Erasmus Experience in Bilbao, Spain by Ketevan

Why did you choose to go to Bilbao, Spain?

I've always wanted to study in Spain. Then I came across to the Erasmus Mundus MA program and applied to it. That's how I ended up in the Basque Country.

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

My program was two year full degree MA program and the scholarship I received was for 22 months. The scholarship was good enough to cover the living costs in Bilbao.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Bilbao?

Bilbao is a small city and a great place for students. The size of the city gives a student an opportunity to enjoy studying and leisure time as well. Besides that Bilbao has a great landscape surrounding and it gives a chance to a student to do various sports, travel and be actively involved in different events that are always going on in Bilbao.

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

As I have lived in Bilbao for two years, I would recommend to other students to get the studying experience in Bilbao and specially at University of Deusto. It's an amazing city and truly makes you to feel at home.

What is the food like?

Bilbao as the rest of the Basques country is famous for incredible pintxos and tortillas de patata. You can come across the total masterpieces of art in various bars. Also, seafood is awesome so Bacalao is one of the type of fishes that needs to be tasted while your stay in Bilbao and also chipirones en su tinta. As there are bars everywhere, I mean literally everywhere you see people no matter of what age enjoying life and socializing.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Bilbao?

In the beginning the University of Deusto helped me a lot to find an accommodation and later as I felt more local, I managed to find accommodation that was more convenient for me.

How much does it cost to live in Bilbao?

I think Bilbao is a slightly more expensive city then the rest of the central and southern Spain. Also you need to be careful while finding an accommodation as the prices can be quite high, however clean, normal shared flats with nice location can be still found with reasonable prices.

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

The language is fun to learn. Don't expect that locals have good English so it gives you a great opportunity to practice and develop your Spanish and be ready after some time to learn some Basque words as well! Universities offer language courses and it's a good idea to start attending them as soon as you arrive there.

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

From my city, Tbilisi, Georgia the easiest and the economical way is taking a plane and then a bus. However, the transportation system in the Basque Country is one of the best I have ever experienced as all types of transportation is developed and well organized.

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

I would definitely recommend going out in Bilbao. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights are the busiest and the best ones to have fun. However, each night can be lot of fun as there is always something that is going on in the city. Also, make sure you attend Night After Dark in the Museum of Guggenheim.

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

As for eating, for you guys who are not familiar with the eating hours be ready! Make sure you go for a dinner after 21:00 in the evening, as normally the kitchens at the restaurants are open around 21:00, and yes, dinners start in Spain little bit later then we might be used to. There are many good places in Bilbao for eating, depends what you would like to have and how much you want to spend. But considering student budget I would recommend to try various districts, and not only going to 'Casco Viejo' (old town) because the prices are quite high. However one of the best pintxos, seafood, my favourite fried 'calamares' can be found on Plaza Nueva. Also Pozas street near district Indautxu is one of the best streets to find good restaurants to go out.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Bilbao is a good place for people who love art. Museum of Guggenheim, Museum of Fine Art and District of Zorrotzaure are some of the places you need to experience. There are always something that is going on in the city so make sure you keep an eye on the on going events. Azkuna Centroa (Alhondiga) is the cultural center and one of the greatest places in Bilbao.

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

Be happy if you are going to Bilbao because it a very nice place. It rains quite for some time so be prepared and don't complain about rain, it keeps Bilbao to be all green for all the time! Enjoy your time and get the best experience.