Erasmus Experience in Alicante, Spain by Lucie

Why did you choose to go to Alicante, Spain?

Because of the University (UMH) I didn't have any other Spanish city to choose from and I have always wanted to learn Spanish.

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

4, 5 months, that´s the maximum. I can prolong my stay, but only after one semester here. I get 400 euros per month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Alicante?

It´s really good, there are lots of different things to do: there are beaches, lots of bars, clubs, dance school for Erasmus students as well, lots of places around Alicante to visit.

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

I´m not studying at the University of Alicante, but at the University of Miguel de Hernández Elche, so I can´t say. But Alicante city I would recommend of course.

What is the food like?

It´s great! I really enjoy the good fish from the market, it´s fresh! And there's also lots of delicious fruits and vegetables, which at some places is really cheap! And Spanish food of course!

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Alicante?

I found my flat by myself before leaving my country through the special groups for Erasmus people on Facebook, which I recommend, as it´s the best and quickest way to find something. Dormitories here are pretty expensive, at least for me.

How much does it cost to live in Alicante?

Compared with my country, it´s more expensive, like almost everything, namely in accommodation, food and alcohol. Although I think that, here in Alicante, it's a cheaper life than in other cities like Valencia and so on.

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

I think so, English isn't very popular here between Spanish people, be prepared for it. Between Erasmus people, you can speak English/Spanish - depends. They speak pretty fast - also be prepared for it. You need to listen and practice as most as you can.

Language courses are available on both universities - UA (University of Alicante) and UMH (University Miguel Hernández, Elche - Medicine)

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

By plane. (I went from Memmingen - Germany)

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

To the beach or Barrio, of course. There are lots of different bars and they are offering special prices. At 3 is Barrio closing time and you should go to some club - 5 Avenida, Kraken and so on. There are also a lot of restaurants and cafes which are open for a really long time.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Alicante?

I have been to few restaurants, I´m cooking at home - it´s cheaper but I will visit some, of course. One little yellow cafe in the center is great. They have brilliant frozen yogurt and pancakes and lot of good stuff, but I don´t remember name.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There´s a museum, a cinema, some small galleries, concerts, theater..

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