Portugal is often overlooked in favour of their big neighbour, Spain, or other hotter destinations in the EU, yet there are a number of reasons to hit Portugal instead of Spain or another country when you decide to study abroad. Many people have been taking notes, and are considering the country because of the many benefits it offers. The country has also been making strides to attract students from all over the world and improve its institutions. Here are 5 reasons you should consider studying in Portugal.Â
The Low Cost of Living
One point in favour of Portugal is the cost of living. Portugal is one of the most affordable countries in Europe, and Lisbon is one of the cheapest big cities in Europe. You can live there for less than a thousand Euros a month, especially in smaller cities. Better yet, you could afford to live in luxury accommodation when staying in Portugal.
Services like Collegiate, for instance, offer luxury student accommodation In Lisbon. You can stay in a safe, well-appointed luxury apartment building. They offer amenities like a fitness suite and on-site cinema. Their fully inclusive rates simplify your finances. Their concierge services can help you when you need assistance, whether getting food or over the counter medications.
The World Class Institutions
The University of Lisbon is world-renowned. The Universidade Nova de Lisboa is famous for its humanities program. The University of Minho is well-known for its architecture, engineering, and science programs. Universidade Católica Portuguesa has a first-class management program. The Faculty of Architecture of the University of Porto is one of the top architecture programmes in the world. Most bachelor’s degrees are taught in Portuguese, but many master’s programmes are taught in English. This means you might be able to afford to earn a master’s degree in Portugal from a top tier university.
The Benefits of Learning Portuguese
There are a number of benefits to living in Portugal, and perhaps the greatest one is learning Portuguese. If you already know Spanish or Italian, you’ll have a head start in learning this language. Then there’s the fact that Portuguese is one of the top languages in the world. It is spoken in Brazil, one of the fastest growing economies in the world, as well as several other South American and African countries like Angola. Being able to say you are fluent in the sixth most spoken language in the world will definitely enhance your resume.
The Welcoming People
Another reason to consider visiting Portugal is the welcoming culture. Locals are hospitable to foreigners, whereas some countries treat visitors with hostility. If you’re struggling to speak Portuguese, locals will be eager to help you. You could be welcomed into people’s homes who are happy to host a visitor.
The Recreational Opportunities
While you’re going to Portugal to study, one benefit of Portugal is that even inland towns are a short drive from the beach. The sunny weather and temperate climate mean you can hit the beach year-round. Another point in favour of Portugal is its active water sports scene. You could go kayaking, snorkelling, swimming or surfing off almost any beach. If that doesn’t interest you, you can go hiking or mountain biking.
Then there’s the food scene. Portugal’s tapas have taken the rest of the world by storm. However, there is much more to their cuisine than that. Just know that Portuguese food is heavy on fish and eggs, so it can be hard to make it here if you’re vegan.
Studying in Portugal is a great way to advance your education. It will also improve your long-term career prospects. So, make sure that you consider the option and learn everything there is to know about studying in the country as an expat before you make the jump.