Erasmus Experience in Alicante, Spain by Alicia

Why did you choose to go to Alicante, Spain?

Honestly I didn't have the choice! The only exchange in Spain with my university was Alicante, but I'm glad to be here!

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

I'm in Alicante only for one semester (the summer one), for that I received roughly 1000€ from my region and my university for the whole semester.

What is the student lifestyle like in Alicante?

Like every Erasmus exchange I guess: a lot of parties!

Would you recommend the city and the University of Alicante to other students?

Yes, I totally recommend it. The city is really nice, and the living cost so cheap. Regarding to the university, it is a beautiful one, and reputed in Spain for the quality of its study. The teachers and the administration are always here to help you if you need it.

What is the food like?

If you like eating tapas it's the right place! Otherwise there are a lot of supermarket where you can find all you need and a 'mercado central' which is a big cover market where you can buy all your fresh products (vegetable, fish, meat) at very low prices.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Alicante?

Not at all, it's really easy to find an accommodation in Alicante. I had found mine before going in the city but it was a mistake (not really what I was expected... ). I recommend to come directly in Alicante without accommodation and live a week or two in an Airbnb to find a flat there. Don't worry it's really easy and at the end everybody got an apartment! Last piece of advice: don't take a flat in the campus, if you want to enjoy your Erasmus experience take an accommodation in the center near Plaza de Toros or Luceros where all the students live!

How much does it cost to live in Alicante?

It's really cheap, if your paying over 270€ per month for your accommodation change it quickly!

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

Spanish it's not a difficult language and there is language courses available in the university with the 'Centro de idiomas' that you can have for free (or 30€ if you didn't go to the course finally) with your Erasmus program.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Alicante from your city?

Personaly I came with my own car, it was long (14 hours) but having a car for traveling around Alicante is cool and you can take all the luggage you want! But if you come with your car you must rent a garage, it's difficult to find a place in the center and it's safer for your car.

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Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Alicante?

If you want to go out you have to go in the 'Barrio', it's where all the parties are. In a map it's between 'la Rambla' and the Santa Barbara castle.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The castle! And then just enjoy the center and the beach.

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