Erasmus Experience in Bilbao, Spain by Retina

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Why did you choose to go to Bilbao, Spain?

I came here for an interview first, I like the city and the group, so I was happy to come here.

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

My scholarship is 4 years to make a PhD. I get a 'salary' of 1170 euros a month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Bilbao?

The institute where I am, CI bioGune is international, and there are PhD group activities every week.

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

I would definitely recommend it. I don't know the UPV well, even though I belong to the PhD students of the University. Unfortunately, the environment in there is not as international as in CIC bioGune, but still I think is easy to find yourself and make some nice friends.

What is the food like?

The gastronomy here is one of the top in Europe, so you will enjoy a lot.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Bilbao?

Well, a bit yes. There are opportunities, but is difficult to find something nice and unexpensive.

How much does it cost to live in Bilbao?

To leave a decent life, one person leaving alone has to spend around 1000 euros or a bit more.

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

The language is easy or difficult depending on what is your mother language and your brain related to language learning skill. There are courses available at the University for Erasmus students free of charge.

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

Well, I am from Tirana, Albania. I don't have many choices, I must take a flight which is always transit in another big city, so not so well connected anyway.

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

Well do as the locals do. First start going for pintxos and wine or beer, and then after 2 a. m you may choose one of the pubs of the city. Not any discos inside the city though.

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

Well, almost everywhere you can eat well in Bilbao. There is a big list of restaurants in many online sites.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Well Gugenheim is the first and the best cultural site in the city, then AZ center is a nice one for other cultural events. Palacio Euskalduna and the main theatre are the places to go for theatre and opera plays.

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

Depending on where you come from, but keep in mind that life is not cheap here. Compared to southern Spain is much more expensive, but also more economically developed. The locals first are not so open, they need to know you well and then be friends with you. So, don't get is as they are rude.

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