P CASTELO01 - Guide for Incoming
Transcription
P CASTELO01 - Guide for Incoming
Messa the prge from esiden t Dear Students, ThePolytechnicInstituteofCasteloBranco(IPCB)isapublicinstitution ofhighereducationwhosemainmissionisthequalificationofhigh-level citizens, creation and dissemination of knowledge, and the scientific, technological,cultural,andartisticexcellenceoftheirstudentswithina framework of international standards. TECHNICAL INFORMATION Titel INTERNATIONAL STUDENT´S GUIDE 2010 – 2011 Editor Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco Av. Pedro Álvares Cabral, n.º 12 6000-084 Castelo Branco tel.+351 272 339 625 fax +351 272 339 601 Cover Marjukka Fisk (under ‘Leonardo da Vinci Practical Training Programme’) Concept and Graphic Design Marjukka Fisk (under ‘Leonardo da Vinci Practical Training Programme’) Photos IPCB Printing and Finishing Withaqualifiedteachingstaff,moderninfrastructuresandhigh-quality equipments, the IPCB offers through its six schools, a wide range of graduate and postgraduate courses, and is recognized as a privileged partner of the business world. TheIPCBopensitsdoorstotheworldandstudents’mobilityisanimportant vehicle for internationalisation strategy. Theexperienceofstudyingatahighereducationinstitutioninanother countryisoneofthebestwaystoincreasetheknowledgeandskills,not onlyscientificandtechnical,butalsolanguage,relationalandcultural, which are increasingly recognized and valued by the labour market. I greet all the students coming from all over the globe, seeking the PolytechnicInstituteofCasteloBrancotocomplementtheireducation; withyourpresence,IPCBbecomesaricherinstitutionandIhopethatyour stay will also be a remarkable experience and deeply enriching. Welcome to Portugal, Castelo Branco, and the IPCB. Serviços Editoriais e de Publicação do IPCB Copies 250 2010 CarlosManuelLeitãoMaia © President International students´guide 2010-2011 3 Ipcb´s relatio internatio nal ns offi ce (gri ) Staffandcontactinformation Head of the International Relations Office ERasmus institutional Coordinator Other Contact Staff João Pedro Luz Conceição Baptista Rosário Oliveira L [email protected] L [email protected] / [email protected] L [email protected] 2 Avenida Pedro Álvares Cabral, n.º 12 6000-084 Castelo Branco, Portugal 0+351 272 339 625 R+351 272 339 601 Erasmus local coordinators School of Agriculture School of Education School of Arts Isabel Oliveira Maria Manuela Abrantes Ricardo Silva 2 Quinta da Sr.ª de Mércules, 6001-909 Castelo Branco, Portugal 0+351 272 339 900 L [email protected] 2 Rua Professor Faria de Vasconcelos, 6000-266 Castelo Branco, Portugal 0+351 272 339 100 L [email protected] 2 Quinta da Sr.ª de Mércules, 6001-909 Castelo Branco, Portugal 0+351 272 340 800 L [email protected] School of Health School of Management School of Engineering Isabel Lourenço Daniel Santos Roberto Monteiro 2 Avenida do Empresário, Campus da Talagueira, 6000-767 Castelo Branco, Portugal 0+351 272 340 560 L [email protected] 2 Largo do Município, Palacete das Palmeiras 6060-163 Idanha-a-Nova, Portugal 0+351 277 200 220 L [email protected] 2 Avenida do Empresário, Campus da Talagueira, 6000-767 Castelo Branco, Portugal 0+351 272 339 300 L [email protected] International students´guide 2010-2011 5 welco m and cae to portug stelo b a rancol Portugal in brief Portugalisasmallcountrywithatotalareaofaround 92,000 km² and 10 million inhabitants, located in south-western Europe. It has a very long Atlantic coastlineandmagnificentbeachesthataregreatly appreciated by over 12 million tourists every year. AsoneoftheoldestnationsinEurope,Portugalhasa richandinterestinghistorythatisreflectedintheart, landscape,andcuisinefromnorthtosouthandalso throughout the world. Portugalhasundergonemassivepolitical,cultural, economic,and educationaltransformationsover the last thirty years, since the revolution of 25 April 1974. It joined the European Union in 1986 and is nowamoderncountrywithmoderninfrastructures. International students´guide 2010-2011 7 Themajorityofthepopulationlivesalong1214km coastline, mainly concentrated in cities as Lisboa, Porto, Aveiro, Coimbra, and Faro. To enjoy and be amazedbythebeautyofnatureitisrecommendedto visitthearchipelagosofAzoresandMadeira,exotic evergreenparadiseswithatemperatureofabove14ºC degrees during the whole year. Local time follows Greenwich Mean Time. History and government Having a long and rich past, Portugal has been an independentnationsince1143,apartfromtheperiod from1580to1640whenitwasunderSpanishrule.It becamearepublicon5thOctober1910andnowadays is an established parliamentary democracy. The National Assembly is elected every four years. Currently,theSocialistParty(PS)holdsthemajority inparliament.TheheadofthestateisthePresident CavacoSilva,electedintherunof2006andtheheadof thegovernmentisthePrimeMinisterJoséSócrates. 