Erasmus Experience in Almería, Spain by Klára

Why did you choose to go to Almería, Spain?

I wanted to go to Spain because I wanted to learn Spanish and get to know a different culture. Almería has a perfect location - It's in the south, so it has sea and many hours of sun.

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

My Erasmus stay was 5 months. I received 400€ per month. In general, living in Almería is not so expensive.

What is the student lifestyle like in Almería?

There are a lot of Erasmus students from many different countries, so you could meet a lot of nice people at parties. Or you can go to different events for Erasmus students, trips or just lying on the beach.

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

The city is really nice and the sea is the main advantage because the beach is a really nice one there. Almería is a quite small city so you can walk almost everywhere and you can find everything you need in the city.

Also, the university campus is beautiful and you can spend a nice time there between the classes because there are several cafeterias.

So, I recommend this city, but it's better to speak Spanish before you go because local people and people at the university don't speak English very well.

What is the food like?

You can enjoy a lot of different food in Almería. You can find typical tapas bars - I recommend those in the city centre near Cuatro Calles. Also, you can eat paella or fish and seafood - very typical (Entremares is a good one for these).

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Almería?

I found my accommodation before I went. I found it on the internet and it doesn't cost anything. There are a lot of flats - especially in the Zapillo area.

How much does it cost to live in Almería?

For an apartment, you usually pay around 160-200 euros per month. You have to pay the water and electricity bills separately (the electricity is expensive there). It's better to have a gas boiler for water and cooking. Food is quite cheap and the best prices are in Mercadona and Carrefour.

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

Going to Almería is the best way to learn and improve Spanish because you just have to speak and learn it. English skills of locals are not great. The Spanish language is not very hard to learn and also there is a Spanish course at the university from beginners level to B2 level.

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

From Ostrava it's best to go to Kraków and then fly to Almería through another city, or fly straight to Malaga and then take a bus from there. Also, from Prague there are flights to Almería with Vueling Airlines but it's more expensive - about 180 euros.

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

A lot of Erasmus people go to La Clásica to party, which is the biggest club. But the music is much better in another clubs on Cuatro Calles.

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

For tapas - La Plazuela and for seafruit and fish - Entremares.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Several museums, cathedral, Alcazaba and the statue of Sagrado Corazón have a wonderful view.

Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Almería?

Just enjoy your stay and be patient with Spanish people!