Erasmus Experience in Barcelona, Spain by Pao Corza

Why did you choose to go to Barcelona, Spain?

I am a translator and I came to do my internship as Barcelona is a place of importance when it comes to translations on a global level, the majority of Castilian translations are done here. I also chose Barcelona for its architecture and nightlife.

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

I didn't receive a grant as my internship was 4 months long. I didn't get help. The majority who come here as an intern don't receive financial help, except for a few exceptions.

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

I really recommend the city. If you want to discover incredible views you have to come to Barcelona as it has everything. You've got the sea, mountains, viewpoints over all of the incredible city, huge parks with loads of things to see, medieval things. Gaudí's architecture is amazing.

Students in Barcelona

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Was it hard to find accommodation in Barcelona?

In truth, yes. As a foreign student it was very difficult as there are lots of requirements in order to be able to rent a flat, such as needing to pay a deposit equal to 3 or 4 month's rent, having to rent the flat for a minimum of a year, estate agents are very smart and want to charge you for everything. So I recommend flat-sharing, look to share with Erasmus students by posting ads and shop around for the best option as accommodation is not cheap. A very cheap room with expenses included comes to 250 euros per month.

How's the language? Did you do a language course at University?

The language is a bit difficult, because as you know they speak Catalan. You'll meet people who speak Castilian and people who only speak Catalan. Sometimes it's frustrating that they only speak Catalan and if you don't know the language, you can't understand, or you can understand but cannot reply. I didn't do any sort of language course, but as time goes on you will learn the language.

What places would you recommend for a night out in Barcelona?

I really recommend Opium as it's one of the biggest clubs with the best atmosphere in Barcelona. You can find famous people in this place, for example, I met Mario Casas and from there went to one of the best places for a party.

Opium

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Also if you are latino, I am sure that you'll like OAK as much as I do. It's a place with as many men as women, enjoying it for the simple fact that the staff are in swimsuits all the time and what can I say!? They have the dream body. Aside from this, they have dance performances and competitions all night. It is worth visiting these two places. In Barcelona there's a party every day, so don't worry!

OAK

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What about eating out in Barcelona? Can you tell us your favourite places?

To eat I recommend König, which is a cheap restaurant with very reasonable prices, the food is quite tasty and it's very popular with students. Of course, during evenings after 8 it's impossible to find a seat as at this time almost all the students meet up.

Food in König

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Another deeply-rooted tradition is 100 Montaditos, they have loads of promotions but the best are on Wednesdays and Sunday when everything on the menu is 1 euro! That's right, I did not believe it until I went and checked it out. Here they have many varieties of montaditos and all are exquisite; My favourite is # 93 which is the montadito chocolate filled white chocolate - a delight!

100 Montaditos

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What about for a cultural visit?

I really recommend going to Park Güell, if you want to see the whole city from an incredible place, definitely go. Plus you can explore the house where Gaudi lived and showcased his precious art throughout the park. It is a beautiful place where you can go on a Sunday afternoon and have a picnic, walk, breathe in the fresh air and have fun with your friends.

Park Güell

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Another incredible place is the Sagrada Familia, the church which has amazed me the most. In truth I don't have the words to describe it, you're obliged to go to this place if you come to Barcelona.

Aaah! And for fans of football and sports in general... you can't miss out on going to Camp Nou! It's incredible! It's a stadium worth seeing. You have to buy your entry ticket: Camp Nou experience costs 17 euros with presentation of a student card and also gives you entry to all the buildings as well as the museum.

Barcelona has so many places that I could mention, since they are all worth checking out. In the future I think I will write more about other cultural places in Barcelona that are worth visiting.

Do you have any advice to give to students coming to Barcelona?

The only advice I could give is: step out of your comfort zone. Meet people, learn and have fun. New things happen every day and Barcelona is ready to give you a thousand and one surprises.