Actually, all the reasons are of personal character, they explain why I would like to study (or rather, work) at Coimbra University.
Number 1: Location. The university is situated in a fascinating old city, a former capital of Portugal.
Coimbra is fairly called a cidade dos estudantes /the city of students. Actually, the city life, most social and cultural events centre round the University. Judge for yourselves: the most famous park in the city is the Botanic Garden of the University of Coimbra (the fifth oldest in the world, by the way). The main football team was founded by the University of Coimbra students' union in 1872. Two major city festivals – the Latada and Queima das Fitas / the Burning of the Ribbons – define the academic year. The Latada occurs at the beginning of the year and is a welcome to the new university students. On this day freshmen, wearing fancy costumes and tin cans tied to their legs, march through the streets and then are "baptized" in the Mondego River thus entering into the Coimbra academic fraternity.
Number 2: Age. The University of Coimbra is one of the oldest academic institutions in the world, its history dating back to 1290. And what is associated with the age of the University? – Tremendous old buildings, multiple traditions, first class reputation, and, as a matter of course, highest educational standards. Speaking of traditions, for our students it is not easy to imagine a university with its own church, right? The bell tower of São Miguel Chapel is the university symbol which can be seen from any part of the city. And one of its bells, the Cabra (She-goat), used to call students to the lectures. Lovely tradition, don't you think? However, once students, fed up with strict academic rules, dared steal the Cabra. There was a big scandal, but the bell was never restored. It was changed and the new Cabra nowadays rings only for masses.
click on the picture for a closer view
Number 3: Modernity. Despite its seven hundred years history, the University of Coimbra is open to innovations and tends to globalization. A few years ago they adopted the Bologna Process model and became a multicultural academic community. Students from all over the globe take full and part time courses in various subjects at 8 faculties. Together with reputable Classical Languages, Anthropology, and Pharmaceutical Sciences they offer academic degrees in Design and Multimedia, International Relations, Environmental Engineering and other state-of-the-art subjects.
Number 4 (which is actually, number 1 and the reason enough for me): the LIBRARY. When I entered Biblioteca Joanina I thought: It is my dream job! There’s nothing more tempting than to belong to this intellectual luxury, to be able to touch manuscripts of the XVI century, to learn from these ancient books.
I asked if students are allowed to take books here, about the procedure and suchlike and was astonished to hear that all those treasures can be borrowed!
The modern part of the library looks different, though the old ceiling has been preserved.
There was a sign Prison entrance (funny, isn’t it, inside a library) and I asked a working assistant, who appeared to be an applicant, who the prisoners were and for what sins they were taken into custody. For stealing books (!!!), drinking, non-obedience, misdemeanor of the sort. And if they cheated in the exams? I’m not sure, - was the reply.
And finally, Number 5: Opportunities. In all aspects and meanings of the word! Coimbra is in central Portugal, and Portugal is located close to Spain, Morocco and other wonderful countries. You learn Português and, probably, more languages communicating with students of different nationalities. The tuition fee, by the way, is not monstrous – about 900 euros per year.
Would you like to study at a University of the kind? Which of my arguments do not sound weighty to you?
Frankly speaking,some years ago I clearly made up my mind to go to the internship to the USA after graduating the university. You can ask me the reasons and there are some of them: first of all, my best friend moved in America 2 years ago, she found a man, who is her husband now and she constantly asks me: "Annie, when will you visit me? I miss you,etc". Then,learning some sites, I've found a university in NY and the priсe of tuition and accommodation is quite reasonable. So America was my cherish dream. But now I'm in doubts, cause during 2 years I was into my thoughts about studying in America. It turned out that there are a lot of interesting places in the world to study at and the University of Coimbra is one of them. It looks mysterious on the pictures, it has traditions as well as legends and it reminds me Hogwarts :) There is a great number of sights to see and different people to meet, so I'd like to study there.
ОтветитьУдалитьI didn't mean to ruin cherished dreams, what I meant was to expand your horizons. And “traditions” is the key word here, I guess. What traditions are you likely to find in the country which became a country less than 250 years ago? But, of course, it’s up you to decide!
УдалитьHi, Irina, yes I’d love to study at this kind of time-honored university. It is the “bloom of time”. What a blessing to learn in such beautiful and antique buildings of the old city. Sometimes, some people tend to have arrogant pride on the system that has worked so many years, but the university has renovated and internationalized. I like it when things change nicely when necessary, while maintaining its core value and originality.
ОтветитьУдалитьYoko
funny about the bell. They couldn't stand it anymore )))))))))
ОтветитьУдалитьIt seems quite appealing to me to study in such a place. When looking at the picture of university, I think that a lot of mysteries are hidden in this place. By the way, we should pay our tribute to the government and community, the spirit of a centuries-old culture and traditions are still present here. The most curious thing for me is the bell. Moreover, the library is really impressive. Who knows how many riddles are rested on the shelves of it.
