When people talk about studying abroad, there are a number of places that people seem to default to, such as France or Spain. A few go the opposite way and suggest exotic destinations that come with a long list of reasons not to study there. Ironically, they overlook the unusual destinations just on their doorstep. Here are four reasons you should consider studying abroad in Portugal.
It is Affordable
Portugal is much more affordable than most of Western Europe. If you don’t think you can afford to study abroad, look at the costs to study in Portugal. Lisbon is one of the most affordable big cities in the E.U. You can even find luxury student accommodation Portugal at a lower cost than some mid-grade services in other places in the EU. Companies like Collegiate offer full apartments and studios close to the major universities, providing all-inclusive packages and modern amenities.
Tuition and fees are relatively cheap, too, especially English-taught programs. On top of that, the food and drink are both affordable and amazing.
It Has Several World Class Universities
Portugal has a number of world-class universities. They don’t just say so – they’re in world rankings. The University of Lisbon offers just about every class you’d want to take. The Universidade Nova de Lisboa emphasises the social sciences and humanities; they were ranked among the world’s top 50 universities under fifty by QS. The University of Minho is stronger in the sciences and engineering. The University of Porto or FAUP has been a top architecture school for years. The Universidade Catolica Portugesa or UCP has a top-notch master’s degree in management.
The Relatively Uncrowded Beaches Are Spectacular
If you love the ocean, Portugal seems like a fantasy. It has over 700 miles of coastline, and nowhere in the country is very far from the beach. You can find beautiful cliff side towns and sandy beaches with a fraction of the tourists of Spain or Greece. It also helps to know that Portugal is cheaper than Greece, so you can enjoy activities and water sports such as bodyboarding and scuba diving at a cheaper price compared to that of other European countries.
A side benefit of Portugal is the great weather. There are maybe a hundred rainy days a year here, and the weather is always comfortable.
The Linguistic Paradox Prepares You for the World at Large
Portuguese is similar to both Italian and Spanish. Become fluent in Portuguese, and you’ll be able to get by in both Italian and Spanish. If you know either of those languages, you’ll pick up Portuguese quickly and gain the ability to put yet another language on your CV.
Portuguese is a global language and the sixth most spoken language in the world. Learning the language will make you a logical candidate for business opportunities in some of the fastest growing economies in the world like Brazil and Angola.
If you aren’t familiar with Portuguese and have already earned a bachelor’s degree, don’t worry. Most of their master’s programmes are taught in English, so you could immerse yourself in a foreign culture while continuing your education in your native language.
Portugal is truly a hidden gem for anyone looking for a world class education and to expand their horizons. This is an excellent opportunity to explore, whether you want to learn about the local language and culture or to spend a year abroad with money left over to enjoy weekends on a Mediterranean beach.