FACULTY OF ENGINEERING University of Porto
WHO WE ARE WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU STUDY PROGRAMMES WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US TECHNOLOGIES AND SPIN-OFFS FIVE REASONS TO STUDY AT FEUP UNIVERSITY OF PORTO PORTO PORTUGAL
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FACULTY OF ENGINEERING -UNIVERSITY OF PORTO WHO WE ARE
A FACULTY OF INTERNATIONAL REPUTE Excellence. Innovation. Entrepreneurship. Qualities that make the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP) a faculty of repute in Portugal and abroad. Founded in 1926, FEUP is one of 14 faculties at the University of Porto. With its roots in the Polytechnic Academy, created in 1837, it is the largest university in Portugal and an internationally renowned institution. The faculty aims to be one of the 100 best faculties in the world by 2020, so it participates in the Bologna Process. This initiative was set up to increase staff and student mobility, simplify and improve the mutual recognition of qualifications and enhance the attractiveness of the European Higher Education Area as an international study destination. FEUP works closely with several respected institutions such as the European Space Agency (ESA), IBM, Microsoft and the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). It also teams up with research universities such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the University of Texas at
Austin (UTA) and the Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). This close collaboration has allowed FEUP to reform and modernise its educational programmes. These programmes consider not only the needs of the many stakeholders in Portugal and abroad, but also the framework of institutions such as the European Federation of National Engineering Associations (FEANI), the Council of Associations of Long Cycle Engineers of University or Higher School of Engineering of the European Union (CLAIU) and the Conference of European Schools for Advanced Engineering Education and Research (CESAER). High quality R&D is carried out at FEUP due to the excellence of its several research units and their strong international partnerships. Consequently, FEUP has taken itself into the 21st century by ensuring its students will be able to design, develop, implement and operate complex systems, generate added value in a context of environmental sustainability and follow social and professional ethical principles.
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WHO WE ARE
ACADEMIC COMMUNITY
ACADEMIC YEAR
Full-time teaching - 552 FTE Researchers - 30 Doctorate Professors + Researchers - 89,2% Non-academic staff - 330 FTE Undergraduate students - 5996 Master and PhD students (2nd and 3rd cycle) - 1178
The academic year at the Faculty of Engineering is divided into two semesters: the first semester runs from September to February (including exams) and the second semester runs from February to July (including exams). There are breaks for the Christmas and Easter holidays.
SCIENTIFIC PRODUCTION
Campus area: 93,918 m2 Green areas: 23,000 m2 Teaching labs: 79 Classrooms equipped with multimedia: 122
INFRASTRUCTURE DIMENSION 650 Publications indexed to the ISI Web of Science* 76 Patents and brands 19 Spin-offs
GRADUATES’ EMPLOYMENT
SOCIAL AND CULTURAL LIFE
36,83% before graduation 60,32% < 2 months 80,32% < 6 months
Student associations and groups (currently 17) Sports activities like football, handball, aerobics, hockey, swimming, etc. Cultural events such as jazz and classical music concerts, cinema, theatre, tango and painting workshops Seminars, conferences and exhibitions Yoga classes Voluntary projects in which to participate
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Incoming mobility students - more than 200/year Outgoing mobility students - more than 250/year Master degree students - around 200/year PhD degree students - more than 100/year From: 1,4% Central America, 1,4% North America, 33,6% South America, 18,2% Africa, 18,4% Europe, 27% Asia
SOURCES OF FINANCING Income: €30,39 M€
* Provisory data 6 . FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU KNOWLEDGE INTO THE FUTURE You can obtain much more than just a degree at FEUP. You can also obtain academic knowledge, R&D familiarity and cultural awareness. This combination will mean you can conceive, design and implement advanced and complex engineering solutions and generate added value. FEUP is divided into nine departments: “Mechanical Engineering”, “Civil Engineering”, “Metallurgical and Materials Engineering”, “Physics Engineering”, “Electrical and Computer Engineering”, “Mining Engineering”, “Chemical Engineering”, “Industrial Engineering and Management” and “Informatics Engineering”. FEUP works closely with a wide range of R&D Units and Interface Institutes, generating multidisciplinary projects across a spectrum of scientific areas: Aerospace Artificial Intelligence Atmospheric Flows Automation Biomaterials Biomedical Signal and Image Biotechnology Concrete Technology Construction Studies Control Distributed Systems Data Mining Electroacoustics Energy Environment Earth Sciences Catalytic Technologies Chemical Processes Chemical Reactions Fluid Mechanics Hydraulics Information and Communication Metallic Materials Metallurgy Manufacturing Systems Molecular and Cell Biology
Nanomaterials Optoelectronics Power Systems Robotics Separation Processes Speech Processing Structural Behaviour Systems Telecommunications and Multimedia Territory Thermodynamic Combustion Transport Phenomena Transports Water Resources Wind Energy
LIBRARY We have the largest Portuguese repository of theses in eletronic support: 70,000 monographs available in catalogue form Subscription to the most relevant data base in engineering fields On-line access to thousands of e-books, theses and scientific articles
COMPUTER FACILITIES 36 computer labs with 500 seats, open 24h/7, 365 days Total Wi-Fi (wireless) coverage VPN access to intranet from outside.