8 INternational students´guide 2010-2011 Climate PortugalhasatemperateAtlanticclimate,withcold butnotseverewintersandmildsummers.InCastelo Brancothemid-wintertemperaturesreachanaverage of5ºC.Insummer,thedailymaximumtemperature average is 35ºC or slightly more. Language and Religion Portugueseisoneofthemajorromancelanguages derivedfromLatinandtheseventhlanguageinthe world (200 million people). Regardingreligion,PortuguesearemostlyRoman Catholic. The State and the different religious communitiesarecompletelyseparateinPortugal, whichmeansthatthereistotalfreedomofconscience, religion,andworship.TheComprehensiveLawonthe EducationSystem,however,guaranteesfreedomto teach any religion of any particular faith. International students´guide 2010-2011 9 The City of Castelo Branco The origins of Castelo Branco go back to many centuries ago. Severalarchaeologicalartefactswerefoundconfirmingthepresenceofthe Romansintheregion.Thearchitectureofthe“MedievalCity”,oneoftherichest in the country, also confirms the presence of the Templars in the city. ThecitycentreandtheJardimdoPaço(Bishop’sGarden)aresomeofthemost interesting places to visit in a city that combines modern trends with a rich historical and cultural past. ThroughthecenturiesthecityhasgrownandtodayCasteloBrancoiscapital of the district. In 2007, Castelo Branco was considered one of the best cities to live in Portugal and the 7th best city to live in Europe, due to its excellent quality of life. Concerning economic activity, there has been an enormous growth of all industrialactivitiesandservices,whichconfirmsCasteloBranco’shistoricrole as the capital of inland Portugal. Thecityisservedbymanywaysandmeansoftransportation(train/bus/car), whichallowsthemodernisationofthecityandprovidesjobsinmanyareas. CasteloBrancoisacityturnedtothefuture.Thecitypretendstoadjusttothe Europeancontextlevel,withstrongbetsinyouth,whichisthemainpopulation of the city. To do so, it’s necessary to provide young people, not only with manyandvariedequipmentstothepracticeofsports,butalsowithprofessional education and access to education. 10 INternational students´guide 2010-2011 Viana do Castelo Bragança Braga Vila Real Porto Salamanca gOING TO CASTELO BRANCO Viseu Aveiro Madrid Guarda Coimbra Map of Railways Castelo Branco Map of Road Access (Highways) Valença Braga Leiria Vila Real Bragança Viana do Castelo Mirandela Braga Pocinho Porto Vila Real Porto Viseu Santarém Oceano Atlântico Portalegre Viseu Vilar Formoso Guarda Covilhã Aveiro Guarda Coimbra Coimbra Castelo Branco Leiria Castelo Branco Leiria Belmonte Lisboa Setúbal Portalegre Oceano Atlântico Lisboa Sintra Cascais Covilhã Évora Marvão-Beirã Oceano Atlântico Santarém Elvas Évora Lisboa Évora Setúbal Fundão Beja Oleiros Proença-a-Nova Penamacor Idanha-a-Nova Alfa Pendular Intercidades Regional Beja Beja Auto-Estrada IP - Itinerários Principais IC - Itinerários Complementares Airport Lagos Faro V. Real Stº António Faro Castelo Branco Sertã Vila de Rei Faro Vila Velha de Rádão International students´guide 2010-2011 13 Services Health Intermsofhealththecityissupportedbyamodern hospitalthatfulfilsmostneeds.Thishospitalprovides clinicalservicesinalmostallareasofhealth.Forthis reason,itisthereferenceforthehospitalsofCovilhã andFundão.Fortheareasofhealthnotcovered,this hospital uses the referral hospital in Coimbra. ThecityisalsosupportedbytwoHealthCareCentres, several pharmacies, and clinics. Transports Thepublictransportofthecityhasavariednetwork ranging from buses to taxis and trains. Themoreeconomicalandpracticalwayoftravelling withinthecityisbybus.Buseshavealargerangeof schedules,theyworkfromthecentretotheperiphery, from 6:00 am to 1:00 am. AlsotheIPCBcanprovidebikesforthestudentsthat wish to use them. International students´guide 2010-2011 15 Tourism Culture / Leisure Thisregionhasseveralattractions,suchasbeautifullandscapes,gardens, and prehistoric and medieval monuments, among others. ThemostimportantmonumentstovisitinCasteloBrancoaretheCargaleiro Museum,theFranciscoTavaresProençaJúniorMuseum,andtheSacredArt Museum.ThecityalsohasaPublicLibrary,sportsvenues,swimmingpool, bars,restaurants,clubs,andparks.TheCine-TeatroAvenidahasperformances of music, dance, and theatre every week. However,themostimportantattractioninCasteloBrancoistheextraordinary