Erasmus Experience in Almeria, Spain by Marieke

Why did you choose to go to Almeria, Spain?

Because in my school it was the most beloved place to go to because of the beach and the weather.

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

The scholarship is 5 months (one semestre). I get Erasmus money and some money that you only get as a Dutch student. So around €600.

What is the student lifestyle like in Almeria?

Travelling around, partying, tapas, hanging out at the beach, meeting new people and having fun!

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

I wouldn't recommend the university, since, for me as an North-European, it is really disorganized. And the English of teachers is generally bad, but because a lot of students are international you can practise your English with them and making assignments together in class is really fun. The outcomes are interesting. If your Spanish is bad, it will get easier following a Spanish class over time, but I don't recommend it. Maybe it is easy, because like me you had the stuff before, but otherwise don't do it.

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The city is fun, I think especially in summer season because of the beach. You can party a lot and hang out with your friends. But it maybe can get boring if you are from a big city and don't like it when there are not many activities in the city. But also, travelling by bus doesn't cost much, so visit Sevilla, Granada, Madrid, Barcelona, Cordoba, Morocco, just as you like.

What is the food like?

Amazing. The region is known for its fish, so at least try this. Also, tapas are the best thing ever and come free with a beverage during afternoon and evening. You can literally choose everything you want on the menu and it will taste great! But for vegetarians it's not the place to go, especially when you don't know Spanish so well, since you will have less options to eat out.

There are also Chinese, Moroccan and Italian places, if you really get bored of Spanish cuisine.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Almeria?

I found it on sites like this, but you need to understand a bit of Spanish for these sites. Just type "alquiler habitación" or "alquiler piso" in Google and you will get tons of sites. Also you can ask on Facebook. And also the uni can help you, but only when you have arrived (they speak little English and are very helpful and nice! ). And people are looking for roommates in the beginning of the semester, so don't worry!

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How much does it cost to live in Almeria?

This part of Spain is really cheap.

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

No. Sorry but if you don't know Spanish (or even do a little) the accent is hard to understand. Also the school offers a free language course for students during the semester (read: during, yes indeed), but they are more focused on the grammar than speaking, so for me it doesn't really help because I need to learn.

Tip: become friends with locals or rent a house with them. There is a big chance you will live in a house and will speak English or German.

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

From the Netherlands to Almeria I went by airplane - Vueling.

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

The majority of the clubs only play Spanish music, if you are into that it's cool. Also the ESN recommends 'La Clásica', but they play the same Spanish music ("Bailando" from Enrique Iglesias) all the time, and it gets boring. So go to Cuatro Calles in the centre. 'Demodé' has nice music, but is small, and also some other clubs have other music than Spanish there. And I have been to 'Coco' as well, which had a good techno party.

Also when you're drunk enough, there is a nice karaoke bar in the centre where they have songs from all over Europe!

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

I recommend 'Tío Tom'. It's loud and packed sometimes but you should go here at least once.

'Café Alaska' serves ice-cream all year and has every flavour you can imagine.

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Since the city was bombed during the Spanish Civil War, it doesn't have a center or a lot of sites. However, I recommend Alhambra and if your Spanish is good and you like to know more about the city during the war, Los Refugios is also nice.

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

Travel around!

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