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CAMILA BALDASSO
BRAZIL MOBILITY STUDENT FROM UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DO RIO GRANDE DO SUL PHD IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
“My story at FEUP began on March 2010. I arrived at the city of Porto to complete the PhD I had started in Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. I was accepted by CEFT (Transport Phenomena Research Centre– Chemical Engineering). FEUP provided me with all conditions I needed for my mobility studies period, including a Support Office for foreign students, which made my adaptation to the student community a lot easier. I soon realised that FEUP is an institution that relies on its students and invests in their potential. The faculty has modern equipment and laboratories, as well as highly qualified teaching staff. I also came across BRASUP – Brazilian Students Association of the University of Porto. That helped me greatly with integrating into Portuguese society. This mobility experience is providing me with a much richer education than I had imagined. FEUP is an institution that doesn’t focus only on teaching, but also research, politics, philosophy, arts and culture. It resembles a temple of knowledge. FEUP is indeed a universe yet to be explored by students. Every day, I get to know people from all over the world; I make friends, exchange experiences and discover new cultures. The quality of the faculty together with all its cultural diversity enriches this mobility period and proves that it is really worth to be here!” You can read this and other testimonials at www.fe.up.pt/admissions/testimonials
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STUDY PROGRAMMES
1ST CYCLE
2ND CYCLE
3RD CYCLE Engineering and Public Policy
Innovation and Tecnological Enterpreneurship Occupational Safety and Hygiene Engineering
Occupational Safety and Health Applied Mathematics Physics Engineering
Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering Spatial Planning and Urban Project
Spatial Planning Informatics Engineering
Informatics Engineering and Computing
Computer Science Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Computational Mechanics
Leaders for Technological Industries
Information Engineering
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Telecommunications Sustainable Energy Systems Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Industrial Engineering and Management Services Engineering and Management
Industrial Engineering and Management Transport Systems
Product and Industrial Design Bioengineering Biomedical Engineering Chemical Engineering
Biomedical Engineering Chemical and Biological Engineering Refining, Petrochemical and Chemical Engineering Environmental Engineering
Environmental Engineering Mining and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Mining and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Information Science
Information Science Multimedia
Communication Sciences
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Communication Sciences
Mining and Geo-resources Engineering
Digital Media
STUDY PROGRAMMES
LANGUAGE - LECTURES AND COURSES
LANGUAGE COURSES AT THE FACULTY OF ARTS
At the 2nd cycle level (4th and 5th year of Integrated Masters and Independent Masters), most subjects are taught in English. Although it is not a pre-requisite, foreign students are advised to learn Portuguese before coming to Porto if possible. Once in Porto, there is plenty of opportunity to learn Portuguese, the third most spoken European language in the world (about 200 million speakers).
The Faculty of Arts of the University of Porto also organises several language courses: Summer Course of Portuguese Language and Culture for Foreigners Starting date: July
LANGUAGE COURSES AT THE FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
Intensive Portuguese Language Courses (3 Courses) Starting date: March, September and October Duration: 60 hours
The Faculty of Engineering organises a Portuguese language course for all foreign students (mobility students, e.g. ERASMUS, or regular foreign students at graduate and postgraduate level).