ОтветитьУдалитьTo my mind it's a great pleasure to study in such a university, not only because of its location, but also because of its atmosphere. I strongly believe that you can feel centuries-old history through the walls, and especially through the bookshelves in the marvelous library! Just imagine how many students have been educated there during the ages, it's really inspiring, isn't it?
ОтветитьУдалитьAs for me, I've never gone abroad to study for a long time, so why not try it? You see, it's a great chance of learning the language, communicating with people from all over the world, learning the culture and so on! I think the the culture of Portugal seems more familiar to the Russians than, say, the customs and traditions of China, that's why it will be easier to get accustomed to everything. I like the view of the university, because everything looks so majestic, especially the library with its fresco paintings on the ceiling and long rows of books.
ОтветитьУдалитьTo tell the truth, I have never heard about this university in comparison with Cambridge or Oxford, for example. But having looked at it and read your post, I really liked it, especially I was impressed with the modernity. You see, having such an old history, the University of Coimbra not only keeps its traditions, but also keeps up to date (I mean academic degrees in Design and Multimedia, International Relations and so on.). And of course I can’t help mentioning the library that at the first sight looks wonderful, as if you have found yourself at the fairy tale. These paintings on the ceiling, these aureate figures on the wall, and of course the huge shelves that are full of books, everything is beautiful and great.
ОтветитьУдалитьTalking about studying abroad, I really would try this experience. Leaving far from home can make me stronger, moreover I’d have a chance to communicate with people, improving my English and learning Portuguese, you see. And at the same time I can kill two birds with one stone. What I mean is getting a high level of education and broadening my mind, living in Portugal, for instance, and learning more about the culture of this country. That’s why, without doubt, if I had a chance I would go for studying without any hesitation.
Such a beautiful place! I would like to go there because all these arguments sound very well and the prices are acceptable. If I have a chance to study there I’m sure, I would be caught with the atmosphere and the old history of this university. I love to visit a new place that’s why I would explore each university’s corner. By the way, I think, it is a great opportunity to make friends all around the world. Moreover, living in this wonderful place, the students can not only learn languages but also can be inspired with the culture.
ОтветитьУдалитьTo tell the truth, I also have never heard about the University of Coimbra before. It looks really majestic, like a huge medieval castle. Amazing country, wonderful culture and fascinating history of the University can`t help entrancing. But of course, a picture is worth a thousand words, and now I want to see it by my own eyes. But just to see, to wander in Its` fabulous park, to take part in the colorful and unforgettable national festival, maybe even to work with different unique documents that are kept in the ancient library, but not to study there.
ОтветитьУдалитьFrankly speaking, I can`t understand people who can easily leave their houses, their families and friends. It always was such a big problem for me! Without doubt, studying abroad opens a lot of opportunities for the future. It is a great chance to get such an immeasurable experience. But I think, that in such situations as mine, it would be wiser to stay at home, in order not to be homesick.
It seems to me that the University of Coimbra is a wonderful place. Who wouldn't want to study in the university founded in 1290 in the centre of Portugal? Its location is particularly appealing to me as it's very close to the sea, and what can be better than going to the sea after a long study week? Furthermore, I like the opportunities that this place can offer. I mean, it would be amazing to learn Portuguese with the native speakers. I would love to join the community of lusophones, it is very rewarding as it opens up a huge part of the world. All in all, I think this university is one of the best choices for studying abroad.
ОтветитьУдалитьIt must be admitted that the University of Coimbra is an admirable place and when travelling, without doubt, should be visited. In case of having enough money and fortitude to study abroad, a man should not blow such a great chance as he can get the opportunity not only to explore old streets of the city, but also imbue his mind with its atmosphere and culture.
ОтветитьУдалитьHaving read this article, I thought that I would not refuse to study at that University, but because of my captiousness it would take me a really long time to think over pros and cons of going, studying and living abroad. Nevertheless, the facts described seem quite tempting.
I have never heard about this university, really interesting. Despite the university is very old, there are all modern and innovations facilities in the University of Coimbra. What impressed me most of all is luxury library, beautiful buildings and festivals. It is evident that in such educational institution with a great history everything is filed with teaching atmosphere. As for me I have been studying abroad for three years already. I am pleased and proved of my university, my teachers and inhabitants.
ОтветитьУдалитьTo be quite frank, I've never heard about this university. However, having read the post, I suppose it to be appealing for me. You see, it was my dream to go to some European cities with old beautiful buildings and architecture, but to live and study at such a place is much more attractive. Besides, studying there gives a good opportunity to learn Portuguese and to improve English. I can't help mentioning the fact that learning other culture, communicating with foreign students can broaden our mind. As for the library, it seems to me such a lovely place. I think students will forget about their computers and mobile phones there.;) And what surprised me most was an affordable price. Finally, I want to say that though this university isn’t so popular, it provides a lot of good opportunities.
