Survival Manual for International Students at ISPA

ISPA’S STUDENT COUNCIL

SURVIVAL MANUAL

For international students 2023/2024

EDITORIAL

Editors: Vera Montellano, Marcelli Boas e Beatriz Santos

Copywright:

Edition. online

Writers: Vera Montellano

Coordination: Vera Montellano

Design: Vera Montellano

Content: Vera Montellano, Marcelli Boas e Beatriz Santos

Todos os direitos estão reservados ®

I joined the Students' Association as a collaborator at a complicated and challenging time, the next term as Vice-President proved to be even more challenging but I accepted the challenge with the certainty that it would be worth it alongside the people I met. This school year we continue this journey with more challenges and more willingness to bring students the necessary conditions for a successful school year.

Alongside this team, I believe that everything is done so that the best experiences are proposed, and that academic success prevails. The Students' Association will be present throughout your academic career so that you can feel accompanied at any time. Our mission is to re -unite the Ispian community, from students, to teachers and other staff. We believe that with this goal we can all live a more enriching academic experience.

As the Director of the Department of Student Support and Erasmus, I wanted to create something that would impact students, support, and represent them, their problems, and their needs.

When I was in my Erasmus+ experience I found myself having to learn how everything worked on my own, and I thought it would be a great idea to have a guide to help me through it. Last year when I created a Buddy Program at ISPA which turned out to be very successful, I realised that other people felt the same need and that I could simply write it. So, with the inputs and ideas of the students I got to know through it, this manual was born.

I know it is really exciting to go live in another country, but it can also be scary. After all, it is a big step, one that often comes with a range of questions and uncertainties. I made it my priority to ensure you have access to the resources and knowledge you need to thrive during your time here. I hope you find it a relevant, valuable resource that helps make your life even just a little bit easier, providing essential information and guidance as you embark on your journey.

As it can always improve, every input is welcome. Do not hesitate to contact us if there is any information you think would make it a better asset .

I look forward to witnessing the positive impact this Survival Manual will have on our incoming Erasmus students. I will give my best to be a source of support and to make YOUR experience a great one.

Vera Montellano, Director of Student Support and Erasmus

Carolina Maricato, President of ISPA’s Student Association 2023/2024

WHO ARE WE?

ISPA STUDENTS’ UNION

OUR DEPARTMENTS

WHERE CAN YOU FIND US?

HOW CAN YOU CONTACT US?

WHO ARE WE?1 ISPA STUDENTS’ UNION1

The ISPA Students’ Union (AE ISPA) is representative of the student body’s interests and welfare. It is composed of four Departments in which 15 people from both bachelor’s and master’s degrees advocate for student rights, organize activities such as cultural events and sports, encourage volunteering programs, and provide services and support to students. Our goal is to make your academic experience enjoyable and that you have a great time at ISPA.

If you want to learn more, you can find us on Instagram @ae.ispa or contact us by email at aeispa@alunos.ispa.pt

OUR DEPARTMENTS 1

The Board

The Board is composed by the President, Vice-President, and the Treasurer. The President is responsible for overseeing and managing the entire team, the Vice-President supports and assists the President on any matters necessary while also being a substitute if the President is not available, and the Treasurer deals with all financial matters . Together, they support the departments in the work they do every day to improve your experience as a ISPA student.

President: Carolina Maricato

Vice-president: Catarina Mendes

Treasurer: Afonso Machado

Department of Student Support and Erasmus

The Department of Student Support and Erasmus holds a vital role supporting and empowering students with assistance, guidance, and resources. We are dedicated to promoting accessibility and inclusivity, advocating for student rights, and creating a warm, welcoming, and diverse environment.

By integrating students from international exchange programs such as Erasmus, we encourage cross-cultural experiences that enhance personal growth and ISPA’s diversity. Our aim is to be the most direct source of support to any student looking for an international experience (incoming or outgoing) and promote connection between students through our Buddy Program.

