Spanish Erasmus student in Portugal comments: ‘Portuguese people have a more relaxed pace’ [video
A Spanish student who is doing the Erasmus program in Portugal shared a video where she shares her impressions of the local culture. In the video, she comments on the more relaxed pace of life that Portuguese people live, highlighting that people seem to lead a more relaxed life. The student also mentions how the differences in meal times and punctuality caught her attention, since, compared to Spain, Portuguese people tend to adopt a more laid-back lifestyle. These observations reflect an interesting cultural shock, showing how small differences in daily life can enrich the experience of living in a new country. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaPS0SLzZmY Spanish Erasmus student in Portugal comments: ‘Portuguese people have a more relaxed pace’ A Spanish student, who is doing the Erasmus program in Portugal, decided to share her cultural experiences through a viral video on TikTok. In this content, she expresses her surprise at discovering that the Portuguese have a more relaxed pace of life compared to the usual fast-paced lifestyle in Spain. The video has attracted the attention of many, sparking discussions about the cultural differences between the two neighboring countries. Work Pace and Punctuality The student reports that one of the first differences she noticed was the way the Portuguese approach work. According to her, “they are very slow at work.” The young woman observes that, when entering establishments such as cafes and restaurants, it seems that the workers take their time to complete their tasks, while in Spain there is a constant rush to serve customers.
Furthermore, the student mentions a peculiarity about punctuality in Portugal. She highlights that, contrary to the reputation that the Spanish have for arriving late, the Portuguese exceed this expectation. “A Portuguese will always surpass you in arriving late”, says the young woman, praising the relaxed way in which the Portuguese take punctuality. Meal Times The student also noticed that meal times are quite different. In Portugal, lunch is usually served around 12:00 or 12:30. For the student, this is surprising, especially considering the fact that in Spain it is common to have lunch much later, around 2:00 pm. She mentions that, when trying to have lunch during Spanish hours, she found many restaurants closed.
This difference in eating routine caught her attention not only because of the times, but also because of the habits. The young woman reflected on the popularity of coffee in Portugal, especially after dinner, and noticed a high consumption of sweets. “They’re always eating sweets. They make a lot of sweets and eat a lot of sweets,” she says, finding this cultural aspect quite peculiar. Cultural Perceptions of Series and Films Another point that the student mentioned was the way series and films are consumed in Portugal. She compares the situation with Spain, where most productions are presented dubbed. She found it curious that the Portuguese have the habit of watching films and series in their original version, which, according to her, makes it easier to learn languages.
This account by the Spanish student, in the form of a video, is not only entertaining, but also provokes reflections on cultural differences
that can be found in exchange experiences, such as Erasmus. What may seem trivial to some, such as the schedules or the way of working, may prove to be a significant cultural shock for others. Aspect Student Observation Calendar It starts on Sunday, unlike Spain.
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Punctuality
Portuguese people often arrive late.
Work Pace
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Considered slow, they prefer to take their time.
Meal Times
Lunch around 12:00 and dinner earlier.
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Coffee After Dinner
There is a habit of drinking coffee after meals.
Consumption of Sweets
High level of sugar and variety of sweets available. Films and Series Watching in original version favors language learning.
| A Spanish student, currently on an exchange through the Erasmus program in Portugal, shared her experience, highlighting some cultural differences that surprised her. Through a viral video on TikTok, she shares how she realized that the pace of life of the Portuguese is quite calm and measured compared to what she is used to in Spain. | The difference in the pace of life |
|---|---|
| The young woman describes how everyday life in Portugal is marked by a | more relaxed pace. |
| Her account reveals that, when visiting cafes and restaurants, she noticed that the Portuguese seem to take longer to serve and wait on customers, something that made her curious and even a little pleased, since the pressure of the schedule can often be stressful. | Work culture in Portugal |
| Another point raised by the student was the way the | Portuguese approach work. |
| She commented that, in many establishments, the more relaxed operation and frequent coffee breaks illustrate a less rushed lifestyle. “It’s as if time is not a concern, tranquility seems to be the norm”, reports the young woman, noting that this approach contrasts with the fast-paced energy that often characterizes the work environment in Spain. | Meal times |
| In addition to the pace of life, Zulema also highlighted that meal times in Portugal are different. Compared to Spain, where lunch is usually later, in Portugal meals are eaten earlier, something that took the student by surprise when she tried to eat at the usual time and found the restaurants closed. | A positive outlook on cultural differences |
| Despite the differences, the student expressed a positive outlook on this new reality. Her video went viral not only for her observations about the pace of the Portuguese, but also for how she appreciates the | laid-back lifestyle |
| she has found. In essence, the young woman seems to have embraced the peculiarities that Erasmus has brought to her life. | Pace of life: |
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Portuguese people are considered to be more laid-back. Timetable: The week in Portugal starts on Sunday.
