Erasmus Experience in Barcelona, Spain by Amel

Why did you choose to go to Barcelona, Spain?

I had already been in BCN when I was young and I loved this city. Plus, I wanted to improve my spanish

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

I had to do an internship during 2 months. But unfortunately, I only stayed a month in BCN because my internship didn't work for me.
I was supposed to receive between 600 and 700€

What is the student lifestyle like in Barcelona?

There are a lots of students in BCN, from differents countries. You can meet them everywhere. It is a great opportunity to improve another language, discover another culture...
Plus, there are a lots of activities to do in BCN for students.
You will never be bored in BCN.

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

Sure!
Even if I didn't go to the University of BCN, I'm sure it is a great place to study.

What is the food like?

Veryyyy good. There are a lots of little restaurants which offers tapas, paella... and it's so delicious.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Barcelona?

Honestly, my accomodation was a mess. I was in BCN with my bestfriend and we booked a little appartment nere the Arc de Triumph (such a beautiful place). The personnel of the agency was very impolite and cold with us... When we arrived at the appartment we was really surprised to see that there was no windows, no oven, nothing to clean the room, no change of bed sheets... It was really hard to leave in this appartment. And, on top of that, it was E X P E N S I V E.

How much does it cost to live in Barcelona?

In my opinion, not too much. For a month and if I exclude the accommodation costs, it is around 400-500€.

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

Honestly, it was really hard for me at the beggining because people doesn't really make efforts to help you to understand them.

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

I took the plane, I live in Northern France.

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

"La Rambla" is a great place to be at night. There are a lots of tourists, a lots of little bars...
There are people who works for the famous clubs in BCN who gives you free entry, it is really cool.
Opium, Pacha Club, Catwalk are the most famous clubs. I saw the rapper Omarion at the Catwalk, FOR FREE!

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

I don't remember the name of the restaurants...

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There are a lots of museums which are pretty interesting.
I went to MontSerrat, which is an amazing place.
There are many things to see in BCN : Park Guell, la Sagrada Familia, la Pedrera, MontJuic Fountain...

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

Be open-minded, and enjoy!