My Erasmus Experience in Barcelona, Spain by Noémie

Why did you choose to go to Barcelona, Spain?

It was my first time in Spain, so I wanted to be somewhere that wasn't too far from my home country. I also liked the idea of living in Spain as well as being part of a special community like Catalonia.

How long are you in Barcelona for? What financial aid do you receive?

I'm here for 6 months and I receive around 170 euros each month.

What's the student vibe like in Barcelona?

As an Erasmus student, I don't have a lot of classes so I therefore have a lot of free time. The Spanish students are really welcoming and the fact that you're a foreigner doesn't bother them, it's actually the opposite! They're happy to be able to find out about your country, your customs, listen to your stories, and in return, are happy to guide you around the city, show you good restaurants and tell you about what places to go to.

Would you recommend the city and the university to other students?

Yes I would recommend it; I think its something you need to do whilst you're a student as when you're older or not a student you don't approach it in the same way. I'm at Pompeu Fabra University and I've found really cool lessons that I wouldn't be able to take in my university back home. I also would recommend Pompeu Fabra for the atmosphere especially and the people that you meet there. You really have to do it.

What's the food like in Spain?

I would say that it's good. It's true that there really is a lot of food to try and choose from with all the specialities of Catalonia, Madrid and Basque country (which can be found just outside of Barcelona), but it didn't change my world, I wasn't really amazed by the food.

Did you have problems finding accommodation in Barcelona?

No, not really. I looked on loads of websites, got in contact with different landlords and travelled to Barcelona two weeks before university started to look at different places and to meet the landlords in person to make sure the accommodation was adequate. I really suggest this approach by the way because you can avoid some nasty surprises if you check the place out first!

What are living costs like in Barcelona?

Compared to my home country, Barcelona's not very expensive.

What's it like learning a language there? Did you do any language courses organised by the university?

In Barcelona, it's great if you want to learn Catalan as everything there is written in it. I actually chose to not learn Catalan as it was a bit complicated. However, the people are really understanding and speak to you in Castilian if they see that you don't understand what they're saying in Catalan. I took some Spanish lessons which really helped me. The lessons, as well as just everyday language practice, both played a great part in helping me to improve my language skills.

What is the most economical way to get to Barcelona from your home town?

Taking the train.

Where would you recommend going out in Barcelona?

Although they're sometimes quite expensive, I prefer going to the clubs near the beach.

And for eating in Barcelona? What are your favourite places?

All the typical restaurants are good, but my favourite restaurant is still 100 Montaditos.

And what cultural places do you recommend visiting?

Parc Güell, Palau de la Música, the Gothic Quarter, and obviously La Sagrada Familia. After having the opportunity to do so myself, I'd say it's definitely worth going to the other neighbouring cities like Girona as it was awesome.

Any advice for future students going to Barcelona?

I would say just get as much as you can out of it! Life in Barcelona is really great, so enjoy it!