Erasmus Experience in Bilbao, Spain by Monika

Why did you choose to go to Bilbao, Spain?

I chose Bilbao because it was the only option to do my degree (international relations) in English. Madrid, Barcelona or Salamanca didn´t offer that possibility and I really wanted to go to Spain. I did not know much about Bilbao before coming here, except for everybody saying that it rains a lot here! Yes, its true. It does get quite rainy, but it´s not as bad as I would have imagined.

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

I have only come here for one semester and I receive 407 euros per month and to be honest it definitely doesn't cover all of my living costs.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Bilbao?

It depends on what you like, what you have come here for and how you choose to spend you time here. Many Erasmus people travel a lot with the Erasmus agencies. The school offers a lot of trips for very cheap prices. However most Erasmus people have come here to meet new friends, get social and party!

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

Yes, I would. I believe that everybody can find something about the city they will like. There is a lot of activities and trips provided by the school and other local Erasmus agencies.

What is the food like?

The food is very good. Although I have only gone twice to an actual Spanish restaurant so far, we go to have pinchos (these consist of small slices of bread upon which an ingredient or mixture of ingredients is placed and fastened with a toothpick) and wine quite a lot. This is very common for the Basque country and we all have got adapted to it quite easily!

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Bilbao?

The university takes care about the accommodation. I had only filled up a document of what type of accommodation I preferred and if I had any preferences of whom I would like to stay with or where (close to the centre, the river or close to the uni) and they found me a flat according to the information I had provided.

How much does it cost to live in Bilbao?

If you really want to enjoy your stay here, its at least 800 euros monthly.

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

Yes, the university offers many language courses to choose from during the whole year. They even provide a 3 weeks long Intensive language course which takes place before the classes start to get familiar with the language in case somebody decides to take courses in Spanish as well. Spanish is not hard at all and one really has to learn it as Spanish people usually don´t know any English around here.

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

I traveled from Prague, Czech republic and I took a plane. There are no direct flights from Prague to Bilbao during non- season period so the flying tickets is a little bit more expensive than during the summer months but it is definitely the easiest way to get here. Other option is to fly to Barcelona or Madrid and take a train to Bilbao afterwards.

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

There are Erasmus parties every Thursday night organized by BilbaoWorld agency. Otherwise Bilbao offers a number of clubs and bars! If you like to party you will not be disappointed. Antxoki, Memorial, Fever, Sonora, Rockstar just to name few.

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

The restaurants here are quite expensive but as I have already mentioned. However, it's quite popular to go out for some pinchos and wine while hanging out with friends. The best place is probably Plaza Nueva which is in the very centre. One pincho is usually around 1. 50 euros and glass of wine costs about the same, so its not as expensive and it's always fun.