June 16 Coimbra University

Coimbra is a historic university and was an important medieval centre during 1149-1255 when Coimbra was the capital city of Portugal. Since 1255 Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal. The Coimbra university campus has historic buildings, and a palace. King Dennis, supported education & founded general studies, which moved between Coimbra & Lisbon.  King John 3rd, moved the general studies program to university to Coimbra. The Jesuits controlled what was taught at the university, law and medicine. The Jesuits would not allow science to come into the university, they became corrupt and the king expelled the Jesuits. This university is a public university, the cost is 1000 euros for one year (sept to may). A degree is complete in 3 years. Cost to stay at student housing is based on parents income. The cost for a private university is 300-400 euros a month. The public universities are considered better than private universities, with the exception of one private university. The treaty of Bologna has standardized university education degrees throughout Europe. Today, young university grads are not able to find work in Portugal, unemployment is 17%. Many educated youth are living at home with parents or they are leaving Portugal for job opportunities in other countries. Since Portuguese is not widely spoken outside of Portugal, many Portuguese speak other languages which helps them get jobs in other countries. In 1986 Portugal became part of European Union. Although Portugal's economy is similar to other European countries, however, people are not rioting in Portugal making it safe for tourists.