Erasmus experience in Bari, Italy by Leire

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Why did you choose to go to Bari, Italy?

Being from the Basque Country where it rains so much, I wanted to go to the South. Also, I love Italy, so I decided to go to Bari.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive as financial support?

My scholarship was 12 months, and then I extended it 3 more to do the Final Degree Project. In total, it was 15 months.

I received a scholarship for 9 months, they did not give more, they gave me more or less 300 € per month, although those who came from the south of Spain received a lot more.

What is the student environment like in Bari?

It's weird until you get used to it. Italians are very much in college, studying. The exams are oral and there is one almost every month, so they prepare one, when they pass, they start with another, and so on. They are not used to doing all the exams in several weeks. Erasmus is easy because you can do all of them in a month, and if not, you have many opportunities to repeat it. They have no limit of attempts.

That being said, you can find a teacher who does not want to examine you if you have done another test the same week, according to them, it is impossible that you could have prepared for the second go!

But guys, I studied engineering and my lowest score was 27 out of 30.

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

Bari depends a lot on different tastes. I and many of us loved it. But others did not like anything. Those that when they left recognised that they missed it and that they wanted to return. You never know what you have until you lose it.

I would definitely choose Bari again. I have some friends there that are part of my family and I go there and they welcome me into their house, they invite me to family meals, etc. For them I am one of the group. With Erasmus, I maintain some relationships but with my Italian friends I talk every day through WhatsApp and each week we Skype. Knowing that you can meet people there and that you can go back whenever you want, for me, is the best thing Erasmus has given me.

How is the country's food?

ITALY! no need to say more.

Also, in the south, it is very cheap to eat. A family pizza ration costs € 1, a medium pizza € 4-5. These places are open every day and until quite late. There are cornetterias (places that sell stuffed croissants with Nutella, pastry cream, etc) that are open at night or open at 4. Is very typical for Italians to eat a cornetto all nutella before going home.

The awesome focaccia. And the "panzerotto" are what I miss the most.

If you go there, go to the Focacciaro that is in the street of the Petruzzelli Theatre and ask for "panzerotti di carne". They made with some strawberries, bread dough (come on, the calzone) and fried, stuffed with different things: mozzarella and pomodoro, ricotta forte e funghi, meat. In this place that I tell you about, they are specialists in meat. I dream of them, and every time I go there, the first thing I do is eat 3.

You can check the location here .

Was it difficult finding accommodation in Bari?

It was not difficult for me because my uni companion arrived 4 days before and he found it. But the following year, as I stayed 3 more months, I rented a room and I found it in 3 days (taking into account that nobody wants to rent something for just three months). I was helping the Erasmus and more or less in a week, everyone had a flat. The thing is that I help them and sent them to see the Erasmus apartments of the previous years that I knew. For that reason, it is better that you look for someone who was Erasmus last year and who can help you.

How much does it cost to live in Bari?

A single room without bills is € 250. In the end, expenses were about 50-70 €. I ate more or less like Spain, a little cheaper. And eating something down the street is cheap.

How's the language? Did you go to a course at the University?

I speak very well. As in the two houses I lived with Italians, I learned easy and fast. But only those of us who lived with Italians learned, there was Erasmus who learned 5 words. Even so, they passed the oral exams.

I have a C1, which is not bad in a year.

I did not go to any course in the university because it started late and by the time it started I had more level than the basic one. But my friends went and learned a lot.

What is the cheapest way to get to Bari from your city?

Things have changed a lot. Ryanair is not so cheap. Right now, Bilbao-Bari (with a stopover in Barcelona or Rome) as best out is with Vueling or Alitalia. Around € 180 for a round trip.

What places would you recommend to go out in Bari?

In the summer season, when it's not too cold, to have a beer at the "Chiringuito". It's open every night until quite late and all the youngsters are there.

For the rest, beers in Barivecchia (Bar Lume, Why not,... ).

The disco atmosphere has changed since I was there. It varies according to the university party that day and usually, there are several each week. That's what they tell you in the Facebook group, they send you the events.

And to eat in Bari? Can you list your favourite places?

The one I said before, "Focacciaro".

And "El Rústico" (via quintino sella): € 10, they start to take out food, starters and pizzas until you can eat no more, dessert and limoncello. Water, beer, wine and coca-cola are also all you want, although sometimes they stop.

And how about cultural visits?

It has a little something to see but there are many villages in the vicinity or nearby to see: Polignano al Mare, Alberobello, Trani, Torre al Mare, Monopoli (beach), Lecce, etc.

And a little further, the place that I like the most, also my family, of what I have seen in Italy, MATERA. It is the town where the passion of Christ is burdened. I loved it, along with Alberobello.

Any advice you want to give to future students in Bari?

* Do not despair as soon as you arrive: it is chaos but you get used to it, and it is a chaos that I miss. Do not expect everything to be already. Do not! Take everything with tranquillity!

* Enjoy and try to make Italian friends, so you can return whenever you want.

* Take advantage of eating but do not forget that you can gain over 10 kilos easily.

* Take advantage of going to the beach, there are towns around that you can easily get to by train for € 2 and the beaches are impressive.

* to finish, the great phrase: QUANDO UNO VIENE AL SUD, PIANGE DUE VOLTE: SIA QUANDO ARRIVA, SIA QUANDO SE NE VA. "When you go to the South you cry twice, when you arrive and when you leave". Very true: at the beginning, you cry thinking... "Why had I to come to this city? Everything is a mess, etc. " but when you get used to it everything changes, and you cry when you leave, and so much! After 2 years, I still miss it, especially my Italian friends. I WOULD RETURN A THOUSAND TIMES!