Erasmus Experience in Aix-en-Provence, France by Shalejandro

Why did you choose to go to Aix-en-Provence, France?

I chose the south of France because of the climate and culture and because Aix-Marseille University offered a variety of languages.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

I am in Aix-en-Provence for five months and I get an erasmus grant of around £300 per month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Aix-en-Provence?

The student lifestyle here is very different from the UK so if you want to be really involved in university/sports/nightlife then I would maybe choose somewhere else!

Would you recommend the city and the University of Aix-en-Provence to other students?

Maybe in a few years when they have finished renovating the university.

What is the food like?

There is a great range of restaurants and snack places, varying from Indian to Spanish to Mexican and a LOT of pizza places! I haven't seen many traditional French restaurants though.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Aix-en-Provence?

The price of flats in the centre of the town are pretty extortionate and we spent ages looking for one but we then realised we could stay in student halls which are actually quite cheap!

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

Nobody really talks to you in French because they know that you are foreign and want to speak English so it's been tricky to practise French. I think there are courses to do a bit of extra language practise at the uni.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Aix-en-Provence from your city?

I flew from Manchester to Marseille which had a change in Paris. Alternatively, you can just fly to Paris and get the TGV down, whichever works out cheapest.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Aix-en-Provence?

There are a lot of pubs in Aix and not many clubs. The Irish pubs are where it's at and then most people go to IPN.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Aix-en-Provence?

The corner bistro does great and affordable burgers, the Indians are pretty good too such as the Maharaja and Rajasthan.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There are a few museums and cathedrals around the town.

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