• Portugal: A Top Study Destination in Europe

Choosing a study abroad program can be challenging, but international students considering studying in Europe should consider Portugal. Situated in southern Europe on the Atlantic Ocean and bordering Spain, Portugal has a unique culture that is influenced by the ocean. Here are some reasons why Portugal is an excellent study abroad destination:

• The excellent universities

Portugal has many universities with excellent track records and reputations. For example, the Universidade NOVA de Lisboa is ranked in the QS ranking of the world’s top 50 universities under 50 years old. The Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP) offers a world-class Masters in Management program, and the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Porto (FAUP) is a leading European architecture school.

• The low cost of living

Portugal is the cheapest country in Western Europe, and Lisbon is one of the cheapest big cities in Europe. This means that students can live comfortably even if they are on a tight budget.

• Portugal welcomes international students with open arms

The Portuguese are known for being hospitable, and international students are warmly received by the locals. Regardless of whether students are tourists, workers, Erasmus students, or postgraduate researchers, they are treated as welcome guests.

• It’s a small country, and proud of it!

Portugal’s size has its advantages. The beach is always nearby, with some beaches only 20-30 minutes away from cities like Porto or Lisbon. Students can easily visit any city in the country for a day trip and be back in time for school the next day. They can also explore the country more thoroughly on a weekend.

• Learn Portuguese – a global language

Portugal is one of the few countries in Europe where people make an effort to understand others, whether they speak to them in English, Spanish, or even Russian. Studying in Portugal provides an opportunity for students to learn some basic Portuguese, which can be useful in building connections with people in South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

• The weather!

Portugal receives around 90 rainy days across the country most years, with regions in the south, like Alentejo and the Algarve, having over 300 sunny days every year. The weather is perfect for enjoying the beach or exploring the country’s many historic and cultural sites.

Overall, Portugal is an excellent study abroad destination for international students looking for a unique cultural experience, excellent universities, low living costs, warm hospitality, a small but diverse country, an opportunity to learn a new language, and a sunny climate.

• Universidade Europeia, Lisboa, Portugal
• And more coming soon…