Sports and Health Department

The Sports and Health Department has as its main responsibilities the promotion of sports practice within ISPA’s community and the management of the sports teams that represent the AE ISPA, mainly the women’s volleyball and men’s futsal teams. Furthermore, it incentivises and organizes any activities that promote health, connecting ISPA’s Students with sports

Director: Vera Montellano

Member: Marcelli Boas

Member: Beatriz Santos

Director: Pedro Chantre Member: Sofia Gomes Member: Tiago Silva

Cultural Department

The Cultural Department aims to promote activities for all students related to various areas of interest, which can be volunteering, training s, paddy papers and other things. The Department aims to build connections between students and students with the Student Union. At the same time, it wants to enrich your academic experience and skills to give students tools for their future and make them understand that they have a voice

Marketing Department

The Marketing department’s main job is the communication the Student Union and the students. As main responsibilities they have covering all events and projects ensuring that students do not miss anything, as well as sharing of important information. With this, they create the content and share it through media outlets of which they manage and attend to your questions, opinions, and criticisms, to be taken to the other members of the student association.

Director: Lara Cambóias

Member: Beatriz Torres

Member: Sofia Pinho

Director: Marta Cardoso Member: Joana Lopes Member: Leonor Marques

Board of the General Assembly of Students

The board of the General Assembly ’s job is to convene a meeting for the members of the Students' Association and for the general public. Our department is responsible for listening to and transmitting matters that the Students' Union has organized and deliberated in its meetings. With this knowledge, the General Assembly allows students to decide about their future and that of the school itself, acting in their best interest at all times.

Fiscal Council

The Fiscal Council is the supervisory body of the Ispa Students' Association that oversees all monetary transactions from departments. This aims to ensure statutory compliance . This Council deliberate s and supervise s on matters central to the proper functioning of the Association.

Director: Francisca Pereira

Member: Quezia Kalicinski Member: Diana Manso

Director: Madalena Gomes Member: Pedro Correia Member: Eduarda Bento

HOW CAN YOU CONTACT US?1

You can reach us via our socials

PREPARE FOR YOUR EXPERIENCE

PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST

VISA AND LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD

PACKING ESSENCIALS

ACCOMMODATION AND HOUSING

PREPARE FOR YOUR EXPERIENCE 1

PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST 1

VISA AND LEGAL REQUIREMENTS 1

The visa is a crucial document that provides consular authorities with essential information about your travel plans, personal details, and the purpose of your visit. Any errors, omissions, or inconsistencies in the form can lead to delays, complications, or even the rejection of your visa application. The visa form also requires the applicant to glue a photo taken according to the visa photograph specifications and requirements.

If you must appl y for a Schengen visa, you must download and complete the Visa Application Form. Here you have all the steps on how to fill it in and what documents you need to take to be able to make the visa.

EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD1

Your well -being is a priority.

Here you can get your European Health Insurance Card which allows you to receive medical assistance during a temporary stay in a country of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland. This link has all the information you need and documents you need to make it.

Medical care is provided through that country's social security system, which means that some health care may not be free of charge and may require the payment of user fees.

PACKING ESSENCIALS 1

Packing for your Erasmus adventure is exciting, but it can be overwhelming. I t is important to pack wisely to ensure you have everything you need for your time in Lisbon. Here are the must-have essentials to consider packing:

Documents:

ID or Passport

Visa (if needed)

Driver’s licence

Flight tickets

European Health Insurance Card

Clothing:

Weather-appropriate attire: pack lightweight and breathable clothing for warm summers and mild winters.

Swimw ear: summer gets hot, and Portugal has 850km of beaches, bring a bathing suit so you can enjoy them!

Comfortable shoes: bring comfortable shoes to explore the city on foot.

Rain gear: umbrella or raincoat, Lisbon experiences occasional showers. Layering options: so can easily add or remove to adapt to changing weather.

Academic Supplies:

Notebooks and stationery: essential supplies for notetaking and studying.

Laptop and chargers: make sure to bring chargers and any accessories.

Academic materials: textbooks or rea ding materials for your courses.

Personal Items:

Toiletries: take the essentials so you don’t have pressure on the first days

Medications: be sure to bring an ample supply of any prescribed pills

Health -related items: like a first a id kit and medications you frequently use.

Local currency: bring some Euros for initial expenses upon arrival.

Reusable water bottle: stay hydrated w hile exploring the city.

Travel Gear:

Suitcase or backpack: bring practical bags for both short and long trips.

Daypack: smaller bag for daily outings will be useful.

