Erasmus experience in Athens, Alejandro's Greece

Why did you choose to go to Athens, Greece?

I wanted to go to a country that was relatively similar to Spain. I had been to Athens before to visit a friend who was doing his Erasmus placement in Athens and I liked the city a lot. Furthermore, I wanted to go to a country where I had the option to visit the other Balkan countries that weren't too far away.

How long did the scholarship last? How much money did you receive to help you?

My scholarship lasted 9 months and between University Junta de Andalucía and my University in Greece, I received a total of 3 payments adding up to a total of 5, 400€.

What is the student life like in Athens?

It's very welcoming. Greek students are very revolutionary and very active in student protests. Just like any place, normal people get involved in student movements. Some people told us that it's normal for university students to participate in political student groups and to actively live politics.

Athens University

Would you recommend the city and the university of Athens to other students?

Without a doubt, yes. It's a country that has a lot to offer although the current situation is holding the country back. It has a rich culture and a gastronomy second only to Spain.

What's Greek food like?

It's the best place I have eaten outside of Spain although, like I said before, it doesn't have anything on Spain.

Did it cost you to find accommodation in Athens?

Truthfully, I was lucky, because I was there some months before I received my grant, I asked my friend to give me the details of his landlady and I stayed in that same flat.

How much does it cost to live in Athens?

It can be compared to any European capital. It's not excessively expensive like others, but for example, it's more expensive than Granada. You can go out for some beers or to eat in the famous Greek taverns, and eat well, for little money.

What is the language like? Did you do any language courses at university?

The language is really complicated, and above all, the alphabet is really complicated. I did my course in English since the classes were available in either English or Greek. I didn't practice the language nor did I go to any sort of course even though they offered some initiation Greek courses.

What is the cheapest way to get to Athens from your city?

The best way was from Malaga - Athens or Madrid - Athens. The flight at Christmas was from Athens - Milan (Malpensa) and then Milan (Bérgamo) - Granada, all at night. There are no longer any direct flights from Milan Malpensa to Granada.

Which places would you recommend for a night out in Athens?

Places change every year, but anywhere with students is good for Erasmus students. The "Keramikos" zone is very good, has a good atmosphere and the subway is close to one of the best places for pittas that I tried. Villa Mercedes is very cool as well although sometimes they give you a bit of trouble when trying to get in, but that's usually just for the boys. In general, ESN are in charge of finding and organising the parties.

And eating in Athens? Can you recommend some of your favourite places?

Any souvlaki or pitta places. Close to the Melía Hotel there is a bar on a pedestrian street that only serves souvlaki, fries and a very cold beer which I don't remember the name of. It's in the centre, between Omonia and the Melía hotel. There is also a very famous place in Monastiraki that has several very good reports. There was also a typical Greek tavern that didn't speak English but the food was beautiful but I don't know how to explain it, you just have to go, haha.

Souvlaki

How were the cultural trips?

Amazing. You have to live in Athens at least once in your life to realise where you come from and where you're going to. It's a small city and after so much pillaging, you can actually see more of Greece in the British Museum or in the Louvre, but the Greek essence is in Athens, Epidauros, Corintos, Meteora, Delfos...

Do you have any advice that you would like to give to future students going to Athens?

Don't think about it too much, be it Athens or any other country that you can go to for Erasmus, and if you do go to Athens, try and go inter-railing during the Easter holidays to see places like Albania, Macedonia, Bosnia, Serbia... you can even go to Egypt at any time! There were also good weekend deals to go to Izmir and Istanbul, you can't say no to trips like those.