JardimdoPaço(Bishop’sGarden),designedinthe18thcenturybytheBishop João de Mendonça. This garden is part of the Paço Episcopal (Bishop’s Palace), where the FranciscoTavares Proença Júnior Museum is located (archaeologicalartefacts,16thcenturyembroidery,etc.).Otherattractionsin CasteloBrancoaretheSacredArtMuseum;thebeautifulCruzeiroofS.João (ancientlargestonecrosssetupinapublicplace)fromthe15thcenturyand all the Medieval City. The gastronomy is also a very good attraction. Kid Goat, soups, several kindsofsausageandthefamousMaranhos(porkorgoatstomachfilledof rice,meat,andspices)aresomeofthemostknownandappreciateddishes. Borrachões(traditionaldrycakes),ArrozDoce(ricepuddingmadewithrice, milk,sugarandeggs),andPão-de-Ló(traditionalcake)aresomeofthemost interestingsweets.Intheregionalgastronomy,wecanalsopointoutthe CasteloBrancocheeses,whichareregisteredasD.O.C.(ControlledOrigin Denomination)withthenamesQueijodeCasteloBranco(CasteloBranco cheese) and Queijo da Beira Baixa (Beira Baixa cheese). 16 INternational students´guide 2010-2011 Thestone-pavedsidewalksofthecityareaPortuguesetraditionknownas stoneembroideryorartunderourfeet.InCasteloBrancothepavementartists adoptedthemotifsofthefamousCasteloBranco’sembroideriestoembellish the pavements of the city. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Castelo Branco’s Tourism Office L [email protected] Idanha-a-Nova’s Tourism Office L [email protected] International students´guide 2010-2011 17 dIagraM oF tHe Po rtuguese HIgHer eduCatIon systeM 1st Cycle of studies 2nd Cycle of studies 3rd Cycle of studies Post-graduate studies graduate studies Politechnic educatio n university education Bachelor 180 eCts to Bachelor 180 eCts to Bachelor 180 eCts 240 eCts 240 eCts or Master 90 eCts (**) to Master 90 eCts (**) to 120 eCts 120 eCts educa Portugues tion sy e stem level 5 (IsCed) ThePortugueseeducationsystemisdividedinto pre-school (children under 6), basic education (9 years divided in three consecutive cycles), secondary education (three years in various thematicareas,endingwithnationalexamsinthe 12thgradeforentrancetouniversity)andhigher education at universities and polytechnics. Integrated Master 300 eCts (***) to 360 eCts doctor deg ree (> 180 eCts) level 6 (IsCed) (*) except when inder or to excer cise a certain professional activity equiring r education and training rating between240 210eCts. and (**) In exceptional circumstances,andsubjecttothefulfilmentof everyrequirementrelatingtothedefinition of theobjectivesof thedegree andtheconditions foracquiringthelatter, a cycle of studiesleadingto a Masterdegree in a specializedfieldmay be amount60 creditsresultingfroma stableandconsolidated practice in that specific field at international . level (***) a Masterdegree mayalsobe grantedfollowinganintegrated cycleof studiesof whichtheduration,for thepurposesof obtainingaccessto a professional activity, a) is establishedby europeanunionregulations;andb) resultsfrom a regularandconsolidated practicewithintheeuropeanunion;in suchcases, a Bachelor degr ee is granted to students having obtained 180 eCts (3 years, 6 semesters). Universities and Polytechnic Institutions can award the Licenciado (Bachelor – 1st cycle) and Mestre degrees (Master – 2nd cycle) while the universitiescanalsoawardthedegreeofDoutor (Ph.D. – 3rd cycle). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ministério da Ciência Tecnologia e Ensino Superior O http://www.mctes.pt NARIC – National Recognition Information Centres O http://www.enic.naric.net/ International students´guide 2010-2011 19 Polyte castelo bra chnic nco institu t – ipcbe The Castelo Branco Polytechnic Institute (IPCB) is a public institution of higher education created in 1980. Located in Castelo Branco, Portugal, the IPCB has taken part in the growth of the region, contributingactivelytotheregionaldevelopmentand to the improvement of the town’s life quality. With six Schools, around 40 graduations, 5000 students,400lecturersand300administrativestaff, highlevelteachingandresearchdepartments,halls of residence, high quality sport facilities, and with increasinglyefficientconnectionstothemarketand thesurroundingcommunity,theInstitutoPolitécnico deCasteloBrancoisnowadaysamodernandsolid institution with high quality standards. Its main objectives are the initial, continuing and specialisedtrainingofhighlyskilledprofessionals, scientificandtechnologicalresearch,provisionof services to the community, and the promotion of regional development. International students´guide 2010-2011 21 The IPCB offers degrees in the education fields