Electronics:

Adapters and converters: we use the Eu ropean two-pin plug type (Type C and Type F), so bring adapters if your devices have different plugs.

Electronics: phone, headphones, chargers.

Portable charger: to keep your devices charged.

Remember that while it's important to be prepared, it's also a good idea to pack light and be mindful of airline baggage restrictions. Many items can be purchased locally if needed, so focus on essentials and items that will make your transition and daily life in Lisbon comfortable and enjoyable.

ACCOMMODATION AND HOUSING 1

Accommodation arrangements can be hard to get Searching for the right accommodation is a crucial step in ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay in Lisbon. Here are some tips on how to find student-friendly housing:

Begin your search early. Accommodation in Lisbon can fill up quickly, so start looking well in advance to have a variety of options.

There are different types of accommodation such as:

- Local rental: many students opt for renting rooms in family apartments. This offers a chance to live with locals.

- Private rental: renting an apartment by yourself or with others.

- Residencies: here you can get shared or private rooms.

Platforms such as Idealista, Uniplaces and Spotahome (25% discount code ESN25) have good options. It is als o possible to find on Facebook, but it isn’t safe. Some residency sites are Livensa, HomeandCo and Nido but you can find more in Google Maps. Consider the location and proximity when choosing the apartment.

10 TIPS:

1. Set your budget.

2. Conside r additional costs (utilities, internet, transportation…)

3. Ask questions about included utilities (electricity, water, internet) , and availability of services like laundry facilities.

4. Check the length of the lease.

5. Visit before committing, preventing scams and checking the conditions.

6. Pay through secure platforms.

7. Research the area, prioritising safety and checking reviews.

8. Keep records of all communications, contracts, and payment receipts.

9. Read the contract carefully before signing (extra costs, noise rules).

10. FEEL FREE TO REACH OUT TO US FOR HELP :)

WELCOME TO LISBON, PORTUGAL

PORTUGAL

WHY PORTUGAL?

HOW TO GET TO PORTUGAL LISBON

HOW TO GET AROUND LISBON

WELCOME TO PORTUGAL PORTUGAL

WHY PORTUGAL? 1

Portugal has received several awards and recognitions for being friendly, safe, peaceful, beautiful, and other aspects. Some of these awards include:

World's Friendliest Country World's Leading Destination Most Peaceful Country

In 2018, Portugal was named the world's friendliest country by Forbes.

Portugal has received multiple World Travel Awards, including World’s and Europe's Leading Destination several times.

Portugal has consistently ranked high on the Global Peace Index and has been recognized as one of the most peaceful countries in the world.

Best Beach Destination Leading Cultural City Break Destination 240 Days of Sunshine a Year

Portugal's Algarve region is renowned for its beautiful beaches and has been recognized as one of the best beach destinations in Europe.

Lisbon, with its rich cultural heritage and historical sites, has been recognized as a leading city break destination for culture enthusiasts.

An average annual temperature of 18.º C

HOW TO GET TO (and around) PORTUGAL1

BY TRAIN

CP (Comboios de Portugal) is the Portuguese railway company that covers most of Portugal’s mainland.

There are several types of trains:

Alfa Pendular (AP)

High-speed train service that is the most comfortable and better for longer distances. Connects the major cities with stops in Braga, Aveiro, Porto, Coimbra, Lisbon e Faro.

Interci dades (IC)

It connects major cities and towns in the country. These trains offer both standard and first-class compartments, a good choice for medium to long -distance travel.

Regional/Interregional (R/IR)

They serve shorter distances and connect smaller to wns and cities. These are slower than the first two but are suitable for exploring more local areas.

Urbano/Suburbano (U/SU)

These are for commuter routes within metropolitan areas like Lisbon, Porto, and other cities. They are designed for short-distance, good to go to the beach.

Celta (CE)

This service connects Porto in Portugal with Vigo in Spain, offering cross -border travel between the two countries.

Sud Expresso (SUD)

The Sud Expresso is an international night train that connects Lisbon and Hendaye in France, passing through several cities in Portugal, Spain, and France.

Lusitânia Train Hotel

This is a night train service that connects Lisbon and Madrid, providing an overnight option for traveling between the two capital cities.

Here you can check the schedules for all types of trains .

