How it all started…
My name is Maria, I’m a student coming from Greece and I’m 21 years old. My Erasmus journey started when I was in the first semester of my third year at university. The main reason that I wanted to go study abroad was because I wanted a chance to try something new and also create an extremely memorable and unique chapter in my life. That’s how Porto entered the picture and out of nowhere became the best part of my studies.
Why I chose Portugal
Out of all the countries I could choose, somehow my gut told me to choose Portugal and especially Porto, the second largest city after Lisbon. One reason that made me choose this city was because Porto was very similar to my hometown, with all of these golden beaches and picturesque landscapes. The worldwide recognised universities and the high-quality study programmes that Porto offered were also something that didn’t go unnoticed by me.
Another important thing that led me to Porto, was the affordable cost of living. Portugal is one of the cheapest countries you can find if you want to study in Europe and Porto offers you an interesting lifestyle even if you have a low budget. What’s better than spending less and living more after all?
The beginning of the journey
After many stressful months, I finally got accepted into Universidade da Maia. I was overwhelmed with excitement but also was so anxious about everything that was going to follow, attending a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a new big adventure into the unknown.
I took a last glance at my beloved country as I heard that it was time to board my plane and I whispered: ‘See you again in six months, may this journey change my whole life and fill me with the best memories’.
Next destination: Porto, Portugal
All of my fears and the things that held me back vanished magically as the plane landed and all I could think about was that the dream, which I had since the first day I attended university, was finally becoming reality.
Once I got out of my plane, I started wandering around. I was so curious about the city that I was going to call my home for the next six months, that I wanted to learn everything about Porto. From where my university was located, to every single shop, museum, bar, library and all of the things that this city had to offer me.
Another thing that I was thrilled about was the place that I was going to stay at. It was going to be the first time that I got to live with eight different people from around the world in one house, but it was part of the experience and I didn’t think bad of it. And oh, I was so right about it, because I made wonderful friendships!
New beginnings
This whole new environment was not a big deal for me as I’m a very sociable and convenient person. The only bad time I can recall, besides the end of the programme, was the first week of my adaptation, due to the cultural shock I went through. I found many things strange but at the end of the day, all of it was part of the process.
Leaving this behind me, every day was a miracle. Do you know how wonderful it is to explore something new every day you open your eyes in the morning? To make lots of new friends and form such incredible and strong bonds with everyone and learn so much information, stories and myths about their countries and their everyday lives there. To visit other places that were nearby, such as Madeira island, and do so many fun activities such as hiking, watching the sunrise, coming in touch with the mythical Atlantic Ocean, being under the massive waterfalls, doing karaoke all together and many more.
Having experienced all of these things, my opinion and the way I saw things until the time I was in Greece changed dramatically. I found myself being more open-minded and I now face my problems from a new angle. For an extrovert like me who gets bored in a second, these occasions that changed all the time were heaven for my soul.
The following months
Except for the high life, I had made clear to myself that I had to pass all of my courses at university, but also never miss any fiesta that happened in the country. And you know what? I did it. I called this plan ‘How to have fun in Porto and not cry in Greece after’, which worked just perfectly.
The months that followed were full of parties, surprises, activities, new exciting sports, such as surfing, trips, cool people and always big smiles. Through it all, the best part was the people I met there, my friends, the people I can now call family. Starting with my roommates, the first people I met, my ESN family, my Greek/international group and all my friends we danced with, travelled with, played with and lived all these moments with. They made my Erasmus an unforgettable experience.
From all over the world I met these people this exact semester. They became my family, my support, my buddies, my sisters, my brothers, my roommates, my classmates, my people. With some of them, we share the same country, with some we don’t. With some of them, we share the same culture, with some we don’t. We are all different, but we are all still unique!
Obrigada, Porto!
To sum up, Erasmus was an unforgettable experience that I definitely recommend to everyone who wants to make these kinds of memories and experiences that last for a lifetime.
The real treasure of Erasmus is your people, because you create a bond that is never going to be lost, no matter how many kilometres separate you from the memories and the country.
My people and I wrote a story in Porto only for us… Maybe we have put the full stop, but the end of the story hasn't been written yet.
Only blessed for this journey.
Obrigada, Porto!