Annual Course of Portuguese Language and Culture for Foreigners Starting date: 1st semester â&#x20AC;&#x201C; October; 2nd semester February Duration: 60 hours for each semester
Intensive Portuguese Language Courses Levels: Two levels in the 1st semester; one level in the 2nd semester. Fees: Free Starting date: 1st semester â&#x20AC;&#x201C; October; 2nd semester - March Duration: 60 hours for each semester More information about this language course can be obtained from the Faculty of Engineering: erasmus@fe.up.pt
More information about language courses can be obtained from the Faculty of Arts: http://www.letras.up.pt/deper
FINANCIAL ISSUES Tuition fees Tuition fees in Portugal are quite low compared to other European countries since the Portuguese government invests highly in education and, therefore, finances generously higher education institutions. Scholarships Portugal has a few scholarships available to foreign students. However, the applicant must have or have had a link to a Portuguese higher education institution. Website: www.fct.mctes.pt
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WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US
The Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto has high standards of quality. It seeks the best candidates in Portugal and abroad to accomplish its mission of producing competitive engineering graduates for the global job market and producing key change agents for the industry. These are the key competences that we expect to find in our candidates:
To generate competences that are valued in the real world, FEUP knows that excellent technical-scientific education goes hand in hand with the commitment to provide certain conditions. These conditions are:
INITIATIVE Academia is a world of challenges and opportunities so FEUP looks for people who are curious and bold. Because we value entrepreneurship, we offer concrete opportunities to participate in R&D and extracurricular activities.
TEAM SPIRIT FEUP’s graduates form a wide community of alumnae that maintains connections and provides mutual assistance. This faculty cherishes and supports all initiatives that aim to strengthen these social networks by giving financial support to alumni associations and event organisations and to enable visits, events and the free use of the facility’s resources by FEUP’s graduates.
CREATIVITY Innovation is the key to success and creativity is the engine for change. At FEUP, we seek to expose everyone to innovative experiences and we create the conditions for validating the results of R&D.
TEAM WORK Team work is fundamental in engineering. FEUP promotes multidisciplinary learning through working on practical projects. You are expected to assume a high level of social behaviour and show a taste for team work from your very first day.
RESPONSIBILITY Engineers are frequently asked to take a lead in development and are expected to act with intellectual integrity and a sense of responsibility. FEUP seeks to create tomorrow’s leaders and competent professionals with strong ethical values and the necessary ethical, cultural and social competences to build a better world.
CAREER MANAGEMENT SUPPORT Society recognises the importance of an engineer’s role and employers recognise the high quality of our graduates. This means a high percentage of FEUP’s graduates are employed soon after graduation, not just here in Portugal but around the world. FEUP helps graduates manage their career by providing several support services such as employment opportunity databases, entrepreneurship support and recruitment sessions by enterprises.
KNOWLEDGE UPDATE The constant evolution of science and technology forces engineers to maintain a high level of learning throughout their life. Consequently, FEUP has several short courses for professionals and gives its former students the opportunity to use its computer resources and its technical-scientific information.
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TECHNOLOGIES AND SPIN-OFFS AUTONOMOUS UNDERWATER VEHICLE AWARDED
WIND FLOW PREDICTION
The “BES Innovation” award was presented to the underwater systems and technology laboratory of the Systems and Robotics Institute (ISR Porto) in 2006 for creating the Seascout – an underwater vehicle system. This modular system gathers oceanographic and environmental data in the submarine world. With an operational depth up to 50 meters and an 8-hour range, it can collect numerous oceanographic data during its programmed mission.
The Wind Energy and Atmospheric Flows Research Centre (CEsA) is recognised for its knowledge of and work in complex orography. Part of this work is currently available in the form of a computational tool – VENTOS is used in wind farm planning all over the world.
FC PORTUGAL 2006 WORLD CHAMPIONS IN 3D SIMULATION 5DPO TEAM 2007 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS IN SMALL-SIZE By the year 2050, RoboCup expects to develop a team of fully autonomous humanoid robots that can beat the world champion human football team. FC Portugal, joining researchers from the Faculty of Engineering (FEUP) and UA, won the 2006 RoboCup World Championship 3D simulation league. The team also won in the simulation and rescue leagues in the 2007 European Championship, while another FEUP team - 5DPO won the small robots league, both for the second time in a row.
RENEWABLE ENERGY MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL The Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering (INESCPorto) is involved in the European project More Care, whose main objective is to develop an advanced control software system aimed at optimising the overall performance of isolated and weakly interconnected systems in liberalised market environments. The main features of the control system comprise advanced software modules for load and wind power forecasting, unit commitment and economic dispatch of conventional and renewable units, and on-line security assessment capabilities integrated into a friendly man-machine environment.
ECO-INEGI TEAM FIRST IN CLASS URBAN CONCEPT 2006/7 (0,346L/100KM) First place in the European Shell Eco-marathon challenge 2007 went to the Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Management Institute (INEGI) in the Urban Concept class. Shell challenges student teams from around the world to design, build and drive a vehicle using the least amount of energy. Shell’s aim is to drive technology innovation for improved energy efficiency.
FUEL CELL IN THE WORLD MARKET The Portuguese company Soluções Racionais de Energia (SRE) launched the HW-125 onto the world market. This low-power-range hydrogen fuel cell is the result of three years of technological research in partnership with the Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Management Institute (INEGI) and INETI.
