Programdetaljer
| Program | Start | Slut | Pris | Ålder vid ankomst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skolprogram, avresa höst (juli-sep) | 10 sep 2010 | 24 jun 2011 | 65,000 kr | 15 - 18 år |
STUDYING IN PORTUGAL
Portugal, one of the oldest countries of Europe, established its independence in the 12th century. Portuguese seafarers soon became pioneers of exploration. Starting in the 14th century, they were the first modern Europeans to seek out overseas territories and to found colonies for trade and settlement in Africa, the Far East and the farther reaches of South America. Today, Portugal displays its stable and prosperous economy in up-to-the-minute cities, where glass-and-steel offices rise next to buildings in century-old art nouveau and even older Manueline architecture. Manueline is a Portuguese 16th-century style that combines twisting, sinuous Moorish lines with ornamental symbols of the sea, signs of how an economy once dependent on fishing influenced even the country’s art. The Portuguese nowadays are worldly, easy-going and friendly, though with a national streak of melancholy made evident in the popularity of sad songs known as fado. In rural communities, ancient castles have been turned into inns and hotels, but modernization in the countryside is sometimes less dynamic than in Portuguese cities. Some farmers, in fact, still haul produce to market in ox-carts.
School
School is probably the best place to meet people and make friends during your stay in Portugal. AFS students are placed in public high schools with classmates their age. Based on your interests and academic achievements back home, you will be placed on one of the following subject tracks: sciences, humanities, arts or social-economic sciences. General subjects such as Portuguese, French, English, math, physics and philosophy are also available, and some may be compulsory.
LIVING IN PORTUGAL
Lifestyle and Family Living
The Portuguese are open, friendly and hospitable to people of other nations. Because people and relationships are more important than time, punctuality is not always stressed. This is changing, however, particularly in urban areas. Portugal is an open, liberal society, and contrary to popular belief, families are not very religious, though some go to church on Sunday. On weekends, a lot of time is spent with relatives. Everybody greets each other by kissing both cheeks, from left to right (though there are exceptions; for instance, teachers are not greeted this way).
Dress and Appearance
In general, it is best to bring casual clothes such as jeans, T-shirts, slacks and skirts. Students are encouraged to bring one or two nice outfits for special occasions (dress shirts and ties for boys, dresses for girls). Because most Portuguese homes are not centrally heated, you should bring sweaters and socks and a warm coat for the winter months.
