A Spacest.com guide for international students
During the third edition of the largest student conference in Europe, the Erasmus Generation Meeting Seville 2024, Porto was proclaimed Erasmus Destination of the Year 2024.
After the success of Thessaloniki and Ghent in previous editions, this year, Porto surpassed the four other finalists: Istanbul, Nicosia, Seville and Sofia.
And if you are interested in Erasmus in Portugal, take a look at our in-depth analysis Find your Erasmus accommodation in Portugal.
Why Porto is the favorite destination for Erasmus students
Culture and hospitality
Porto is known for its vibrant culture and warm hospitality. The city offers a welcoming and inclusive environment, ideal for international students.
This recognition celebrates the commitment of ESN Porto in creating a family environment for foreign students and in collaborating with local institutions to improve mobility and inclusiveness.
Find out in detail Porto and its colors in the guide Living in Porto: a complete guide to the Portuguese city.
The role of the Erasmus generation
The title of Erasmus Destination of the Year recognizes the work of student associations in supporting student mobility at city level.
This initiative demonstrates the importance of young people, members of the Erasmus Generation, in promoting ever better and more numerous mobility programmes.
“Erasmus Destination of the Year” is a testimony to the positive change that student organizations are bringing to society and internationalization. We at ESN and the Erasmus Generation are the drivers of change and the leaders of today.”
– Lina Mohorić, Communication Manager di ESN International –
Porto’s path to victory
Selection process
Local ESN associations were invited to participate in the competition, either by joining collaboratively or individually.
After a careful internal evaluation, Harbor, together with Nicosia, Sofia, Istanbul and Seville, reached the finals.
During l’EGM Seville 2024, these cities presented their applications in front of 1,600 participants.
The final decision was made by an external jury composed of representatives of the European Commission, EAIE, Academic Cooperation Association, European Youth Forum e Young European Federalists.
The external jury assessed factors such as collaboration with key stakeholders, higher education institutions, the municipality and other local partners.
The contribution of ESN Porto
“This title is the result of over 30 years of collaboration between ESN Porto and the various local and institutional actors who work tirelessly to make Porto the ‘Invincible City’ for Erasmus students.
Presenting the essence of Porto’s international student experience on the stage of EGM Seville was extremely rewarding, and the recognition from over 1600 members of the ‘Erasmus Generation’ reinforces the importance of our collective efforts.”
– Victor Bizarro, President of ESN Porto –
Welcoming more than 4,000 international students every year, Porto is a city that embodies the Erasmus spirit.
The invaluable support of ESN Porto volunteers to the Erasmus+ program and student mobility is an inspiring example for anyone working in internationalization, helping to make the Erasmus+ program even more attractive and accessible.
In conclusion
Porto, with its welcoming and vibrant culture, has rightly been recognized as Erasmus Destination of the Year 2024.
This recognition not only celebrates the commitment of the city and ESN Porto, but also the importance of collaboration between students and institutions to improve the student mobility experience.
Porto represents a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication to the Erasmus spirit and teamwork.
If this guide satisfied you and you want to learn more about the possibility of living in Porto, take a look at the best accommodation adverts for rent in Porto.