My Erasmus Experience in Berlin, Germany - by Migui

Why did you choose to go to Berlin, Germany?

I had two motives: first, it's a huge, multicultural city with lots of history and interesting corners where I could enjoy every minute of my stay there. Second, there were good job prospects for me there, since having studied engineering, there were lots of development and training opportunities for me in this country which wouldn't have been available had I gone somewhere else.

How long did your scholarship last? How much were you paid?

In my case, ten months. I received about 250 euros per month. The annoying thing was that some of the money was paid to me after I'd returned to Spain.

What's the student life like in Berlin?

Very good. There are lots of people about to spend time with and it's easy to meet new people. There are also loads of activities on all year round.

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

Definitely!

What's the food like in Germany?

Coming from Galicia, the food's of a lower standard than what I'm used to. You won't go hungry though. Mind you, Currywurst Mitte and Mustafa kebabs are amazing!

Did you find it hard to find somewhere to live in Berlin?

I organised to live in a student hall of residence associated with the university, but friends of mine who looked for accommodation independent of these certainly found it had - above all because you have to go through a series of interviews with the people already living in the flat for them to pick you to move in with them, and for this you need a level of German which they didn't have.

How expensive is living in Berlin?

I paid 160 euros a month to live in the residence, and that was in one of the cheapest ones. I spent around 200 euros a month on food. You pay around 400 euros a year through the university for a semester ticket for the public transport. Going out for drinks and meals is relatively cheap, especially if you know to avoid touristy areas and where's popular on what nights of the week.

How are you finding the language? Have you signed up to a language class at the university?

I attended a course at the university, but to really learn the language, the best place to take classes is at the 'Volkshochschule'. There are intensive courses lasting four hours a day, adapted to your level and to your schedule. It's definitely the best place to learn the language 'quickly' and you get to know lots of other international people there.

What's the cheapest way of getting to Berlin from your home city?

Over all the visits home I paid during the course of the year, I alternated taking connecting flights from Madrid, Málaga, Barcelona and Frankfurt Hahn. There's no particularly cheap route; to be honest, the prices vary quite considerably. There are always easyjet, Vueling and Ryanair combinations though, suitable for all pockets. The most expensive flights fly to Berlin Tegel Airport instead of Schoenefeld, with Iberia and Air Berlin...

What are the best places for partying in Berlin?

It will depends on your music taste, but there are bars in every corner of the city to spend nights out. I would recommend picking up some of the information flyers at the university which show you where activities, concerts and parties are taking place every night... there's something on in each area every night.

What about eating out in Berlin? What are your favourite places?

As I've said before, CurryMitte and Mustafa. The Tiergarten Biergarten is a fantastic place for trying German food.

What does Berlin have to offer in terms of culture?

Freetour, and above all, the underground tours. Both are offered in Spanish and for a modest price. Apart form this, the whole city has thousands of corners easily accessible by bike thanks to the city's layout. It's great to go on a bike tour every day and every weekend with a map in your hand. You'll have time to see everything if you're staying for ten months.;)

Do you have any advice for future students coming to Berlin?

Enjoy every second of your stay, as time will fly!