ORGANIC PRESTRESSING BRIDGE ENGINEERING Inspired by the way natural structures work (Biomimicry), specifically the human muscle, the Civil Engineering department of FEUP developed the OPS System (Organic Prestressing System). This is a set of cables, hydraulic jacks, sensors and other components that are attached to self-launching gantries (large, heavy equipment used in bridge construction) to compensate the charges the metallic structure is subject to. The system’s main benefits are cost reductions, a drastic deformation reduction and a safety improvement.
INNOVATIVE SYNTHETIC BONE GRAFT After ten years of research at the Biomedical Engineering Institute (INEB), a new synthetic bone substitute - Bonelike® - was launched onto the international market by the company Medmat Innovation. This innovative product is a completely safe and osteoconductive synthetic material which eliminates any risk of disease transmission from grafts taken from human and animal cadavers. It is a unique alternative to transplanting autologous bone, providing rapid revitalisation of the regenerated area and long-term stability.
ALCOHOL-FREE BEER INNOVATION Launched onto the Portuguese market in 2007, the new Super Bock alcohol-free beer is the result of an innovative patent pending production process. It was developed by Unicer in partnership with the Chemical Engineering department of FEUP. This new process - unique in the world - keeps all the original flavour of the beer with the convenience of a 0º alcohol graduation.
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5 REASONS TO STUDY AT FEUP 1. VALUE FOR MONEY
4. INNOVATION ACTIVITIES FOR STUDENTS
The Faculty of Engineering is defined by the quality of its study programmes and its research. However, the tuition fees for a Master or PhD programme are very low in comparison to other European countries since the Portuguese government invests highly in education and finances generously higher education institutions, making no distinction between national or foreign students.
FEUP gives students the opportunity to participate in R&D projects, to develop technologies and to create spin-offs. Our faculty finances multidisciplinary projects for students, such as FEUPBUS, aerospace projects in collaboration with the European Space Agency, the Mecatronic Olympics, etc.
2. HIGH RATE OF EMPLOYMENT 36,83% have a professional project before finishing their studies. 60,32% find a job two months after graduating. 80,32% find a job six months after graduating.
The Office for Entrepreneurial Support (GAP) aims to stimulate the entrepreneurial spirit within the faculty and has, among others, a service called “Ideas for Business”. It is directed at alumni, teachers and students of all levels. This joint activity run with NET-BOC gives advice on putting ideas into practice and creating a business.
5. TRUE CULTURAL EXPERIENCES 3. COLLABORATION WITH THE BEST ENGINEERING INSTITUTIONS IN THE WORLD FEUP has collaborates with institutions of international repute such as the European Space Agency (ESA), IBM, Microsoft and the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), as well as research universities such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the University of Texas at Austin (UTA), or the Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). Double Degree Programmes have also been established with CMU and École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées. There are 254 international agreements in education and research in 40 countries around the world, with Europe and Brazil being partners of excellence.
Studying at FEUP is more than an academic experience; it’s also a cultural experience. Students and staff come from around the world. Outside the classroom, a range of extra-curricular opportunities provide an opportunity to meet and interact with many different nationalities. You can join one of the many students associations, participate in sporting and cultural events, and join an exchange programme abroad. Of course, there is Porto itself. Its people are known for their hospitality, so students soon feel at home in this warm and vibrant city. Finally, you can experience all the fun of student traditions, which culminate with festivals every May.
