Francesca's Erasmus Experience in Barcelona, Spain

Why did you choose to go to Barcelona, Spain?

I chose Barcelona because it is a city that I love, one that has lots of cultures, and every time that I visit it, I notice that it has an atmosphere that mirrors one where I am most comfortable. From the very first time that I visited it, I realised that it could be one of my favourite cities. And it is. Although I have been to Barcelona on five different occasions, it's a city that could never bore you and has lots of fun, leisure, and cultural activities on offer. Its original colours and architectures give the city an innovative and different quality which are usually difficult to find in other cities. Summed up in a few words? You fall in love with Barcelona.

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How long does your grant last for? How much money do you receive as financial support?

I chose a grant that lasted for 3 months, and each month I received 430€ from European Government funds and 200€ from my university, which had decided to integrate the Erasmus grant with its own contribution. It's a grant that allows me to pay all of my expenses (rent, food, extras), so I think that it's an adequate contribution that gives you some economic stability whilst being away from home.

What is student life like in Barcelona?

I took part in the Erasmus Internship project, therefore I did not attend classes at any university.

Would you recommend the city and the university that you study at in Barcelona to other students?

I would recommend the city to anyone who wants to live in a warm, loving place with a multicultural atmosphere with everything that a young person could ever need to have a good time. And I am not just saying this because I love Spain and its culture: everyone that I know that has been to Barcelona has told me really good things about the city and was left feeling satisfied about their time there. Therefore, this explains why Barcelona consistently finds itself among both the most interesting and the most visited cities in both Spain and Europe.

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What is the food like in Spain?

Many dishes are really delicious and I would consider my favourites to be: seafood paella, ham croquettes, patatas bravas, tortilla and churros with chocolate. In general, going out for tapas is one of the most fun culinary experiences because it allows you to try several dishes in a variety of establishments, be it a bar or a restaurant. Aside from being really cheap, it's a great opportunity to spend time with friends chatting over good food and a pint of beer.

Was it difficult for you to find accommodation in Barcelona?

No, it was quite easy thanks to the internet, which has some really decent accommodation websites that come with photos and detailed information. In addition to the internet, I have also had the help of some friends who live or lived in the city, who advised me of the best neighbourhoods to look to rent a flat in.

How much does it cost to live in Barcelona?

The cost of living is not very high for being a metropolitan city - it is greater in Italy. I have really noticed the difference in prices between Spain and Italy, especially with regards to food and clothing. Essentially, in Italy, everything is a lot more expensive. For me, it has been something of a positive situation, but for some of my Spanish friends who went to Italy for their Erasmus exchange, they felt completely the opposite and complained about the situation.

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What is the language like? Did you attend any language classes at the university?

I graduated in Linguistic and Cultural Translation and Interpreting in both Spanish and English, so I didn't choose to take any language classes at a university here in Barcelona.

What is the cheapest way of getting to Barcelona from your city?

The cheapest way is, without a doubt, by plane because you can find really cheap flights from Venice. Besides the economic factor, choosing to travel by plane is also a lot more comfortable because it's a quicker mode of transportation, and Barcelona Airport is very well-connected with the city.

Which places do you recommend for nightlife in Barcelona?

The bars and nightclubs close to Paseo Marítimo and Razzmatazz are very good, and there are also pubs/bars in the city centre that you can go to and have a lot of fun at. The best situation is meeting people who are actually from the city who can give advice to foreigners about the places that they shouldn't go to - not even once during their extended stay in Barcelona.

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And eating out in Barcelona? Can you name your favourite places?

There will be something tasty to eat in pretty much any place. The rice restaurants close to the port and the beach are really good... maybe they are a little bit expensive, but they are, without a doubt, worth the money.

And cultural hotspots?

The itinerary of modernism is not something to be missed, visiting and admiring Gaudí's buildings, especially the Casa Batllò, Casa Milà, Parc Güell and the Sagrada Familia. These buildings/works were all declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each for a different reason. That is the part that I like most about Barcelona, but there is something to visit in every single corner of the city.

Any advice that you want to give to future students in Barcelona?

Don't miss out on the opportunity to get to know the city on foot - the best way to discover its hidden gems and live life there (as if it were your city of origin) is to walk along its streets and observe everything going on around you. Sometimes getting yourself lost in the whirlwind of it all is a good thing because you see little oddities and curiosities from a perspective that you may not have had before.

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