ОтветитьУдалитьFirst of all, thank you very much for such a detailed and captivating description of the University of Coimbra, you practically persuade me to enter it, giving rather convincing reasons! By the way, a think the very first photo looks familiar to me, wasn't it published some posts ago?
ОтветитьУдалитьAs for me, the most essential reasons to enter « the City of Students » is its location, of course, and opportunities it can provide. Who would refuse to study in such a wonderful place?
P.S. The joke about being taken into custody for cheating in the exams made my day! :)
Thank you all! Your comments make invariably absorbing reading. It’s a pity no one mentioned Cabra. Don’t you think that church bells would be a more pleasant way to gather us to classes or wake up in the morning? I’d certainly choose that instead of the shrieking sound we hear before and after classes. BTW, the interior of the student church in Coimbra university is designed in light colours, it looks very joyous, festive and appealing. No usual sombre grandeur of cathedrals – on the opposite!
ОтветитьУдалитьNo, Anton, as far as I remember, this photo hasn’t appeared in other posts. Coimbra was not in that virtual trip, which I guess, you meant.
As well as other commentators, I`ve never heard about this university. And thinking about studying abroad I`ve never thought about Portugal, although this country(as well as the University of Coimbra) deserves attention, because of its location, traditions and great opportunities provided for future graduates.The prospects are really inviting, and the idea of living in the old city, of studying in one of the oldest academic institutions in the world is inspiring. The only thing which I didn`t like is The Latada. I`m not fond of the idea of wearing fancy costumes and tin cans. May be I`m a kind of bore. )))
ОтветитьУдалитьAs the majority of my group, I also have never heard about that place. Obvious at first glance that not only does that place provides getting excellent knowledge, but it's also likely to surround you with all the student pleasures. It was mentioned about two major city festivals - and without doubt participating in such actions would be an unforgettable moment of your life. Then, speaking about the local park - it has always been my dream to have an opportunity of sitting somewhere in the shade of tree or at the bench doing my home-task or just reading (like in some american films teenagers do). So, that reason sounds more attractive for me! Whats more, it library is beyond any praise! It must be just a place where books are read in one breath because of that atmosphere being absolutely predisposing.
ОтветитьУдалитьAll the "components" of that University just couldn't help captivate you. Moreover, with my hand on my heart, I will say that if I be suggested the chance to study there, I would accept it without any doubting. And despite missing my family, I must learn the most useful life lesson, not mentioning the most splendid knowledge. Unfortunately, the political situation in the world now is not such favorable, as it should have been several years ago. But being an incredible optimist( :) ) I hope for the better!
As for me, I'd love to study there. I think it's a great opportunity to study there(also study other languages) and to see students' life in the oldest academic institution in the world.
ОтветитьУдалитьAs for "reasons", facts that it is situated in Portugal and this University has a lot of courses, which are quite modern, are enough for me.
I hope I'll receive a master degree in such an incredible place.
As you can understand, I can't help comparing this university with the Polish one which I've attended recently. And frankly speaking, the university of Coimbra looks a bit better in many aspects.
ОтветитьУдалить-Portugal sounds much more tempting for me than Poland.
-As I can see, the university of Coimbra has more traditions and so-called "features" due to its age.
-The university of Lodz was pretty modern. A great variety of international students is amazing opportunity for improving your English and learning some other languages. And I believe, you can easily do the same in Portugal one.
-To tell the truth, library isn't a great plus for me as I prefer e-books to printed versions. It seems to me more convinient and efficient.
-As for moderateness, these 900 euros per year looked pretty good for me at the first glance. But than, I checked the university's web-site, and found the information about living costs etc. So, you will spend approximately 6000 euros per year (including dormitory, food, clothes etc). In the long ran, it will cost about 550000 rubles per year and 45000 per month. In Poland I could live for 20000 rubles per month (and more than that be just a king of shopping). :)
To sum it up, I'd like to say that I really want to have one more opportunity to study abroad and why the university of Coimbra wouldn't be the next place?
To my great shame I have never heard about this university. But, frankly speaking, I would like to study there. I have been dreaming to visit ancient castle, building since my childhood. And I would give more to see this tremendous building at least one eye. I suppose that students who are studying there, are really happy, because they can see a historical building and educational institution in one construction. They can feel like in ancient castle, THIS IS MY DREAM!! What can be better to see old walls, which were built a few hundred years ago, and which surround you now.