BY PLANE

There are several airports in Portugal, but the one closest is Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon.

There are also airports in Oporto , Faro , Funchal (Madeira) e Ponta Delgada (Azores). There a re no health requirements or travel insurance needed but don’t forget to check the entry requirements for your country.

Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area (which includes Portugal ).

Check the visa requirements in advance. Depending on your nationality and purpose of your visit, you might need a visa to enter Portugal.

Portugal is part of the Schengen Area, so once you enter it, you can travel freely to other Schengen countries without border checks.

Immigration might ask to see proof of a return or onward ticket to ensure you have plans to leave Portugal before your allowed stay expires.

BY BUS

You can get to Portugal by coach. Euro lines and Intercentro both operate international routes to and from Portugal.

There are regular coach services between Portugal’s main towns and cities. For details of routes, timetables and fares visit the website of Rede Nacional de Expressos or Flixbus

BY CAR

RENT

There are car rental services , like Europcar, at airports, international rail terminals and in the main towns and cities. Drivers with mobility difficulties, or anyone who prefers to, can rent automatic or adapted vehicles.

To rent a car in Portugal you must:

- be over 21 or 25 years old, depending on the company’s rental policy.

- show identification (identity card for EU citizens or a valid passport for other nationalities ).

- have had a driving licence for more than one year

Portugal has a road network composed of Motorways (AE), Main Trunk Routes (IP), Complementary Trunk Routes (IC), Main (National) Roads (EN) and Secondary (Municipal) Roads .

TOLLS

There are also motorways with toll booths where payment is made either in cash or by bank card. These motorways also have Via Verde, an electronic toll system that allows drivers to make the payment by debit, but you can only use it if y ou have an electronic device identifying your vehicle. Note that some motorways have an exclusively electronic toll system. In this website you can see all the information about the road s covered and the respective forms of payment .

WELCOME TO LISBON1 LISBON

HOW TO GET AROUND LISBON 1

Navegante

What is it ?

This monthly transportation pass will allow unlimited travel across Lisbon on different operators, including Carris, Metro and CP for urban journeys in Lisbo n.

The Navegante passes aim to make public transportation more convenient and cost-effective for regular users . This pass covers modes like buses, trams, trains, and ferries, depending on the region and type of Navegante pass you choose.

Why should I get one?

- If you use it frequently it is cost effective

- Provides unlimited travel in a lot of different means of transportation.

- You only have to charge it once a month.

- It’s reusable and long lasting.

- You can charge the card with several different types of travel.

- It’s great to explore different parts of the city without the transportation costs.

- Avoid traffic and trouble parking while being reducing carbon emissions.

Which are the options?

The Navegante passes are available in different forms, such as:

- Navegante Municipal: this pass is focused on travel within a specific municipality, for those who primarily travel within a single city or town

- Navegante Metropolitano: it covers travel within a metropolitan area. It's designed for people who commute within a city and its surrounding suburbs. These are personalized cards for frequent travelling an d can only be used by their owner. If you only need it occasionally, you can get a paper card at CP or a metro station for 0,50€.

How much is it ?

The Sub23 discount is intended for higher education students up to and including the age of 23. Here you can see the prices in detail:

How can you get one ?

First you should choose the type that suits your needs .

Then gather the documentation that includes :

- identification (ID card , passport, or a residency permit).

- download this form and fill it out with your data .

- download this form, fill it out and take it to be signed at ISPA’s student services so you can get the student discount

- original passport photo in colour, with a flat background (head coverings and sunglasses are only allowed in specific duly substantiated circumstances) .

- deliver the documentation in a navegante space or in one the following stations.

The card itself has a one -time price. The normal card is 7€, if you ask with urgency, it is 12€. The discounted card costs 3,5€ and if its urgent, 6€.

Where can you get one?

For a standard delivery (10 weekdays) you can make your card at:

- Blue line: Colégio Militar/Luz, Jardim Zoológico

- Yellow line: Campo Grande, Marquês de Pombal

- Green line : Baixa-Chiado , Cais do Sodré

- Red line : Oriente, Aeroporto

For a n express delivery (1 weekday) you can make your card at:

- Blue line: Marquês de Pombal

- Yellow line: Campo Grande

How to recharge it?

