Work experience
Universities in Portugal have specific International Relations Units and/or offices dedicated to student placements.
Students interested in carrying out a work placement in Portugal should send their CV and a covering letter to the placement office. This office can help students thanks to connections with associate partner organisations, companies and other organisations who offer placement opportunities.
In addition, there are private organisations which offer placement opportunities to students and researchers. Usually, these organisations require students to take a preparatory language course which helps them to prepare for working in Portugal.
Private agencies provide information and assistance throughout and a tutor will give you advice in order to solve any problems that might occur during the placement. These organisations also guarantee a job interview, but not to a job. The result depends on previous experience, language skills of the student and on company needs at the time.
Users of these services are expected to pay a fee in two instalments, a first payment, and once the organisation has accepted t request of the participants, they should make the final payment.
- For useful information: http://www.studyglobal.net/learn-Portuguese-portugal.htm
- List of the main universities in Portugal: http://www.studyineurope.eu/study-in-portugal/higher-education-institutions/
Internship and Placement advice
There are several practical issues related to internship and placement you should need to know. It’s very important you are aware about the formalities necessary before leaving such as Visa rules, social security, arrangements.
Social security and European health insurance
EU citizens and students from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, can benefit from free medical and hospital care during their stay in Portugal by presenting their European Health Card.
Third Country citizens must have medical insurance or other special medical cover/arrangements for the duration of their stay in Portugal. If they have been residing in Portugal for more than 90 days they may wish to apply for the National Health Service Card (Cartão do Utente do SNS). The card allows access to the Portuguese Public Health Service which is free of charge and can be obtained from local Health Centres (Centros de Saúde).
For further information: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/work_in_portugal.htm
Safety
Walking alone at night in particular areas of large cities, might be dangerous, so it’s important to bear this in mind when looking for a flat.
Recently, strikes and public protests against the government have increased as a result of austerity measures. Travellers should therefore try to avoid areas where these public protests are taking place.
In the event of an emergency the number to call is 112 but there are also other numbers for specific emergencies.
- Emergency numbers: http://ec.europa.eu/digital-agenda/en/112-portugal
- For further information: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1002.html#safety
Do I need a visa?
Portugal is part of the Schengen Area, hence, EU citizens and those of Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway andSwitzerland need only an identity card in order to enter the country. For stays of up to 90 days, visitors from non EU countries such Argentina, Australia, Brazil, United States, Canada and others (view the complete list from the reference below) need only a Passport. Otherwise citizens from countries not listed above will need a VISA to enter Portugal. You can request visas at any Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in your country.
http://europa.eu/travel/doc/index_en.htm
Internship and placement salary
Private organisations offer information and help to match placement opportunities to students. Their programmes allow students to find a paid work placement or to participate in unpaid internships.
Some programmes that include paid jobs combine a language course (usually 3 weeks minimum) in the main cities, with a job placement. Participants will receive between 200-400 Euros depending on the company and the previous work experience of the students. This amount should cover basic expenses. Nowadays however, placements are not usually paid.
Internship and placement accommodation
Many universities offer accommodation in Student Residences which are usually located around the city/town. Housing facilities are not always integrated into Campuses. Although the cheapest option is to stay in university residences, it’s possible to rent a room sharing a flat with other students. Prices vary depending on the city and the area; the range in 2013 was from- €150 to €300.
Older Portuguese people u often offer to rent out a room in their own house, so if you don’t want this kind of accommodation you should look for flats without landlord (‘sem senhorio’).