ОтветитьУдалитьThe one thing that I really liked is a library. To tell the truth I can't stand elecrtonic books, because I like to feel pages of this book, to feel its smell (I just love the smell of books, but, maybe it looks very funny, but the true books lover would agree with me). That's why I would spend several hours in this library.
Furthermore, as you have mantioned before, this University has an unbeatable location. It is located near Spain, Morocco and other counties, and from me point of view it is the best way to practice not only your English skills, but Spanish, as well. It is the wonderful way to get aсquainted with some cultures.
To sum up, I want to say, that this University gives a great opportunity for every student to realise themselves in life, and,of course, to enjoy the beauty of this magnificent University. In fact, to study in such University it is a real pleasure. I REALLY WANT TO STUDY ABROAD, AND I WOULD PAY A LOT TO STUDY THERE.
What a wonderful University! Studying in a place like a museum with a great history is just a dream! Library amazed me. I wonder which of the books there is the oldest one...
ОтветитьУдалитьHonestly, I've never heard about this university of Coimbra. I think we need to make a separate course at the university, where we will explore the greatest universities of the world :)
What about the cost - I was always afraid to know the price of tuition in such universities abroad. Sometimes to study there - is something fantastic and unreal.
Frankly speaking, I have never considered Portugal to be such a good place for getting education. But this post made me think about it, as the location gives lots of opportunities, e.g. to travel around Europe, to learn new languages etc.
ОтветитьУдалитьAs for this particular university, I like the idea of co-existence of modern ways of education with old traditions, which guarantees a high-quality education. The library of the University of Coimbra is another significant reason. Nobody can remain indifferent to such a great variety of books and old manuscripts. Although, the architectural features are not so important in learning process but the thought that I can admire the marvelous old buildings every day appeals to me.
Despite all the advantages of the University of Coimbra, I`m not sure if I choose this place to receive a post-graduate degree, because there are some other places which seems to me even more attractive than this one.
As a great part of the commentators I haven't heard about this university. Several years ago I thought about education abroad but Portugal wasn't mention in the list with the counties I would like to study. Now I understand that it is my fault! I do liked this place with this enormous library and ancient ceilings!
ОтветитьУдалитьWhat could I say about the price... It lives up to university's reputation. (I opened Google and read out some details)
Furthermore I could say that education abroad is the perfect step for an independent life. As for me it is the quite ponderable reason to move to another country.
Nowadays there are many different universities, so I have never heard about this one. And it was really absorbing to read about Coimbra University.
ОтветитьУдалитьSuch a lovely place! I suppose it’s a great pleasure to study there. And I believe that the atmosphere of this old university every day inspires students and teachers.
Its location, its old beautiful buildings, its great traditions, highest educational standards and of course its splendid library make this university a paradise for students.
I don’t think that I’ll have a chance to study at this university, but I do enjoy visiting “the city of students”, where all life concentrates on this university. I would like to see these tremendous buildings, this amazing library and fell this extraordinary atmosphere.
P.S. I really love the idea of this church bell which used to call students to the lessons. Pretty good tradition. But maybe it was not a pleasant sound as the students decided to steal a bell))).
Now I do not know yet what I will do after graduating from university. There are plenty of ideas, ways. Before now, in my list of ideas for the future there were variants related to English, French or Russian languages. But the University of Coimbra greatly impressed me. This combination of tremendous old buildings and its’ modernity captured my attention. Besides, such a great opportunities are given to the students of this University. Not in vain it was added to the World Heritage List. Surely, I would never have missed the opportunity to learn in this wonderful University.
ОтветитьУдалитьHello!
ОтветитьУдалитьSuch a marvelous place must be an inspiration for me,really!
Feeling as if you’re in some ancient palace, will probably be a chance to do my best to learn more)
Speaking about that huge library,I immediately thought about the episode in “Beauty and the Beast”, then Belle was shown a library full of books and was amazed.I’ll feel practically the same.Moreover,the price isn’t high,so why not?!
So,I would definitely like to be a student of the University of Coimbra.(Susan Akopyan)
Thank you for telling us about such a wonderful place. To tell you the truth, I never thought about studying at such universities, but now..the location and low tuition fee sound pretty tempting, don't they? The most fabulous thing is the atmosphere and the ancient library.
ОтветитьУдалитьI would like to see everything with my own eyes.
(Zhaleiko Anatasia)
It's a great place!!!
ОтветитьУдалитьI would love to study there. Coimbra University attracts attention not only for its unusual location, but also for its beauty. Most of all, I liked the library, it looks like it's in a fairy tale. Frankly speaking, I would spend time there from early morning till late at night. However, I was struck by the fact that there are a huge number of old books that you just want to read, and the sign at the entrance is very funny "Prison entrance".
I've never heard about this University before, it's interesting for me to learn about it.
Ablamskaya Ella