of Agrarian and Food Science, Arts and Music, Education, Health, Management and Business, Tourism,andEngineering.Thecoursestaughtatthe IPCBstrongpracticalandtechnicaltrainingwithin theoreticalframeworksataveryhighscientificlevel, preparing competent professionals. The Schools of IPCB have high quality facilities, laboratories,andequipment.Theteachingstaffisof highscientific,technical,andpedagogicalcompetence. FACTS AND FIGURES (2009/10) • Schools: 6 • School of Agriculture (Escola Superior Agrária) • School of Applied Arts (Escola Superior de Artes Aplicadas) • School of Education (Escola Superior de Educação) • School of Management (Escola Superior de Gestão) • School of Health (Escola Superior de Saúde Dr. Lopes Dias) • School of Technology (Escola Superior de Tecnologia) • Bachelor degrees (1st cycle): 34 • Master degrees (2nd cycle): 26 • Undergraduate students: 4014 • Postgraduate students: 400 • Teaching staff: 376 • Other staff: 273 22 INternational students´guide 2010-2011 study progra mmes Arts, Communication and Multimedia Biological and Food Sciences Bachelors (1st cycle): Bachelors (1st cycle): • Cultural Animation • Agronomy • Music, options: • Horticulture • Animal Production • Forestry • Musical Education • Instrument (piano, accordion, guitar, Portuguese guitar, harpsichord, violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, and trombone) • Veterinary Nursing • Electronic Music and Musical Production • Singing • Biological and Food Engineering • Visual Arts and Digital Arts • Communication Design and Audiovisual Production • Applied Biology • Human Nutrition and Food Quality Masters (2nd cycle): • Interior Design • Integrated Fruit Production • Fashion and Textile Design • Technology and Sustainability of Forest Systems • Agro-Environmental Soil and Waste Management Masters (2nd cycle): • Innovation and Food Quality • Animation Art • Music • Graphic Design • Interior Design • Fashion and Textile Design • Audiovisual Production for New Media International students´guide 2010-2011 25 Business Sciences and Law Education and Teaching Engineering and Computer Sciences Health and Social Protection (Welfare) Bachelors (1st cycle): Bachelors (1st cycle): Bachelors (1st cycle): Bachelors (1st cycle): •AccountingandFinancialManagement • Basic Education • Industrial Engineering • Nursing • Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering • Cardiopneumology Masters (2nd cycle): • Computer Science Engineering • Clinical and Public Health Analysis • Special Needs Education – Cognitive and Motor Skills • Information Technologies and Multimedia • Radiology • Early Childhood Education • Computer Science Applied to Health • Physiotherapy • Teachers of English and French as Second Languages for Basic Education • Civil Engineering • Social Work • Human Resources Management • Secretariat Studies • Solicitors Masters (2nd cycle): • Business Management • Renewable Energy Engineering • Early Childhood Education and Primary Education • Primary Education • Primary and Basic Education Masters (2nd cycle): Masters (2nd cycle): • Teachers of Music Education for Basic Education • Mobile Communications • Teachers of Professional Music Education and Music in Performance • Civil Infrastructure Construction • Teachers of Professional Instrumental Performance and Music in Performance • Geographic Information Systems for Agro-Forestry and Environmental Resources • Sustainable Construction • Software and Interactive Systems Development • Information Systems and Communication • Social Intervention in Schools • Social Policy Tourism, Sport, and Services Bachelors (1st cycle): • Hotel Management • Tourism Management • Sport and Physical Activity • Emergency Management Masters (2nd cycle): • Physical Activity • Monitoring Risks and Environmental Impacts 26 INternational students´guide 2010-2011 International students´guide 2010-2011 27 excha nge pe castelo riod iN branco Theinternationaldimension(mainlytheEuropean dimension)isconsidered todayasone ofthe most important criteria of quality in Higher Education. Thisfactorisoneofthestrategiesforthedevelopment of the Institute. So, through the years, the IPCB has registered an increasing participation in several European programmes,suchasErasmus,Comenius,Lingua, Tempus,LeonardodaVinci,WindsorTreaty,etc.Besides thepartnership/cooperationdevelopedwithinthese programmes,thereisalsoparticipationoftheIPCBin severalInternationalAssociationsandtheexistence ofCooperationAgreementswithsomeuniversities. International students´guide 2010-2011 29 Teaching Language