Erasmus Experience in Bari, Italy by María

Why did you choose to go to Bari, Italy?

People had told me really good things about the city and its atmosphere.

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

For me, the scholarship lasts 10 months and they gave me €600 a month, although I udnerstand that they have cut a lot of the funding now.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Bari?

It's really good, there are a lot of Spanish people here on Erasmus, but there are also German people, French people, Polish people, etc. Besides, the contact with Italian students is really good.

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

Yes. I had a really good experience there and I would recommend it to others.

What is the food like there?

If you like pizza and pasta, you'll love it.

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Bari?

Not really, it took about 3/4 days.

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How much does it cost to live in Bari?

Well, like everything in life, it depends on how much you spend but you can find a good private room that is big and spacious for about €300 a month, the rest is up to you. Transport is cheap and shopping at the supermarket costs about as much as it does in Spain.

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

It was the worst in the beginning, but, in the end, you'll really get going with the language. I went to a 25 hour course organised by the university and I managed to get to a B1 level.

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

By plane.

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Where would you recommend for a night out in Bari?

Without a doubt, you should start your night by having a Peroni beer on the Piazza Farrarese (they cost €1 a 33cl bottle), outdoors, in the most lively places in the city. And from there, just go where the night takes you.

And to eat in Bari? What are some of your favourite places to go?

The il Rustico restaurant has a menu with a lot of variety, where you'll eat until you almost can't eat any more and have unlimited drinks for €10. When you leave, you'll barely be able to stay standing.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

La Basilica de San Nicola, the San Vito cathedral, the Chiesa Rusa, the Lungomare, Castello Svevo and trips to neighbouring towns, like Polignano a Mare, Alberobello and Mattera.

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Do you have any advice for future students in Bari?

Not very long ago, I read a book by an Erasmus student in Bari and I think it sums up the experience of living there really well, what's more it goes over a lot of places in the city. The book is called "El amigo español" (and this is its website http://www.elamigoespanol.blogspot.com.es/)

I hope that you really enjoy your experience there, they will be a few unforgettable months, which, unfortunately, will fly by.