You can buy just one trip, zapping, a 24h ticket or the monthly. After it is made you can recharge it in any automatic machine in CP and metro station, ATMs, stationary shops (Payshop, CTT, Pagaqui and MOB) , any box offices in the stations and navegante spaces

It is validated by approaching the card to the contactless validators in the stations, terminals or buses, the ticket is confirmed automatically.

TIP: you can pay the next month after the 26 th of the month before and it always renovates until the last day of the month.

Don’t forget to always validate your ticket so you don’t get a fine. Each user must hold a valid ticket.

METRO

The Lisbon Metro operates every day, including weekends, from 06:30 to 01:00 (time of departure of the last train from the terminal stations of each line). You can follow the metro twitter here they update you on any delays or stall.

CARRIS (BUS)

You can check the buses schedule here .

When you are in the bus stop you can text 3599 that stop’s code – which you will know by looking at the yellow plate on top of the bus stop below the number 3599 – and yo u will get a real time position of the bus.

WELCOME TO ISPA

HOW TO GET TO ISPA

WHATSAPP GROUPS WHERE TO EAT

HOW TO GET YOUR ACADEMIC EMAIL

HOW TO USE INTRANET

HOW TO USE ESCA

HOW TO USE ECAMPUS

HOW TO USE TURNITIN

WELCOME TO ISPA1

HOW TO GET TO ISPA 1

BUS

CP e METRO

10B: Campo Cebolas -Graça Santa Apolónia Station

13B: Sapadores-Sta. Apolónia (Blue line)

28E: Martim Moniz-Campo Ourique

34: Olaias-Circulação B. Madre Deus BOAT

706: Cais Sodré -Estação Sta. Apolónia Barreiro -Terreiro Paço,

712: Estação Sta. Apolónia -Alcântara Mar Cais do Sodré -Seixal,

728: Restelo -Portela Cais do Sodré -Cacilhas,

734: Martim Moniz-Estação Sta. Apolónia Cais do Sodré -Montijo.

735: Cais Sodré -Hospital Sta. Maria

759: Pç. Figueira -Estação Oriente GPS

781: Cais Sodré -Prior Velho

42' 43 78'' N 782:

794: Restauradores-Estação Oriente

206: Cais Sodré -Odivelas

210: Cais Sodré -Prior Velho

TIP: a pps such as Google Maps, Moovit, Carris e CP Comboio s can help you to travel in Lisbon !

WHATSAPP GROUPS1

You should join the WhatsApp Erasmus Group that is for all the incoming Erasmus and Mobility students for the year 2023/24 and all the ISPA students that want to be included in the activities we're going to do .

There is also the ISPA community where you can find and join all the groups you might need such as your classes/year groups .

WHERE TO EAT1

BAR

On the first floor, ISPA has a bar where you can buy soup, pastries, sandwiches, and other sweet and salty foods , but no big meals

FERRAS (Restaurant “Novo Conceito”)

This restaurant is right next to ISPA has traditional Portuguese food with reasonable prices

KEBAB

This restaurant is also right next to ISPA and has cheap Iranian/Turkish food.

A MURALHA

A Muralha is closeby and has great food but it is a little more expensive.

PINGO DOCE

In the Santa Apolónia train station there is a supermarket that has pre-made food hot food, sandwiches, pastries, and packaged food that you can heat up at the university’s microwaves.

AUTOMATIC MACHINES

On the first floor if you go up the stairs, turning right, past the elevator to the left (don’t go up the stairs), and keep going in front until the end of the corridor you will find some automatic machines and microwaves.

HOW TO GET YOUR ACADEMIC EMAIL 1

Your academic email is on outlook and can be accessed through this link The email should be [your ISPA number]@alunos.ispa.pt and your password should be your ID or passport number.

HOW TO USE INTRANET1

To access Intranet, first you should click on this link . Then, on your right you will see a small square that says “LOGIN” and you click on it. On the pop -up that will show up you click the “Tipo de utilizador” and choose “Aluno” then, in “Utilizador” you type your academic email, and the password will be your ID or passport number.

Balcão Virtual

In Balcão Virtual you can make requests such as an improvement exam or questions you have , by clicking “criar pedido ” and, in “assunto ” choosing what you want to talk about .

