Housing-travelling-living
What are the possibilities for housing?
You can find rooms by contacting the university. No rooms available on campus, but nearby is possible in the neighbourhood Alcantara. You pay 400-500 a month. Sometimes you are lucky sometimes you are not.
What is the culture of the country like?
I would recommend the Prego, Bifana and Bitoque. Classic meat recipes. For fish bacalhao and sardines. Vegetarian options are there, but it is a hard life (sadly).
Could you give a general price indication of the place of residence compared to living in Wageningen?
400-500. Sometimes 350, sometimes 550. In Portugal they are allowed to rent rooms without any windows, so prepare yourself for this and ask for pictures. The windows can also open to the hall way, so be careful.
Could you give some information about public transport infrastructure?
30 euro per month <24, otherwise 40 euro. Taxi is very cheap, perfect for going out. Busses and trams do have a time schedule, but are not trustworthy. Only train is on time. But you have to deal with it, bit of the culture. In the end I liked it.
6. Free time
What are must-sees in the area?
Sintra, Caparica and Sesimbra. For a cheap camper trip: RoadCampers was perfect.
Do you have general tips and tricks about leisure time?
I would recommend O Lutador, best Prego in Lisbon.
7. Challenges & best moment abroad
What was a challenge you have experienced?
It is all fun, trust me. Just do it and go for Lisbon, I had such a good time.
What was your best memory abroad?
Camper trips + wild camping. Also Madeira is surely worth a visit.
