Erasmus Experience in Alcalá De Henares, Spain by Emily

Why did you choose to go to Alcalá De Henares, Spain?

I was placed in Alcalá De Henares as part of my Erasmus year abroad.

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

The scholarship was from September to January. As part of my Erasmus grant I received 350 euros per month. This was enough to cover my living costs.

What is the student lifestyle like in Alcalá De Henares?

Alcalá has a huge Erasmus and international student intake so it was extremely easy to meet other international students. It's a small town so you know everywhere and everyone.

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Would you recommend the city and the University of Alcalá De Henares to other students?

The city of Alcalá is really beautiful and very friendly. Hardly anybody speaks English so if you are going there to improve or learn Spanish you will find it very easy. The university is also very prestigious.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Alcalá De Henares?

No.

How much does it cost to live in Alcalá De Henares?

It costs around 250 - 300 euros per month to live in a central flat.

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

The university has a really good language department called Alcalingua. At the start of each semester you have the opportunity to do an intensive Spanish language course that costs 50 euros.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Alcalá De Henares from your city?

By plane.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Alcalá De Henares?

Alcalá has three main clubs and loads of little bars and pubs. However, for a big night out I would recommend going to Madrid. It is 40 minutes by train to get to Madrid and there are buses that run all night from Alcalá to Madrid.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Alcalá De Henares?

There are hundreds of tapas bars in Madrid. Basically every second place is a tapas bar and there are loads of takeaways too. And if you buy one drink you automatically get a taps for free with the drink.

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Madrid is obviously full of cultural sights. However, Alcalá is the birthplace of Cervantes and there are festivals and cultural events every weekend.

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Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Alcalá De Henares in the future?

Alcalá is an amazing city and because it's so close to Madrid, you never run out of things to do!