Assessment and Grading System Classes are lectured in Portuguese and English. Students must have some knowledge of the Portuguese language before starting courses at IPCB.Therefore,everyyeartheIPCBrunsPortuguese courses for foreigners (see: Language support). The Portuguese grading scale is from 0 to 20. For students evaluation (exams, tests, oral, and writtenwork),itisrecommendedthatthestudent speaks in advance with each teacher about using the English language. Academic year The academic year is usually divided into two semesters, running from September to January (Autumn Semester) and from February to June (Spring Semester). • 10 is the minimum passing grade • 10 to 13 – Sufficient to Satisfactory • 14 and 15 – Good • 16 and 17 – Very good • 18 to 20 – Excellent Ingeneral,asystemofcontinuousassessmenthasbeen adopted,includingtestsandworkproducedduringthe semester.However,theremayalsobecompulsoryfinal examsforstudentswhohavefailed.Studentsshould alwaysreadtheregulationsforeachSchoolandcheck withtheacademicoffice(ServiçosAcadémicosand CourseCoordinator)thetypeofassessmentthatis used in the subjects they are taking. Examinations are held from mid-January to midFebruary and in June/July. 30 INternational students´guide 2010-2011 International students´guide 2010-2011 31 erasm us pro gramm e In order to apply to the IPCB, Erasmus students have to fill inthefollowingforms:StudentApplicationForm;Learning Agreement; Transcript of Records. These forms can be downloadedfromtheInternationalRelationsOfficewebsite. The deadlines for application are: • For the Autumn Semester or the full academic year - May 31 • For the Spring Semester - November 30 N.B.: The deadlines for the students of Design and Music are: • For the Autumn Semester or the full academic year - May 1 • For the Spring Semester - November 1 ThestudentsfromDesignshouldalsosendaPortfolioandthe students from Music a CD with their work. The students admitted will receive an acceptance letter. Upon arrival the student should visit the International RelationsOffice(GRI)toregisterasanErasmusstudentand getthestudent´scard.Onlyafterthatthestudentshouldgo totheSchoolandcontacttheErasmusSchoolCoordinator. International students´guide 2010-2011 33 Who can participate? Recognition of studies Thestudentsfrom27memberstatesoftheEuropeanUnion,fromthethreecountriesof theEuropeanEconomicArea(Iceland,Liechtenstein,andNorway)orfromTurkey,have the possibility to study in Portugal for a period of between 3 and 12 months under the Erasmus programme, with a study grant and without paying any tuition fees at IPCB. IfthestudentcomplieswiththerequirementsoftheLearningAgreement,thenrecognition ofthestudyperiodabroadbythehomeuniversityisassured.Allstudent’srights,aswell ashis/herobligationsasanERASMUSstudentareestablishedintheErasmusStudent Charter, which is given to each student before leaving for the study period abroad. Bilateral Agreements MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ERASMUS PROGRAMME CAN BE FOUND IN: The students wishing to participateshouldgototheInternational Relations Office of theirhomeuniversityandaskabouttheErasmusprogrammeandthepossibilitiesthat itoffers.Thestudentscanalsocheckinformationonthewebsiteofthehomeuniversity and our website in order to find out, among other things, about Bilateral Agreements between the IPCB and other Institutions. The Learning Agreement AnimportantdocumentoftheERASMUSstudyperiodistheLearningAgreement.This documentsetsouttheprogrammeofstudieswhichthestudentwillfollowabroad,as wellastheconfirmationofacademicachievementprotocol,andmustbeagreedand signedbythehomeuniversity,thehostuniversityandthestudent.Anychangestothat Learning Agreement should be agreed in writing by all three parts. 34 INternational students´guide 2010-2011 O http://europa.eu.int/comm/education/programmes/socrates/erasmus/students_en.html Are you interested in post-graduate courses? Although this guide is essentially designed for Erasmus students from the first cycle, muchoftheinformationmayalsobeusefulforthoseapplyingforpost-graduatecourses or programmes. TheIPCBalsoofferspost-graduatecoursesthatcaneitherleadtodegreesordiplomas. Many of these courses or programmes have variable calendars and undergo major changes from one year to the next.The IPCB’s web site has up-to-date information on the types of courses and programmes, specialisations, conditions for admission, application schedules, study plans, etc. International students´guide 2010-2011 35 travell living ing to and in por tugal All foreign students, except students from the