A experiência Erasmus em Bari, Italy por Ema

Why did you choose to go to Bari, Italy?

For many reasons, one of them because I wanted to learn Italian, to immerse myself in the Italian culture and lifestyle.

What is the student lifestyle like in Bari?

There's a nice environment between the student community and it's easy to know 'what's going on'. During the week, after hours, there are some parties and meetings, where you'll meet other Erasmus students.

In the summer you can visit the 'Pane e Pomodoro' beach or take the train and visit some village nearby.

What is the food like?

Everything is tasty: pasta, panzerotti, panini, focaccia, pizza, bombette, ragù, aubergine parmigiana, spaghetti with mussels, polpo fritto, pesce crudo, gelato... mamma mia!

It's like heaven, but you'll turn roundy after a while.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Bari?

The ESE (Erasmus students department) has a page on Facebook: 'E. S. E. - Erasmus Student Experience' and they're regularly updating rooms' availability. They are very supportive in this aspect if you contact them. Besides, there's a lot of rent announcements on the balconies (use this option as the last resource, if you don't know how to communicate with the natives).

Source

How much does it cost to live in Bari?

One room with expenses stays between 200-300€.

The rest depends on your vices, diet, overall lifestyle, but is not an expensive city compared with Roma, Milano or Firenze...

If you live in the center, you don't need the bus or any transport to the University, but the Polytechnic is further.

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

For me, Italian is a bit 'tricky' since there are many resemblances with my mother language (Portuguese), but still amusing and easy to learn.

Source

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

Lisbon - Roma (low-cost flight), then, Roma - Bari (Trenitalia).

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

A stroll by the Lungomare, next chiringuito (mandatory stop), Piazza del Ferrarese and Piazza Mercantile - Le Officine Clandestine.

Hint: If you want to drink something more elaborated on a 'one-off evening' visit Speakeasy on Largo Giordano Bruno and try one of their cocktails.

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

You have a place called Mastro Ciccio which everyone is crazy about; it's like the "Mc Donalds of pizza" (pretty good and cheap). But will find other places of street food on the Murat & San Nicola areas. With vegan and vegetarian options I recommend Spops.

There are also good restaurants if you want to try some regional food like Terranima and La Cecchina.

Hint: If you feel hungry in the middle of the night, try Istanbul Doner Kebab on Corso Benedetto Croce 54 (one of the few places open after midnight until early hours).

Source

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

In Bari, you 'must' visit the Castello Normanno-Svevo and the Catedral San Nicola di Bari. Bari doesn't have great monuments or green areas (except Parco Perotti) but has the beach and the historical center (Bari Vecchia) where you can totally emerge and pretend that you're Italian.

Very close to Bari you can visit many interesting places in Valle d’Itria: Locorotondo, Martina Franca, Alberobello, Ostuni and so on... The villages are rustical, and the landscapes are truly beautiful.

Not so close but accessible by train: Lecce, Otranto (highly recommended) and Gallipoli.

Hint: Trains work on time.

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

Well, the Southern Italian's lifestyle is very relaxed and laid back, so go easy.

Bari is not 'trendy' or cosmopolite but it's genuine in every aspect. Learn Italian (and some 'Barese'), 'enjoy the vistas' and make good relations with the community.