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Punctuality:
Portuguese people arrive late. Meal times:Lunch around 12:00 and dinner later.
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Coffee culture:
Coffee after dinner is common. Sweet food:High consumption of sweets in Portugal.
Films and series:
Consumed in their original version.
Customs:
Surprising cultural differences for the student. A Spanish student who is living the Erasmus experience in Portugal shared, through a video, some observations about the local lifestyle. She highlights that the Portuguese have a more relaxed pace of life, which contrasts with the hustle and bustle that often characterizes the Spanish. Below are some of the main differences that the student encountered, revealing an interesting cultural shock. Rhythm of Life in Portugal
- The Spanish student notes that the way Portuguese people view time is quite different from her previous experience. Meal times and punctuality are two aspects that immediately stand out. In Portugal, she notes that meals are eaten earlier, usually at noon, something that surprises her considering that, in Spain, lunch is eaten later. This difference in time can be attributed to the relaxed lifestyle and the taste for social interaction, which are striking characteristics of Portuguese culture. Calmness in Services and Establishments
- One of the points that most draws the student’s attention is the perception that Portuguese people are “slower” when working. When visiting cafés and restaurants, she notices that service can take longer than she is used to in Spain. Although this can be seen as a flaw, the student reflects that this calmness emanating from Portuguese work culture brings a feeling of tranquility and less rush, which, in turn, can be quite relaxing. The Value of Punctuality
- Another aspect that stands out is the Portuguese approach to punctuality. The student comments that, for Spanish people, being late for appointments is common, but when she lives in Portugal, she realizes that this is becoming the norm, as the practice of being late is also very common among Portuguese people. This flexibility in time allows for a less formal atmosphere in social interactions, which the student considers positive, since it facilitates social interaction and the establishment of new contacts. Focus on Personal Relationships
- The student also mentions that personal relationships are valued in Portugal. In a more relaxed atmosphere, social gatherings and meetings are frequent and long-lasting, allowing people to truly enjoy their time together. She argues that in Spain, social dynamics can be dominated by hustle and bustle and commitments, whereas in Portugal, there is a greater focus on the quality of time spent in the company of others. Bringing New Perspectives
- Finally, the student’s experience in Portugal has been rich in learning. The differences in the pace of life have helped shape new perspectives on what it means to live well and relate to others. It is an opportunity to reflect on the fast pace that many consider standard and, perhaps, bring back some of the lessons learned to their own culture. This cultural exchange is precisely what the Erasmus program represents: a chance for learning and personal growth. Frequently Asked Questions about the Erasmus Student Experience in Portugal
- What surprised the Spanish student in Portugal? The student expressed surprise at the many cultural differences she encountered, especially in relation to the Portuguese schedules and lifestyle. How do the Portuguese compare to the Spanish in terms of punctuality? She commented that the Portuguese have a more relaxed pace and are often late for appointments, overcoming the Spanish reputation for being late. What are the differences in meal times? The student noted that in Portugal meals are eaten earlier, usually around 12:00 or 12:30 for lunch and at similar times for dinner, while in Spain meals are eaten later. What linguistic peculiarity did the student find amusing? She found it interesting that the word “espantosa” in Portuguese has a different meaning than in Spanish, where it means frightening.
- How did the student describe the coffee culture in Portugal? The student mentioned that the habit of drinking
- coffee after dinner impressed her, as well as the high consumption of sweets by the Portuguese.
What was the student’s reaction to the consumption of series and films? She was intrigued by the fact that the Portuguese watch films and series in the original version, which contrasts with the majority of productions in Spain that are dubbed.
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