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ANTON SABALEUSKI
REPUBLIC OF BELARUS MIT PORTUGAL PROGRAMME ENGINEERING DESIGN AND ADVANCED MANUFACTURING LEADERS FOR TECHNICAL INDUSTRIES
“I’m really enjoying this international experience which is giving me a broader view of the world and creating unforgettable moments in my professional and personal life. During my undergraduate years, I participated in programmes for Baltic countries and Central Europe, the Balkans and the Middle East. For the next level of education, my intention was to be a part of an international programme in Western Europe. Since I am a mechanical engineer, I felt like continuing my education in that field. However, I wanted to acquire more knowledge on “Engineering Management” and not to be focused on purely mechanical stuff. So, the MIT Portugal Programme EDAM area was the best solution for me. I was lucky to get a scholarship from FCT – Portuguese Foundation to Support Science and Technological Innovations. The scholarship covers all food and accommodation expenses, covers part of the travel costs and provides you with some money to attend conferences and scientific meetings. Any candidate applying for the programme can apply for the scholarship as well. I am really pleased with my decision given that EDAM brings an MIT ESD (Engineering Systems Division) approach to solving complex engineering problems and a systems view to regular engineering practice. The programme is supported by three Portuguese Universities: IST, UMinho and FEUP. My lectures have been held in each of these universities and I can definitely say that FEUP is my favourite. It is a question not only of modern work rooms and laboratories, but also of a special atmosphere, a UP culture, the attitude of people around you and the great food available on the campus. The advantages of taking part in an international programme are countless: different ways of doing business, different cultures and attitudes, new languages, new friends, new professors and new opportunities. The programme itself has students from Germany, Greece, Turkey, Brazil, Portugal, etc., and each course has professors from Boston. New world reality requires cross-boundary specialists to deal with complex problems. The MIT Portugal Programme is helping us to become the kind of specialists that enable tolerance and provide high professionalism, which is extremely true for me, a student from small Belarus. I think that each student aiming for an excellent international career should take part in one of these programmes.” You can read this and other testimonials at www.fe.up.pt/admissions/testimonials
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UNIVERSITY OF PORTO HISTORY Founded in 1911, the University of Porto (U.Porto) is the major university of Portugal. It is a centre of education, research and development in culture, science, communication and technology, and it is committed to training people, respecting their rights and participating in the development of their communities. U.Porto positions itself as an internationally-recognised institution aimed at providing education in the 2nd cycle of study (master’s degrees) and the 3rd cycle of study (post-graduate degrees) in accordance with the Bologna Declaration.
DIMENSION 14 faculties and 1 business school 252 graduation courses 51 R&D institutes, centres and labs 1630 technical and administrative staff 2382 teachers (most of which hold a PhD) 31676 students (about 1483 are foreign)
signed with Thai universities). These agreements with Asia have led to more than a dozen Thai PhD students finishing their degree at the U.Porto. As a result, interest is growing in establishing Partnership Programmes with Thailand and other countries.
RESEARCH The University of Porto dominates Portuguese science and is internationally recognised in various fields of research. Over 23% of scientific articles produced each year in Portugal come from research units within U.Porto. The university has some of the most advanced and internationally renowned R&D centres in the country.
U. PORTO IN THE RANKINGS Engineering/UP ranks among the 300 best in the world according to the Taiwan ranking of scientific papers. The University of Porto ranks 20th in Europe and 110th in the world according to the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AT U. PORTO More than 1483 foreign students studied at U.Porto in 2011 through EU mobility programmes, but many other foreign students come here to do master and graduate courses, recognising the international repute of the faculty. Currently, about 5% of U.Porto students are foreign. To provide a premium service to both foreign students and foreign teaching staff, U.Porto has an international office called Serviço de Relações Internacionais (SRI). Cooperation with other European universities is well established, so U.Porto has now set its sights on encouraging co-operation with other areas such as the United States, Canada and Asia (co-operation protocols have been
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PORTO HISTORY
TOURISM
Classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996, the city of Porto is one of the most ancient cities of Europe. As the name suggests, it had a crucial role in the birth of Portugal as a nation. Porto became an urban centre in 8th century BC, during the Late Bronze Age. Formerly called Cale and later Portucale (from which the name Portugal was derived), Porto is nowadays the second biggest city in Portugal – after its capital, Lisbon.
The city of Porto combines the old and the new, the classic and the modern, the nightlife and the daytime with grace and harmony. Consequently, you can find a wide range of tourist attractions and activities. There are many reasons to visit Porto, from ancient monuments to rock concerts. Porto’s cultural life goes far beyond its historical and monumental patrimony. Porto is one of Europe’s most ancient tourism destinations and has lots to offer its many tourists and visitors: entertainment spots, cinemas, internet access, music, boat trips, nightlife and, of course, the Port Wine cellars that produce one of the most famous drinks in the whole world.
HOW TO GET HERE Located in the north of Portugal and in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula, Porto is very accessible. Covering an area of 42 km and surrounded by sea, river and land, Porto can be reached easily by plane, car, train, bus, boat or metro. The Leixões harbour and the Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport are just a few kilometres away and easy to get to by public transport.
CLIMATE Porto’s climate is typical of Atlantic regions: damp but temperate, with colder nights. It may rain quite a lot in winter, but it never snows as the temperature never falls below 0ºC. The temperature rises in summer, the warmest months being June, July and August, when it varies between 20ºC and 35ºC. September, October, April and May are intermediate, with periods of atmospheric instability: frequent foggy mornings replaced by sunny afternoons, or rain showers alternating with periods of bright sunshine. Therefore, you are advised to bring some warm clothes for the colder days.
