Exchange Report

I started preparing for my exchange already several months in advance by first completing all required application documents and informed myself about the courses and academic requirements at Universidade Católica Portuguesa. I also researched public transportation, the cost of living, and useful information about life in Lisbon for example the best neighborhoods to live in and where to find a room in a shared apartment. For my journey to the partner university, I chose to travel by plane from Vienna to Lisbon, as it was the most convenient and time-efficient option. I recommend booking the flight as prices tend to increase closer to the semester start.

My accommodation search was unfortunately quite challenging. I started looking for housing very early and initially booked a room in a shared apartment through the platform Uniplaces. However, the booking was cancelled without a clear reason only a few weeks later. During my stay in Lisbon, I had to move several times. In my first apartment, there were serious issues with mould and water damage, which were not adequately addressed by the landlord. After moving to a second apartment, I unfortunately had to move again due to further housing-related problems. Overall, the accommodation situation was one of the most stressful aspects of my exchange experience. Since the end of March, I have been living in a private shared apartment with a friend from Hamburg near Praça das Flores in Principe Real. I feel very safe in this area and enjoy living there. The neighbourhood is pleasant, offers many cafés and restaurants, and has a good atmosphere. The commute to the university takes approximately 35 minutes by public transport. Looking back, I would recommend investing a little more money from the beginning to secure a reliable and high-quality accommodation. I would also advise students to be persistent when dealing with landlords or agencies and not to ignore issues such as mould, water damage, or other housing problems. Addressing these issues early can save a lot of stress later on.

The campus of Universidade Católica Portuguesa is significantly smaller than the WU campus, which makes it very easy to navigate. Everything is located within a compact area, and the layout is logical and straightforward. It only takes a short time to find classrooms, study spaces, or administrative offices. Overall, I enjoyed the academic experience at Católica much more than at WU Vienna. The teaching style is more interactive and personal, and the professors are highly competent. Most of them speak excellent English and bring interesting professional and international backgrounds into their courses, which enriches the learning experience considerably. One of the biggest differences compared to WU is the class size. Classes are much smaller, which creates a more engaging learning environment. I had the impression that professors genuinely care about their students and are passionate about the subjects they teach. As a result, the atmosphere feels much more personal and supportive than at a larger university. Courses are generally shorter than at WU, usually lasting around one and a half hours per session. Despite the shorter duration, the academic level remains high. The courses are challenging enough to ensure that students learn a great deal without being overwhelmingly difficult. In terms of course recommendations, I particularly enjoyed International Relations and Business Analysis and Evaluation. Both courses were well-structured, academically stimulating, and taught by excellent professors. Overall, I was very satisfied with the academic environment and would highly recommend Universidade Católica Portuguesa to future exchange students.

Lisbon offers an excellent quality of life and a wide range of opportunities for students. Public transportation is generally very good, and students under the age of 23 can apply for the free “Sub23” transport card, which allows unlimited use of public transportation in the Lisbon area. However, the application process can be quite challenging, as it requires obtaining a Portuguese tax number (NIF). The entire process is rather bureaucratic, time-consuming, and not always well structured. Regarding safety, I felt very safe during my exchange. At the beginning of the semester, especially in January and February, I felt slightly less comfortable because the weather was often dark and rainy and I was still unfamiliar with the city. As I became more familiar with Lisbon, this feeling disappeared completely. In the area where I currently live, I feel very safe, even when walking home at night. The social life in Lisbon is one of the highlights of the exchange experience. The city is very vibrant, and people spend a lot of time outdoors, in cafés, bars, parks, and public spaces. There is always something happening, especially on weekends, and students can easily find activities and events that match their interests. Lisbon offers a great variety of sports and leisure activities. Popular options include padel, tennis, running clubs, surfing, and many other outdoor activities. I personally joined a running club and used Urban Sports Club, which offers access to a wide range of sports classes and events. In addition to sports, there are countless cultural events, concerts, exhibitions, and festivals throughout the semester. Overall, I found everyday life in Lisbon extremely enjoyable, and it was very easy to build a social network and stay active throughout the exchange.

My exchange in Lisbon was one of the most enriching experiences of my life. The countless spontaneous beach days, breathtaking sunsets, and surf sessions made everyday life feel like a completely different world compared to Vienna. What made Lisbon especially unique was the outgoing atmosphere of the Portuguese people, who spend a lot of time outdoors and create a vibrant social environment. At the same time, the city has remained authentic, down-to-earth, and welcoming, which made me feel at home from the very beginning.