Experience in Barcelona, Spain by Josie

Why did you choose to go to Barcelona, Spain?

To improve my Catalan.

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

It's a one year master that isn't Erasmus. There is very little funding available at the moment.

What is the student lifestyle like in Barcelona?

It's whatever you make of it.

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

To students who are interested in integrating with the community. Sadly many students throw the opportunity away by only hanging out with other Erasmus students, often from their country of origin.

What is the food like?

It's a little difficult for vegetarians although I've found some good veggie burger and falafel places.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Barcelona?

Yes it cost me. This question doesn't make sense.

How much does it cost to live in Barcelona?

It depends which zone you live in. Accommodation is cheaper further from the centre as with most cities.

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

If you already speak romance languages it's easy. There are courses at UB and also free catalan classes at the Servei de Normalització Llingüistica. They give you a qualification after 3 months (if you pass the exam)

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

Aeroplane.

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

I like the bars in El Raval, there are plenty of cheap, fun places on Carrer Joaquin Costa. Oddland is one of my regular watering holes.

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

Veggie Garden is good. Namasté is a good Indian restaurant.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Apart from the obvious, Caixa Forum is good. The new Centre Cultural del Born is good if you want to find out about the 1714 siege. I recommend getting out of Barcelona and visiting other towns in Catalunya. For example Girona, Vic, Sitges, Tarragona...

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

Take care at night, don't walk home alone when you're drunk.