weitere Erfahrungsberichte für Portugal
Land:
Portugal
Universität:
ISCEM, Lisbon
Semester und Studiengang:
7. Semester Bachelor International Management
Aufenthalt:
wintersemester 2016
Über die Universität:
ISCEM - Instituto superior de comunicacao empresarial (Superior Institute of Business Communication) - is located in Bairro Alto, in the heart and historic centre of Lisbon. It is a very small private university of around 150 students (in total) which offers two different bachelors of which you can choose subjects: Marketing Management and Business Communication.
Usually, the subjects are taught in Portuguese, but the university is adapting to the more and more ERASMUS students, so they offer most courses in English as well. There is no regulation yet how to offer class (Portuguese or English, separate or together), so the initial process was a bit chaotic at the beginning until everything settled down. The subjects are interesting, directed towards Marketing and Communication, but compared to THD standards, you will rather feel like being back at high-school. You will receive the information which courses take place during your exchange semester before you go abroad, so you have time to arrange your learning agreement. On site, you can then choose between two evaluation methods (continuous and by final test), depending on which one better suits your 'lifestyle'. Generally, students take the continuous method, as you will be more in touch with students and professors.
The staff, especially Catarina Machado of the International Office is extremely helpful and welcoming! Just as all the others (professors, concierge, office staff) is so helping and friendly. No matter which problem you have, you can always contact them and be sure that they will help you find a solution. They handle matter with respect and try to solve it as fast as possible. Everyone speaks English (some more, some less), but they love the thought of ERASMUS students speaking (or trying to speak) Portuguese!
Betreuung vor Ort:
As I was the first Erasmus student of the THD to study at ISCEM in Lisbon, things have been a bit chaotic at the beginning. Also, as ISCEM itself is just getting used to receiving many ERASMUS students (which they didn't have some years ago), processes are not yet fully elaborated. Therefore, you do need some organizational skills and have to check if you have all your documents done, but usually you get great support from both universities, the sending and receiving one. Everyone is there to help and answer questions. Summing up, I did all necessary paperwork, before, during and after my stay. Already before going abroad, Catarina Machado of the IO of ISCEM has created a Facebook group, so we ERASMUS students could get to know each other. During a short welcome meeting at the start of the semester, we received all further information.
There is no VISA needed (for German students), as Portugal belongs to the EU. For accommodation, you can either search for local rooms or apartments on your own (which might be more time-consuming and challenging, but could help you save some money regarding the monthly rent), or you can - as most ERASMUS students did - book a room via www.uniplaces.com. There, you can choose the area, type of apartment, monthly cost, etc. The benefit is that you have certain money back policies in case of any unexpected circumstances (read fine-print). You will get the details of your landlord after your booking gets accepted and you can get in touch for further arrangements. The whole system is easy and transparent (just don't book too late, all good rooms will be gone).
During your arrival, check out ELL (Erasmus Life Lisboa) in the ERASMUS corner or ESN (Erasmus Student Network), they will help you with everything necessary during your entire stay.
Tipps:
Unfortunately, our ERASMUS semester did not have a lot of contact with the local/regular Portuguese students. ISCEM is trying to improve this through a buddy programme, nevertheless, I recommend to learn Portuguese and try speak to them (surprisingly, not all of them speak English). You can get in touch in the Portuguese part of the lectures. They are very shy and closed at the beginning and stay in their friend circles, but if you try to mix it up (for example by joining a group work), they are actually really friendly!
I also strongly advise you to take part in the workshop (8 ECTS) instead of taking the typical courses (3 and 6 ECTS). It is a great experience, treats real business cases (in collaboration with companies) and will be a challenging, but fun way of learning!
Before you choose the evaluation method, try to check out your ERASMUS group. Usually, there is only few ERASMUS students in each course (2-8) and there is little choice for group partners. If choosing the continuous evaluation method, you might realise the struggle of different education levels and techniques and face serious communication problems, if you don't have the same objectives. (Some try to achieve good results, others just want to have fun during their exchange semester). This could make you end up with a lot of unnecessary work and even with one or two unpleasant discussions. Even though I do advise to take the continuous evaluation method, chose wisely and weigh your priorities beforehand.
Local people are usually very friendly, Lisbon is a beautiful city and has a lot to offer! As Portugal itself is not a huge country, you have the possibility to travel and explore many places during long weekends. Enjoy and be open for a completely distinct adventure!