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Porto: Erasmus Destination of the Year
Porto, renowned for its traditional mosaic pavements and cobbled streets, its fortified wine (a veritable nectar of the gods) and its warm hospitality, was recently honoured as ‘Erasmus Destination of the Year 2024’ by the Erasmus Student Network (ESN). This accolade celebrates Porto as one of the most attractive and inspirational destinations for international students. This distinction is no mere coincidence, however; it reflects an incredible journey of growth and openness to the world, intimately tied to the exponential rise in the number of Erasmus+ students at the University of Porto.
A journey through time
Remember 2001, when Porto was named the European Capital of Culture? Maybe you don't. That's okay. But keep it in mind, as it was an important milestone in this journey. It was at this point that the city's more ’industrial’ side was transformed into a multicultural hub of arts, entertainment, creativity and glamour.
In 2002, the city once again shone as the setting for the 14th EAIE Annual Conference. European academics and professionals filled the traditional Ferreira Borges Market, which is today the dynamic Hard Club, one of the city’s main concert halls. It was, without a shadow of a doubt. an event with style!
In 2004, the city was abuzz with the European Football Championship, and FC Porto’s team, in what seemed like a fairy tale, raised the Champions League trophy filling Porto’s hearts with pride. Shortly afterwards, the city’s airport began operating low-cost flights, a turning point in Porto’s accessibility. Unsurprisingly, the enchanting Invicta (meaning unvanquished) city, full of history, lore, idyllic nooks and crannies, and cultural events, gained greater visibility. This period marked the beginning of a boom that catapulted Porto to the status of a vibrant, cosmopolitan city.
More recently, Porto has experienced a tourism renaissance, attracting visitors from all over the world with its unique blend of history, culture and modernism. The real estate sector has also kept pace with this growth, experiencing a significant rise in the demand for property and the supply of accommodation, including university residence halls with highly differentiated services for students.
Portugal currently accounts for around 7% of all Erasmus+ mobilities in Europe, and the University of Porto accounts for more than 12% on average of all Erasmus+ flows in the country.
The role of the University of Porto
Alongside the city’s development, the University of Porto has also played a fundamental role in the consolidation and growth of the Erasmus+ Programme for over 30 years.
‘The adventure begins!’ is the motto for welcoming the more than 1,000 students who choose the University of Porto every year for their life-changing Erasmus+ experience. In fact, Portugal currently accounts for around 7% of all Erasmus+ mobilities in Europe, and the University of Porto accounts for more than 12% on average of all Erasmus+ flows in the country.
One of the main partners on this journey has been ESN Porto. Over a decade ago, the University of Porto created the UP Grant, an annual financial subsidy that ensures the quality and variety of soft-landing activities for Erasmus+ students. In addition, active participation in prominent European networks, such as the European Association for International Education (EAIE) and the European University Foundation (EUF), means that the University of Porto has played a key institutional role in the betterment of the Erasmus+ student experience.
The University of Porto provides its students with access to a wide range of socio-cultural experiences, offering spaces for study, discovery and wellbeing such as e-learning cafés, the Proto Botanical Gardens, the Biodiversity Gallery and its Sports Centre, enriching students’ lives both on and off campus. Highlights include innovative projects such as the Porto Cultural Corridor, launched by the University of Porto during the Portuguese Presidency of the European Union (2021). This initiative aims to promote a university culture that is both artistic and scientific, providing students with privileged access to museums, concert halls and theatres, and whose ultimate goal is to evolve into a European cultural corridor. Special attention was paid to Erasmus+ students, with an attempt to pilot admissions to the corridor with their European student card. One could even joke that the University of Porto is providing a pipeline from ‘Erasmus without Paper to Culture without Borders’!
Porto: An experience for all the senses
Erasmus+ students in Porto are able to experience a city that, despite its growth and modernisation, retains an indelible and distinctive identity. They can explore historic neighbourhoods such as Ribeira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where colourful houses line the banks of the Douro River, or get lost in its narrow downtown streets, where every turn hides a new café, bookshop or crafts shop.
For art lovers, the Serralves Museum offers an impressive collection of contemporary art, and the Palácio de Cristal Gardens offer breath-taking views over the city and the river. At night, Galerias de Paris becomes a vibrant meeting point for those who want to experience Porto’s nightlife.
And then, who can resist a walk along the seafront, a visit to the iconic Port Wine Cellars and watching the sunset from Jardim do Morro? Porto is a must for lovers of fine living!
On that note, we can't forget to mention Porto's renowned culinary culture. From the popular Francesinha, a sandwich stuffed with various meats and topped cheese and with a special beer and tomato sauce, to the fresh fish and seafood dishes served in the local taverns, the city offers an authentic journey of local flavours.
A success story and a promising future
Two decades on from the events that drove the city’s development, Porto has been recognised by students as the ‘Erasmus Destination of the Year’. This honour bears witness to the hard work and strategic vision of the city and its higher education institutions, especially the University of Porto, in fostering a welcoming and stimulating environment for international students.
As we look to the future, the city continues to grow and evolve while remaining true to its essence. Porto, with its combination of historical, cultural and academic heritage, is well-placed to continue as a destination of choice for students worldwide.
In my opinion, the secret to Porto being the ‘Erasmus Destination of the Year 2024’ is rooted in the ability of the University of Porto and other HEIs, local authorities, ESN Porto, stakeholders and decision-makers to join forces and create synergies, envisioning together the city’s future.