EuropeanUnion,needapermittostayinPortugal. However, all students (including European Union students) should contact the Foreign People and Borders Office in order to inform it about the study period in the IPCB and go through all registration procedures.Thisregistrationappliestoallstudents stayinginPortugalforover3monthsandtheyneed tobringwiththemanidentificationdocument,three photos,proofofregistrationatIPCB,proofthatthey can support themself financially during the study period abroad and a health insurance document. CONTACTS: 2Rua Professor Dr. Faria de Vasconcelos, Lt. 6 - R/C 6000-266 Castelo Branco 0+351 272 349 500 R+351 272 349 519 L [email protected] 9:00 – 12:30; 14:00 – 16:00 International students´guide 2010-2011 37 Once in Portugal – How to get to Castelo Branco? By airplane By bus International Airports in Portugal: To reach Castelo Branco by bus please check timetables at • Lisbon* AllthemaintransportationcompanieshaveregularbustoCasteloBranco. • Faro In Lisbon the bus terminal is located in Sete Rios and the nearest subway station is “Jardim Zoológico”. By train To reach Castelo Branco by train please check timetables at www.cp.pt Inter-Citytrain(Intercidades)isthebestchoice;theothertrainsarenotascomfortableorfast. In Lisbon, it is recommended to take the train at the Oriente Station (it is closer to the airport and by subway it is the last station of the red line). 38 INternational students´guide 2010-2011 www.rede-expressos.pt • Porto * We reccommend Portela Airport, in Lisbon, since the connection to Castelo Branco is easier from Lisbon. O O IttakesaboutthreehourstoreachCasteloBrancobyInter-Citytrain or bus and both companies accept the Euro<26 card. If you travel to Portugal by international bus or train: InternationaltrainsrundailybetweenParisandLisbon(SudExpress), crossing the border at Vilar Formoso. ThenearestinternationaltrainorbusstopisGuarda.Tocoverthelast 80kmandreachCasteloBrancoitisrecommendedtotakeanother train or bus. International students´guide 2010-2011 39 proced at the ures ipcb On arrival ThepeopleofCasteloBranco–andthePortuguese peopleingeneral–areveryfriendlyandwelcoming. They enjoy practising their English, Spanish, and French, and are happy to show foreigners the city. Afterarrivingandsettlingin,thestudentshouldgoto theInternationalRelationsOffice(mainbuilding)to meetusandcompletehisfile.Theofficeisopenfrom 9:00 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 17:30. Thenshe/heshouldgototheSchoolwhereshe/heis goingtostudy(seeContacts)toregisterandconfirm the chosen courses. Werecommendthestudentstoarriveafewdaysbefore thestartofclassessoastohavetimetosettlein,get to know the IPCB and the city, enrol in the selected coursesandgetstudents’identificationdocuments. International students´guide 2010-2011 41 On departure ItisnecessarytoinformtheInternationalRelations OfficeandtheHousingManageraboutdepartureat least two weeks in advance. Attheendoftheexchangeperiod,theInternational Relations Office will prepare the “Transcript of Records”tobesenttotheInstitutionalCoordinator oftheSendingInstitution.Wheneverpossible,this documentwillbepreparedbeforethestudentsleave. Thestudentsshouldalsofillinaquestionnaireand sendittotheInternationalRelationsOfficeoftheIPCB toinformusabouthis/hergeneralsatisfactionwith our services. 42 INternational students´guide 2010-2011 other practic a inform ationl Housing Students coming from abroad have two housing options: Students’ halls of residence or private housing,wheretheycanrentaflattolivealoneorto share with other fellow students. Theprivatehousingmarketoffersmaybeconsulted attheHousingDatabaseavailableattheStudents’ Union of each School. Rents range from 90 to 150 € per month. The IPCB maintains 4 halls of residence to provide itsstudentswithgoodaccommodationsataffordable prices.OnehallofresidenceislocatedinIdanha-a-Nova. Alltheroomsareequippedwithclosets,desks,chairs, beds, and central heating. Theresidencesareorganisedintwodoublebedroom flats with a shower and toilet, and a small hall. Each floorhasakitchenandalaundryroom.Themonthly rent is 125 € per person. International students´guide 2010-2011 45 TheIPCB’sWelfareServicemanagesthefourIPCB’s Halls of Residence. In order to rent a room at the Residence,thestudentshouldsendtogetherwith the Erasmus documents the Application Form for Accommodationthatcanalsobedownloadedfrom the International Relations Office website. Health Insurance INternational students´guide 2010-2011 The IPCB’s Welfare Service provides affordable meals at the students’canteens and snack-bars. Each school of the