Erasmus Experience in Athens, Greece by elisabet

Why did you choose to go to Athens, Greece?

Because of my internship.

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

It last 6 months and I recieved 300€ per month aprox. But obviously, just with that you can not live.

What is the student lifestyle like in Athens?

It can be as crazy as you want. There are a lot of erasmus so the party is always garanted. However there are also a lot of great bars, the people is super friendly and, as the weather is always hot you can stay in the streets, parks, terrace... Moreover on summer you can go to the islands, it's not exepensive and usually you can do free camping!

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

The city for sure, the university I don't know, I was doing a professional internship. Nevertheless, some friends of mine told me that some lessons are in greek, so the teachers give you works to do at home and its not necessary for you to go to the university. For me that wouldn't be great, but it's not like that in all the universities.

What is the food like?

The food is amazing, all the good things that you could imagine are cook together! Seriously, I love greek food. Besides, the restaurants are not that expensive, if you go with some people is nice to order several plates, it's like the tapas in Spain. Saganaki cheese, meetballs, tomatoes filled with rice, souvlakis, dolmades, tiropita, roasted lamb, all kinds of salad (with feta and tomate, of course) and so on.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Athens?

No, it was very easy. There are a lot of webs where you can find advers of people who want to rent. Also there are a lot of students so it's not difficult.

How much does it cost to live in Athens?

One thing important to know, is that the normal cost for a flat shared with 3 people (for example) is around 150-200€. If they want to charge you more, they are probably cheating on you, as they know that in other countries we pay a lot so they take profit on that!

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

The language is a bit difficult first of all you have to learn a new alphabet. However it will depend on the person and in the interest that you have to learn it. In six month you have enough time to learn the basics and a bit more. A lot of universities have courses available and a lot of greek students are interested in doing echange of languages.

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

From Barcelona it was by plane with vueling. But i didn't check it that much. Going to Athens it's always expensive.

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

It depends what kind of party do you like. If you love discos lady gaga, david getta, that kind of music the best place is gazi (although you can find some other bars with different music). In the center it's full of great bars with great music (monastiraki, psiri). There are alwyas a lot of concerts and parties around so check it!

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

If you want something fast and cheap souvlaki, you will find them everywhere. For pizza in exarchia, there si a place called mystic pizza, really good. Around exarchia you will also find a lot of tavernas with tradicional food. In the center monastiraki and around synatgma, in teh narrow streets you will find also nice places. In Eolo there is a place called "Mama roux" with the best cheese cake. Don't forget to drink ouzo or sipuro!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The Acropolis, the museum of the acropolis, the agora, (basically all the center), herklidon museum, etc.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Athens in the future?

Go to the islands! If you will go there one rasmus, don't just go with people from your country, try to meet greek people!