Erasmus Experience in Barcelona, Spain by Liisa

Why did you choose to go to Barcelona, Spain?

I wanted to practice my Spanish so I searched for universities in Spain. My university Erasmus coordinator recommended me French universities and we discovered Toulouse Business School which has a campus in Barcelona :)

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

5 months (January 2014 - June 2014), 400€ per month

What is the student lifestyle like in Barcelona?

It depends on a university you are studying in. In TBS we have a lot of courses, long days and a lot of group work. But the life outside of the school is really colorful - every day there are different parties in nightclubs, events in bars and trips in Barcelona or the surrounding area, also to other cities.

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

I would really recommend Barcelona and Toulouse Business school to students who want to combine good studying experience with active lifestyle outside the school.

What is the food like?

There are a lot of tapas bars, you can get small plates with 1-1,5€ (fried potatoes, sandwiches, seafood snacks, croquettes). Most of the restaurants offer daily menus (three course) for about 10€, usually including a local dish paella. Spanish people drink a lot of coffee, so there are many coffee shops and you can get coffee with croissant only for about 2€. Churros with hot chocolate is a popular dessert or breakfast food.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Barcelona?

I had an apartment for the first two months via agency, so I paid an agency fee for the first month (about 30€). Usually you need to pay a deposit in the amount of the first month rent.

How much does it cost to live in Barcelona?

It depends how much you eat out, want to travel or visit sightseeing's. Club tickets are about 10-15€ including one drink, but every day there are nightclubs where you can get in free before a specific time (usually 1.30am). Eating out costs also in an average about 10€. Accommodation (one room) is about 300-500€ per month. So you will spend about 500-700€ per month.

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

Near to our university there is an international house for language courses. Most of the local people speak in Catalan, but no one has a problem communicating in Spanish with tourists or students :)

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

By plane: Air Baltic flies from Tallinn to Riga and then from Riga to Barcelona El Prat airport. Ryanair flies from Tallinn to Girona, which is about 75 minutes bus drive away from Barcelona.

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

Carrer de Aribau (Chupitos bar for example) is full of different bars. La Fira is for people who like Latin music and dancing (they play all the night half an hour commercial and half an hour Latin music). Mojito club - for dancing salsa, bachata (sometimes there are even dancing classes). Apolo - place for rock music lovers. Razzmatazz - electronic music. Beach clubs - Opium, Shoko etc. are fancy clubs and more expensive.

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

Maka maka - beach burger restaurant
Txapela - tapas restaurant
Kibuka - sushi restaurant
La Xampanyeria - cava/roset with some cheese or ham snacks (really cheap and interesting local experience)
Yakuta wok - buffee with different woks, seafood, sushi, desserts
Self Naturista - for vegeterians, really good food
Nostrum - not a restaurant, but really cheap food for eating quickly
Bo de B - best sandwiches

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Parc de la Ciutadella, Parc de Guell, Bunkers del Carmel, Montjuic mountain and castle, Montserrat, Tibidabo, MACBA, Picasso museum, Olympic stadium, Camp Nou, Barceloneta beach, Plaza de Espana/Catalunya

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

Don't worry about the stories about pickpockets - keep an eye on your stuff (especially in the metro and La Rambla). You will definitely spend one of the most memorable times of your life in Barcelona! :)