Studying or Working in Portugal: The Benefits of Leaving Your Comfort Zone
Portugal has become one of the favorite destinations for digital nomads (and if you don't know what they are, then you've been living under a rock for the last year!). It combines sunny winter afternoons on the terrace of any café in the capital and the refreshing beaches of the Alentejo summer (you’ve heard about Comporta beach, I know ☺). These two things alone would be enough to convince any inhabitant of another country to immigrate to Portugal, but there's also the fact that it's a very safe, welcoming country with a very good quality of life, whether in terms of health or education.
If you're still not convinced, throughout this article I'll give you a few reasons why you should pack up all your belongings and fly to Portugal to study, work or even build your life.
1) High quality education and international recognition
Portugal, with one of the oldest universities in Europe (the University of Coimbra, founded in 1290), is, per se, well worth a visit. In addition, other institutions, such as the University of Lisbon, the University of Porto and NOVA IMS, are very highly ranked in the world (320th place, 370th place and 895th place, respectively), being recognized for academic excellence and offering programmes in various areas of knowledge and learning.
For international students, there are courses in English and integration into the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), which makes the experience easier and more hassle-free. In addition, Portugal facilitates academic mobility and the validation of diplomas throughout the European Union and beyond, offering worldwide career opportunities.
2. Affordable costs and quality of life
It's practically common knowledge by now that Portugal is one of the European countries where you can live better at a lower cost. Starting with food, through public transport and ending with health, costs are relatively lower without sacrificing quality of life compared to other European capitals such as Paris, London or Berlin.
In addition, the low crime rate and general safety are also points in this small country's favor. A peaceful and safe environment obviously promotes a better performance at work/study, but also more light-hearted leisure time.
They say that the Portuguese people are known for being friendly and hospitable, which makes the adaptation process easier and more pleasant for foreigners.
3. Pleasant climate and beautiful landscapes
Portugal's Mediterranean climate is one of the main reasons to visit. With mild winters (in some regions) and hot summers, the country offers countless opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities all year round.
The beaches are world-famous, especially in the Algarve and the Comporta area, and the mountains and natural landscapes are stunning, such as the Peneda-Gerês National Park and the Serra da Estrela (where it snows several times during the winter), the two extremes in a country of 92,152 km².
In addition, travel within the country is accessible and easy, and you can get from the southernmost point to the northernmost point in around 7 hours (by car).
4. Get out of your comfort zone and face new challenges
Packing up all your belongings and moving to a foreign country is undoubtedly a big decision that shouldn't be taken lightly, but it can also be very enriching on many levels. Eventually, the challenges you would have to face would turn into rewarding and resilient experiences.
Living in a different culture allows us to develop an open mind, improve our interpersonal skills and adapt to new situations and adversities. Stepping out of our comfort zone not only develops us as individuals, but also boosts our self-confidence and independence.
What's more, studying or working in a foreign environment gives us practical and social skills that are valued in the job market.
5. Learning a new language
Did you know that Portuguese is one of the 10 most spoken languages in the world? Although English remains the world's lingua franca, the Portuguese language has been gaining more and more prominence in recent years and learning Portuguese today opens doors to a world of opportunities.
With more than 260 million speakers spread across several countries (Portugal, Brazil, Angola and Mozambique), Portuguese is an official language in several international organizations, including the European Union and the UN, which makes it even more relevant in the diplomatic and business context.
In addition, Brazil, with a growing economy and a large consumer market, makes Portuguese a strategic language for those wishing to explore trade and cultural relations in Latin America and beyond.
The cultural wealth of the Portuguese-speaking countries, with a strong literary and artistic history, also offers a vast field of discovery, from poetry and Fernando Pessoa to cinema and vibrant music.
Learning Portuguese not only makes it easier to communicate, but it also allows you to immerse yourself in a diverse and growing culture on the world stage. Have you ever thought about how much more your CV would stand out for having Portuguese among the languages spoken?
6. Easy visas and support programs
Speaking of ease of immigration, the Portuguese government has implemented several programs to attract international students and professionals, making obtaining visas to study or work quite simple and with specific options for digital nomads and entrepreneurs.
Student visas are almost automatic for those enrolling in university programs in the country, while residence permits are available for those who want to stay and work after completing their studies. For workers, digital nomad visas and other residency options allow foreigners to settle legally and stably in Portugal.
In addition, the country offers tax incentives and support for those who want to start their own business, making Portugal an excellent place for those who want to build their future.
In conclusion...
Portugal is undoubtedly an ideal destination for those wishing to study and work in a country rich in culture, with an excellent quality of life and a safe and friendly environment. Living in Portugal offers the opportunity to grow professionally and personally, in an environment that combines modernity and tradition.
Daring to leave your comfort zone and move to this country is a decision that can undoubtedly transform anyone's life. And who knows, you might even learn to sing Fado while enjoying a pastel de nata by the sea!
In Portugal, every corner offers a surprise, and the real adventure begins when you allow yourself to be carried away by the country's charm. After all, who needs comfort zones when you can live in a place where life is made of petiscos, bacalhau com natas and stunning sunsets and the future is literally by the sea?
Filipa M. Amaro