IPCB has a canteen that is open during work days for lunch. For dinner, students have at their disposal the canteen at the School of Education and at the Students’ Residence. StudentsshouldholdaEuropeanCommunityCertificate of Health (European Card of Health Insurance). Virtual Campus Thiscardcanbeusedincaseofhealthemergencies. Ifnecessary,studentsshouldgototheEmergency Service of any Hospital, show this card and pay 8.20 €. In case of illness, students should go to the Health Centre. IPCB is part of a major nationwide electronic Universitynetworkcallede-U.Thishasenabledthe on line creation of online university services, the productionandsharingofacademiccontents,and internet(andintranet)accessfrominsideandoutside the IPCB at anytime and from any place. Thepharmaciestimetableisasfollow:fromMonday to Friday 8:30 – 19:00, Saturday until 13:00. At night,onweekends,andholidaysthereisalwaysan emergency Pharmacy service. 46 Students’CafeteriasandSnack-Bars All campus is covered by a wireless network, and studentscanusetheirlaptopstoaccesstheinternet andIPCB’sservicesfromanypointinIPCB.Thereare specialworkstationsthatarespecificallyequipped for the use of this network. International students´guide 2010-2011 47 Leisure / sport activities The Castelo Branco region offers a wide choice of leisure activities. For those interested in sports there are several recreation facilities. For outdoor sportsitisrecommendedtotakefulladvantageof livingnearthecountryside;running,biking,hiking, and nature sports are the most frequent. Several local associations run their own sport activities and it is up to each student to discover them.Forexample,thereareseveralgymsthatoffer a wide range of services such as sauna, fitness, martialarts,oryoga.Everyonewillfindsomething suitable.ForallthosewhowanttofeelthePortuguese summer,goingtotheswimmingpoolwillbealsoa regular activity during the hot Summer days. 48 INternational students´guide 2010-2011 Students’ Union (FACAB) All the Schools of IPCB have a Students’Union.The main activities oftheseunionsaretorepresentstudentsinthemanagementboards of the School, to provide the students with several services, such as paperstationeryandphotocopies,andtoorganizeseveralsportand cultural activities. TheStudents’Unionsofferawiderangeofactivitiesconcerningsports, culture,andleisure.Duringthewholeyeartherearemanyindoorevents, specially related to the Tunas (students’ musical groups). All the Students’Unions belong to the Federação Académica de Castelo Branco – FACAB (centralized unit that represents all the students). FACAB organizes several academic activities, such as Semana do Caloiro (Freshman’s Welcome Week) and Semana Académica (Academic Week). Regardingmusic,wecanalsopointoutthestudents’musicalgroups –Tunas –, which are part of the Portuguese academic tradition.The Tunasareverypopularandthestudentsenjoyattendingthefestivals that are organized during the academic year. FACAB – CONTACTS: 2Quinta Dr. Beirão, 34 – 2.º Frente 6000-140 Castelo Branco 0 +351 272 081 620 or +351 961 582 270 L [email protected] International students´guide 2010-2011 51 ErasmusIntensiveLanguageCourses(EILC) TheIPCBorganisesErasmusIntensiveLanguageCourses – EILC (summer and winter editions) aimed to provide foreignstudentswiththeopportunitytolearnthePortuguese language, culture, and society.The EILC courses will run betweeninthebeginningofSeptember(summercourses) and the beginning of February (winter courses). There will be two levels: I – beginner and II – intermediate. Theprogrammeincludes120hoursofclasses,normallyonly duringallthemorningsofa3-weekperiod,complemented with outdoor activities. • Level I Beginnercourse:thetargetparticipantsareallthosewhowanttoacquire linguistictoolsthatenablethemtoparticipateinbasiccommunication contexts required by daily life. The course is divided into Language Structure, Grammar, Speech, and Basic Writing. • Level II Intermediatecourse:thepurposeofthiscourseistoincreasethestudents’ communication skills in such a way that they can engage in verbal interactions that require a specific use of language. Another aim is to promotethestudents’social,economicandpoliticaloverviewofPortugal. The strategy is to present subjects that characterize the Portuguese society, history, geography, and literature. The courses will be complemented with some outdoor activities,whichincludeguidedtoursaroundCasteloBranco and visits to Museums and some historical villages. Thestudentsinterestedinattendinganyofthesecourses, havetofillintheapplicationformthatcanbefoundonour website in the EILC section. The