If you are not satisfied with your grade there is always an onl ine or in-person (depends on the teacher) meeting with the teacher to discuss your results which you will be notified via your academic email. If you still want to retake the exam you can, and it costs 35€ if you’ve passed the first time around.

To retake an exam, you’ll need to select “Inscrições em épocas de Avaliação e Melhorias de classificação” then “Tópico” will appear, and you can select “Melhoria” or “Inscrições em épocas de Avaliação e Melhorias de classificação | Outros” and , in “Descri ção” you should write which course you want and if you want to repeat the exam (métodos I) or the assignment (métodos II) .

PS: if you haven’t passe d an exam or assignment on the first round (which means you got less than 9,5) you don’t need to request, you’ll be automatically signed up for a retake exam/assignment. Make sure to ask your teacher what the assignment is because the retake can be different or be in an exam/oral form.

To check the requests you’ve made , in the main menu, you click in the “Os meus requerimentos ”. To see each request in detail you can click in the magnifying glass and ISPA’s response by scrolling down . The completed processes are in green and the pending in yellow.

In Assistente Virtual you can ask questions to a virtual assistant.

In Consulta de Notas you can check your grades.

When in Pagamentos e Documentos Fiscais you can find your already done payments “Pagamentos Efetuados ”, your payments to be done “Pagamento s por Efetuar” .

In Delarações de Matrícula/Inscrição you’ll find the declaration that you are studying at ISPA if you need it.

HOW TO USE ESCA 1

Login here by selecting the student profile, your student number as your login and your ID or passport number as the password.

On the Home page select menu and that is where you can find your final grades.

On the same menu you can find the academic register where you can see in which courses you’ve enrolled On treasury situation you can see all the payments you’ve done and the ones you’re missed.

HOW TO USE ECAMPUS 1

Ecampus is the platform used by ISPA to provide the students with the course materials (syllabus, PowerPoints), resources (books, videos) , grades, and is where you will have to submit your assignments.

Unfortunately, you can’t access the Ecampus directly by a link To a ccess it you should follow the steps from how to access Intranet and then click on “Tecnologias de Ensino & Aprendizagem ” followed by “Ecampus”.

Usually, it will show you Ecampus right away, but if it doesn’t simply l ogin by selecting the “Aluno ” profile, your student number as your login and your ID or passport number as the password.

When you login you should see the courses in which you’ve enrolled in. You can even customize the page to only show what you want.

HOW TO USE TURNITIN 1

Coming soon…

05 YOUR DAILY LIFE

SPECIAL STATUTES

Coming soon…

CULTURE IMMERSION

Coming soon…

CONTACTS

CONTACTS1

In the event of any emergency, 112 can be connected through fixed and mobile telephones. The call is free and will be answered immediately by the emergency centres that trigger the medical , police or fire department.

National Health Service SNS24 (for English press 9)

+351 808 24 24 24

Note: if you call them before going to the hospital your triage is already done so you might get ahead.

TOURIST SUPPORT

Esquadra de Turismo de Lisboa | Santa Apolónia working 24h/day

Address: Stª Apolónia - Largo Museu da Artilharia, nº1 - 1100-366, Lisboa

: +351 218 804 030

Esquadra de Turismo de Lisboa | Palácio Foz working 24h/day

Address: Praça dos Restauradores - Palácio Foz1200-000, Lisboa

: +351 213 421 623

In the Tourism Police Stations, you will find Police Officers that are trained to provide support to all Tourists in multiple languages and situations.

More information: www.psp.pt/turismo | lsbetur@psp.pt

ISPA weekdays 08:00-23:00

Address: Rua Jardim do Tabaco nº34, 1149-041 Lisboa saturday 09:00-18:00

: +351 218 811 700 on sunday it is closed

Website: https://www.ispa.pt/ : @ispamedia : ispamedia : ISPA : info@ispa.pt

: ispamedia : @ispa_media : ispamedia

ISPA’s International Department 10:30-13:00 and 14:00-17:30

: +351 218 811 700 on weekdays

: international@ispa.pt

AE ISPA

: aeispa@alunos.ispa.pt

: @ae.ispa

: aeispa

: ae.ispa

We would also advise you to find the information of the hospital nearer to you and your embassy or consulate for any problems you might encounter.