COST OF LIVING Estimated monthly cost of life in Porto: Accommodation: between €125 and €300; Meals: between €150 and €225; Metro: €22.75 (monthly ticket for two zones) For reference, here are some approximate prices of certain products: A bottle of water (1.5l): 40 cents A roll of bread: 10 cents 1 kg of rice: 70 cents 1 coffee (espresso): 60 cents 1 meal: €2 (in a university canteen), €8 - €11 (outside the campus) Bus (STCP): 95 cents (ticket bought in advance); €1.45 (ticket bought on the bus) Newspapers: €1 (daily) and €3 (weekly) ) Cinema: €4 (for students
CULTURE
ACCOMMODATION
Porto is known as the “City of Work” – a name that reflects the historical dynamism of its population. Porto is also a city with an intensely cultural and social life. Combining the old and the new harmoniously, this northern city is proud of being a home to many important people through the centuries and to hosting many different arts such as music, architecture, literature, painting and cinema. Porto was the European Capital of Culture in 2001.
All foreign citizens at FEUP (whether studying, researching or working) can find a wide range of accommodation. If you start looking for accommodation after arriving at Porto, the Youth Hostel is a good option for your first few days and for short periods of stay: Youth Hostel of Porto E-mail: porto@movijovem.pt 1) University Accommodation - university halls of residence University accommodation is managed by the Social Services department of the University of Porto (SASUP). There are
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PORTO
eight University Halls of Residence with places for 970 students. These halls are for UP students who need accommodation due to social and/or economic circumstances or because they are too far from home. There are also places for mobility students and for students with scholarships from other institutions.. 1.1 Procedures for mobility students SASUP provides accommodation in four University Halls of Residence for mobility students. This is managed by the International Office of the University of Porto. When applying to the mobility programme, students should indicate on the application form if he or she requires accommodation in one of the halls. Places are limited every year so not all the requests from mobility students can be granted. Therefore, rooms are allocated on a “first come first served” basis. Answers are given in due course and always after the approval of the student’s application by the corresponding faculty. 1.2 Procedures for foreign post-graduate students There are specific University Halls of Residence for postgraduate students (national and foreign). Those interested may apply directly to SASUP. The application form and relevant regulations are available at the following website: http://sigarra.up.pt/sasup 2) Private accommodation Porto has a wide range of private accommodation available (flats, houses and rooms). These are advertised in the local newspapers under “For Rent”, but some student organisations might provide a list of private accommodation: International Office of U.Porto: sri@reit.up.pt Engineering Students’ Union: http://gnomo.fe.up.pt/~aefeup* ESN – ERASMUS Student Network: esnporto@reit.up.pt 3) Municipality accommodation (only available to foreign teachers; post-graduate students and researchers): The Porto Municipality provides specific accommodation to foreign post-graduate students and researchers who participate in the “Porto, City of Science” project. For information, please contact Residential Structures: porto.cidadeciencia@bonjoia.org
ASSOCIATIONS FOR THE INTEGRATION OF FOREIGN STUDENTS AND RESEARCHERS The University of Porto gives support to many students’ associations that, among other things, help with the integration of foreign students. This support represents a commitment from U.Porto regular students to provide their foreign colleagues with an integrated personal, social and cultural experience. To achieve this objective, these associations organise cultural, tourism and social activities (e.g., meetings, trips and guided tours.). The university also plays host to a number of information centres belonging to specific organisations. Some support the inflow of foreign researchers and postgraduate students; others represent a foreign country/ nationality in order to promote the academic and scientific relationships between countries.
