Since February 2023, two second-year students of the V.V. Popovskyy ICE Department (125 Cybersecurity) have been studying at the University of Coimbra (Portugal) under the international academic mobility program Erasmus+ KA107. They decided to share with us their experience of studying at the ancient University of Coimbra and the various activities they participated in during their stay in this wonderful country.

Good afternoon! We are Kyrylo Zavadskyi and Danylo Bielikov!

Arrival and preparation

Our trip started with processing a student visa and health insurance, which took about two months. Therefore, we recommend that you start the application process early. We arrived in Coimbra on February 6, full of excitement and anticipation for our academic adventure. We met with our Portuguese coordinator, who provided us with the necessary documents and valuable information about life in Portugal.

Accommodation and daily life

Despite the fact that we applied for hostel accommodations two months before our arrival, we were told that there were no available rooms. So we had to search for housing through local rental services, staying in different hostels during the week. We recommend that prospective exchange students monitor rental sites before they travel and learn a few basic phrases in the local language to make it easier to communicate with landlords and locals. We found that only a small percentage of Portuguese speak English, which proved to be a challenge. As for food, the University of Coimbra has several dining halls throughout the city offering affordable and delicious breakfasts and dinners.

Academic Experience

The subjects taught at the University of Coimbra were Computational Methods in Electrical Engineering, Computer Networks, Planning and Control Methods, and Portuguese. Although the instructors mostly read the material in Portuguese, they were happy to provide additional help in English when needed. The courses were divided into lectures and laboratory work, and the grading and teaching systems were very similar to those used at our home university. The classes needed strength, attention, and effort, but were useful, interesting, and informative. We are grateful to NURE and the V.V. Popovskyy ICE Department for the opportunity to try a different educational format.

Extracurricular activities

We actively participated in various activities for Erasmus students, the most recent of which was an exciting paintball game. This incredible experience allowed us to meet new people and strengthen our relationships with other students. In addition, we took advantage of the affordable prices in Portugal to visit several famous cities such as Lisbon, Porto, and Figueira de Foz. These trips gave us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the local culture, customs and traditions. We were especially fascinated by Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. Located along the banks of the Tagus River and known as the "City of Seven Hills," Lisbon organically combines historical charm and modern vibrancy. Its diverse neighborhoods, attractions, vibrant nightlife and delicious cuisine make it a unique destination for travelers from around the world.

Conclusion

All in all, our experience in the Erasmus+ KA107 - International Credit Mobility (ICM) academic exchange program in 0713 Electrical Engineering at the University of Coimbra was truly unforgettable. We gained invaluable academic knowledge and practical skills, improved our language and socio-cultural competencies, and bonded with strong friendships and connections. We believe that this program contributes to the development of a more interconnected and aware global community. We are grateful for this life-changing opportunity and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking to expand their academic and personal horizons.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/T3K4MFt-Fsg