deadline for registration is the 31st May. If you have any doubts do not hesitate to contact us. 52 INternational students´guide 2010-2011 International students´guide 2010-2011 53 aboutuseful infor m living in por ation tugal Public Holidays • New Year’s Day (January 1st) • Carnival (Fat Tuesday – Mardi Gras) • Good Friday (moveable) • Sunday Easter (moveable) • Freedom Day (April 25th) • Labour Day (May 1st) • Day of Camões, Portugal, and the Portuguese Communities (June 10th) • Corpus Christi (May/June – 9th Thursday after Easter) • Assumption of Mary (August 15th) • Republic Day (October 5th) • All Saints Day (November 1st) • Restoration of Independence (December 1st) • Immaculate Conception (December 8th) • Christmas (December 25th) International students´guide 2010-2011 55 Useful Phone Numbers in Castelo Branco Banks Fire brigade BanksareopentothepublicfromMondaytoFriday,between8:00and 15:00. Portugal is part of the Euro zone, so its currency is the Euro. ToopenanaccountinaPortuguesebanktherequireddocuments are:passportoranotheridentificationdocument,taxidentification numberandadocumentconfirmingresidenceinPortugal.Anyone can open an account in any bank with these documents. 0 +351 272 342 122 Health Centre of Castelo Branco 0 +351 272 341 761 0 +351 272 341 740 Hospital Amato Lusitano 0 +351 272322133 0 +351 272322276 0 +351 272325180 National Emergency Number 0 112 Police (GNR) 0 +351 272 344 394 Police (PSP) 0 +351 272 340 622 Portuguese Institute of Youth 0 +351 272 326 910 0 +351 272 326 950 Students’ Residence (Castelo Branco) 0 +351 272 347 606 Tourism Office of Castelo Branco 0 +351 272 330 339 Tourist Support Service 0 800296296 Coach – Rodoviária da Beira Interior 0 +351 272 340 126 Train – CP – Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses 0 +351 272 342 283 Taxis 0 +351 272 341 539 0 +351 272 342 012 0 +351 272 324 685 Debit cards are one of the most widely used forms of payment in Portugal.There are ATMs, which accept a wide range of cards, in almosteverystreet.Debit/creditcardscanalsobeusedinalmost every shop. There are also ATMs in every school of the IPCB. Shops National Information Service 0 118 International Information Service 0 177 National Collect Call 0 120 Shops are usually open from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 19:00, on working days, and from 9:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays. During Christmas period time shops are open all day till 19:00 on Saturdays. In the shopping malls, shops are usually open on Saturdays, Sundays, and other holidays from 10:00 to 23:00. International Collect Call 0 172 Student’s Residence (Idanha-a-Nova) 0 56 INternational students´guide 2010-2011 +351 272 200 228 International students´guide 2010-2011 57 Portuguese diplomatic representations Useful Links AcompletelistofallPortuguesediplomaticrepresentationsintheworld canbefoundatthewebsiteofthePortugueseMinistryofForeignAffairs: Câmara Municipal de Castelo Branco (Castelo Branco City Hall) O O www.cm-castelobranco.pt Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) O www.min-nestrangeiros.pt www.min-nestrangeiros.pt/mne/estrangeiro/ Check the available information on theWeb or contact the Portuguese Embassy in your country. Caminhos de Ferro (Trains’ Information) O www.cp.pt Rede Nacional de Expressos (Bus Information) COST OF LIVING The following is a rough guide to prices: O www.rede-expressos.pt Instituto Português da Juventude (Youth Institute) O http://juventude.gov.pt/ • Mineral water (0.5 litre): 0,80 € • Accommodation in Castelo Branco (room per month): 90 -150 € • Cake: 1,00 € O • Beer: 1,00 € • Cinema ticket: 5,50 € O www.mces.pt www.pousadasjuventude.pt Tagus - Agência de Viagens (Students’ Travel Agency) O www.viagenstagus.pt TAP – Air Portugal (Transportes Aéreos Portugueses) (Portuguese Airline) O Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e do Ensino Superior (Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education) • Coffee: 0,55 € Pousadas da Juventude (Youth Hostels) www.tap.pt/ União Europeia (European Union) O www.europa.eu.int Ministério da Educação (Ministry of Education) O www.min-edu.pt • Newspaper: 1,00 € • Bread roll: 0,40 € • Meal at an average restaurant: 10 - 15 € • Meal at IPCB: 2,20 € For the most up-to-date information you can visit the IPCB’s webpage O http://www.ipcb.pt, where you can also download this guide. • Sandwich: 1,50 € 58 INternational students´guide 2010-2011 International students´guide 2010-2011 59 +351 272 33 96 00 +351 272 33 96 01 @ [email protected] www.ipcb.pt