EURAXESS CENTRE AT U.PORTO - SUPPORT TO FOREIGN POST-GRADUATE STUDENTS AND RESEARCHERS This centre assists foreign researchers intending to conduct research for a period of time in Porto and would like help in matters relating to professional and daily life. Examples are legal issues, social security, taxes, health issues and family support. The main goal is to facilitate the social and professional integration of the researchers and their families (should that be the case) by reducing the effort required in solving bureaucratic and procedural issues. Contacts: International Office of U.Porto Website: www.up.pt/eramore
ESN PORTO - ERASMUS STUDENT NETWORK The ESN is an international not-for-profit student organisation. Its mission is to promote student mobility in higher education using the principle ‘students helping students’. The ESN Porto group supports foreign students integrate into the university by helping with practical, social and academic issues. Its members represent all the faculties of U. Porto. It is mainly (but not only) composed of former ERASMUS students who have experienced living and studying in a foreign country. Contacts: esnporto@reit.up.pt Website: www.esn.org
* only available in Portuguese Language 24 . FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
PORTO
BRASUP - ASSOCIATION OF BRAZILIAN STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PORTO This association is composed of Brazilian graduate and post-graduate students from studying at the University of Porto. It organises several initiatives and cultural events that aim to facilitate the social, academic and cultural integration of Brazilian students. Website: brasup.up.pt
ISPORTO - IRANIAN STUDENTS IN PORTO Iranian Students in Porto (ISPorto) is a voluntary organization of Iranian Students and Researchers in Porto. We aim to sponsor Iranian social and cultural activities and events and support new Iranian students who come to Porto. We are also very eager to exchange our traditions and culture with other international students in Porto and near cities. Website: paginas.fe.up.pt/~isporto Contacts: isporto@fe.up.pt
AEFEUP - STUDENT’S UNION FROM THE FACULTY OF ENGINEERING Although the main aim of this association is to represent regular students from the Faculty of Engineering and defend their rights, this association is also committed to helping the integration of foreign students in connection with other student’s associations. Contacts: aefeup@fe.up.pt
LOCAL BEST GROUP PORTO – BOARD OF EUROPEAN STUDENTS OF TECHNOLOGY This not-for-profit organisation helps European students of technology become more internationally minded by reaching a better understanding of European cultures and developing the capacity to work on an international basis. To achieve this goal, it organises short courses on specific areas of technology as well as international events that allow students not only to learn more about their chosen subject, but also to gather some language experience and to contact other cultures. Contacts: porto@best.eu.org
FULBRIGHT REGIONAL INFORMATION CENTRE The main aim of the FULBRIGHT organisation is to establish academic, scientific and cultural co-operation between students and professors from Portugal and the U.S. The local information centre hosted by the University of Porto provides information about grants to study in the United States, about the American education system and about the application procedures to U.S. universities. Contact: International Office of U.Porto E-mail: sri@reit.up.pt
REV (REDE DE ESTUDANTES VOLUNTÁRIOS VOLUNTARY STUDENTS NETWORK) REV aims to create shared help networks and has a group of students dedicated to mentoring new exchange students at FEUP as well as new PALOP students.
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Turismo do Algarve
PORTUGAL HISTORY Created in the 12th century, Portugal is also one of the oldest nations in Europe, descending from several origins: Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans (who left us our language), northern Europeans and Mauritanians. Located in the extreme southwest of the continent, Portugal has produced conquerors and men and women of vision, and spread its language and customs around the world. Spearheading the exploration of the world during the Age of Discovery, the Portuguese were the first Europeans to sail to Africa, the distant Orient and the heart of South America. Nowadays, it is a modern, developed country and a member of the European Union since 1986. It combines harmoniously its time-honoured traditions with a modern approach to innovation, entrepreneurship and international partnership.
RELIGION Portugal is a secular state and the Portuguese Constitution guarantees religious freedom. There are a number of different religions in Portugal. Most Portuguese are Roman Catholic, but people are free to choose their own faith. Therefore, the country has small Protestant, Mormon, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Christian Orthodox, Jehovah’s Witness, Baha’i, Buddhist and Jewish communities.
GEOGRAPHY Located in the south-west of Europe, Portugal is often described as a garden planted next to the sea. This beautiful country has mountains, river valleys, rolling plains and diverse flora and fauna. Portugal also includes the Azores and Madeira archipelagos in the Atlantic Ocean. The mainland is 218 km wide and 561 km long and occupies 88,889 km2. Its borders the Atlantic ocean (832 km) and Spain (1,215 km).
POPULATION Portugal has a population of about 10 million. More people live in the country’s coastal regions than in the inland areas.
CULTURE Fado, Football and Fátima. These words sum up the traditional culture of the Portuguese people. However, Portugal in the 21st century is much more than that. Looking towards the future with a modern and innovative attitude, Portugal is proud of being ahead in several diverse fields such as architecture, music, engineering, literature, science, sports, industry and technology.
LANGUAGE The official language in Portugal is Portuguese, which descends from Latin. To interact in a general way with foreign tourists, many Portuguese speak and understand English, French and Spanish. Due to its colonial past and its strong tradition of emigration, Portuguese is the third most spoken European language in the world and the native tongue of about 200 million people over the world.
TIME ZONE Continental Portugal and Madeira Island follow GMT (Greenwich) time (one hour behind Continental European Time – CET). The Azores are one hour behind the mainland.
