Erasmus Exchange Programmes

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When I decided to apply for an exchange place in Portugal to study Management, I knew very little about the country although I had been studying Portuguese at Southampton University for a year. I had met Portuguese students who were on similar Erasmus exchange programmes and had naturally talked about the differences between England and Portugal, but I cannot say that I was fully prepared.

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As soon as I arrived I noticed things were a bit different. The Portuguese friend who picked me up took me to a terrace for a “bica” and asked me whether I was hungry. I looked at my watch. It was 4pm. I started asking myself: “When did I have lunch? Was this the right time to eat something?” He started laughing and asked, “Why do you check your watch when I ask if you’re hungry?” Then I realised that the Portuguese don’t live by the minute. Take your time, is their motto, especially when it concerns food. I had never seen business people having a three-course lunch with wine before! At home in England we take a 30-minute lunch break and eat a sandwich or something light.

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Social contacts seem to be very important too. At the University in Lisbon one cannot walk without stopping every ten metres to have a chat with someone. Sitting on the “esplanada” all afternoon, talking a lot and saying nothing seems to be a national sport. Students love complaining about everything too, like the bad food in the canteen or the fees they pay.

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I was also surprised by the way classes are run. Students miss so many classes and are allowed to arrive late, whereas in my university we all have to be in the room when the class starts. If we are more than 5 minutes late, we are not allowed in. It’s interesting to see that the teachers speak while the students listen and take notes. There is hardly any discussion or interaction. At home in England students are encouraged to have strong opinions and to show them in class.

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I shall be staying in Portugal for a whole semester, and I will be going home just after the exams. I am not saying that I am not having a good time – don’t get that idea; I have enjoyed the weather, made new friends, and learnt a lot since I arrived. It just takes a while to get used to different ways of doing things.