Universidade Católica Portuguesa – Porto Speciality : Chemical Engineering
programme: Food Engineering

Hello :), my name is Manu, I’m an Italian student and I’ve been at the UCP for the first semester 2025/2026. Here in Católica I had the time of my life, I would recommend this experience to anyone.
Related specifically to the university: every professor has always been super helpful in solving schedule and logistic problems, they had English classes even with just two Erasmus students in the room, I really appreciated it.
As I wrote in the title: the only mistake could be not coming here. UCP is waiting for you and especially Porto, one of the most handsome cities in the world.
Enjoy!

Studying at UCP, especially ESB, was the best decision of my academic career, the courses are difficult but rewarding and prepare you for a work career very well, especially the fact that ESB as a lot of programmes with companies in the area of study you prefer, making it easy to get internships and the like. The professors, facilities and accommodations are top notch and the academic life is on par with them. UCP hs several opportunities to boost your curriculum with different associations, formations and workshops. You can spend your free time volunteering or at one of the bars nearby with friends.

Overall, I enjoyed spending 1 month doing research at the University. I also had the opportunity to give a lecture and share my knowledge. There is a cafeteria with affordable prices for those who are not able to bring their own food, which was excellent.

My experience as a student at the Catholic University’s School of Biotechnology was extremely positive and enriching. I started studying again at the age of 46, which represented a real challenge — I had to reacquire study habits that had been lost over time. Despite the initial difficulties, I remember this period very fondly.

There were times when the journey seemed especially difficult because I couldn’t always follow the topics easily. However, with persistence, dedication and willpower, I managed to overcome the obstacles and reach the end with a sense of achievement.

I would like to express my deep gratitude to my teachers for their patience, availability and constant support, and also to my colleagues, whose camaraderie was essential. Despite the age differences — many of them could have been my children — I was always welcomed and felt included.

I would also like to highlight the fundamental role of the Catholic University in the education of its students. Close support, academic demands combined with a human dimension, and individualized attention make all the difference and contribute decisively to the success of each student.

To all those who are considering enrolling at Católica, I leave a word of encouragement: choose this institution with confidence and do not be discouraged by difficulties. With determination and the right support, anything is possible. Católica will certainly be a defining and life-changing choice for you.
Thank you very much
Teresa Fonseca Goncalves