CURRENCY Euro (€)
ELECTRICITY AND POWER SUPPLY 220 volts, number of cycles: 50 Hertz.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES CLIMATE Portugal has a Mediterranean climate and is one of the warmest European countries. It may be small but, due to its diverse landscape, its climate varies depending on the region. The summers are hot and dry, especially in inland areas, and the winters can be relatively cold. Portugal has around 10-12 hours of sunshine every day in the summer and 4-6 hours in the winter.
The metric system – metres (m), kilograms (kg), litres (l) and cubic metres (m3) for fluids.
ROAD TRAFFIC You have to drive on the right in Portugal. Speed limits for cars and motorbikes are: 50 km/h (in towns), 90 km/h (out of towns) and 120 km/h (motorways).
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PORTUGAL
BANKS
LEGAL PROCEDURES TO ENTER THE COUNTRY
Open from 08:30 to 15:00 Monday to Friday.
EU citizens EU citizens (EU Member States, Switzerland or countries from the European Economic Area) are allowed to enter in the country by presenting a valid ID card or passport. Their entry is not subject to any control. However, the law states that, for stays longer than three months, EU citizens should request a residence card within three months of their arrival. The request should be made to the Portuguese authority responsible for immigration matters - Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras, abbreviated to SEF (www.sef.pt).
POST OFFICES Post Offices are open from 09:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday (www.ctt.pt).
NATIONAL HOLIDAYS January 1st - New Year’s Day April 25th - Liberty (Revolution) Day May 1st - Labour Day (International) June 10th - National Day of Portugal June 24th - St. John’s Day (only in Porto) August 15th - Assumption of Mary December 8th - Immaculate Conception Day December 25th - Christmas Day www.visitportugal.com
THE PORTUGUESE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM There are two systems of higher education in Portugal: University Education and Polytechnic Education. Institutions can be state or private. The university system provides academic training to develop professional activities and encourage research and critical analysis. The polytechnic system provides technical training to develop practical skills. The degrees offered by the Portuguese higher education system are: 1st Cycle: Graduate Degree (3 or 4 years study; between 180 and 240 ECTS); 2nd Cycle: Master’s Degree (1 or 2 years; between 60 and 120 ECTS); 3rd Cycle: PhD (3 or 4 years; between 180 and 240 ECTS). Access to higher education is always subject to the system of numerus clausus: a limited number of vacancies determined by each institution. The higher education institution also determines the selection criteria as well as a minimum grade for applicants. This selection takes into account the grades of national and specific examinations obtained at school and other faculties (according to the field of studies).
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Non-EU citizens In addition to a valid passport, all foreign citizens of non-EU countries should hold a valid travel document and the correct visa obtained from the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in their home country. Different visas are available according to the purpose and duration of the stay: study, research, work, traineeship, professional training, short visit, business trip, etc. For further information, please consult the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in your home country or contact SEF (www.sef.pt).
HEALTH INSURANCE EU citizens - European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) The European Health Insurance Card (or EHIC) is issued by the EU for health treatment during a temporary stay in another EU country in the case of illness or accident. The card can be obtained from the Social Security department in your home country. The EHIC is proof that you are registered with your country’s Social Security department and allows you to use public healthcare services in another EU country in the same manner and at the same cost as to local citizens. Non-EU citizens The Portuguese government might have signed a social security agreement with your own (non-EU) country that allows you to travel to Portugal and have access to the same public health system as the Portuguese. You should ask for further information in your own country before travelling to Portugal. If your country does not have an agreement with Portugal, you must take out private health insurance. This will provide you with health care during your stay in Portugal.
PORTUGAL
BRAZIL â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PB 4 FORM Portugal has a social security agreement with Brazil, so Brazilian citizens staying temporarily in Portugal are entitled to the same health assistance as Portuguese citizens (and vice-versa). If you are a Brazilian citizen and registered with Brazilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Social Security department, you must ask for a PB4 form before you leave Brazil. This form will state the applicable period of stay for medical assistance in Portugal. After arriving in Portugal, this form must be handed in to the Portuguese Social Security centre where you are staying.
FOREIGN EMBASSIES/DIPLOMATIC REPRESENTATIONS Most foreign embassies are located in the city of Lisbon, but there are some foreign consulates in Porto. The contacts of all diplomatic representations of foreign countries in Portugal are available at: http://min-nestrangeiros.pt
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SICC - Communication Division - June 2014
For more information: Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n 4200-465 Porto PORTUGAL T + 351 22 508 1400 F + 351 22 508 1440 www.fe.up.pt/admissions
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Degree Students T + 351 22 508 1895 admissions@fe.up.pt Mobility Students T +351 22 508 1411 international@fe.up.pt