Erasmus Experience in Bari, Italy by Julia

Why did you choose to go to Bari, Italy?

I chose Bari because I've always wanted to learn Italian and I think for doing so Southern Italy is the best place to go. I knew the north more or less and I also wanted to go to a place where there wouldn't be too many other Germans.

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

I have been there for eight months and I think I've received around 250 euros a month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Bari?

I haven't experienced too much of the student lifestyle but the "normal" Italian lifstyle and that is very laid back and just as you would imagine it to be.

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

The city is beautiful and I can recommend my faculty (economics).

What is the food like?

Very very very good.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Bari?

Not really, I've found a place after two days and when I moved to another one that took me only one day.

How much does it cost to live in Bari?

I've spent 250 euros for a single room and I'd say you need another 300 euros for everything else. Everything is very cheap and affordable.

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

When we were there, there were no courses unfortunately, we did one from the society of Dante Alighieri (we had to pay for), but it was really good.

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

I arrived by plane and went back home by train, both did cost almost the same.

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

I don't remember any of the bars names.. But teh piazza in the old town might be the place to go.

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

Around the piazza as well.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

• Many cathedrals

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• Old churches
• The fort

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• Castel del Monte

(I would recommend going there alone, without the Erasmus-group though).

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Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Bari?

Try and get to know the culture, don't go only partying, get to know the people, don't just talk to your own folks and the other Erasmus, visit the countryside around (Salento, Gargano), learn the language!