Erasmus Experience in Bordeaux

Why did you choose to go to Bordeaux, France?

I went by process of elimination. The only thing I had clear was that I wanted to go to a French city and Bordeaux has the 4th best university with the most recognition for degrees like mine.

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How long is the scholarship for? How much money do you receive as aid?

I had the option of staying for just one semester or for both. I chose to stay the whole year (2 semesters). The aid varies if you're a recipient of a ministry grant, on which province you come from and even on the university. It's best to consult each one at your university.

How is student life in Bordeaux?

I didn't like it much. I'm a very friendly person and this didn't exist at the university I went to. As a general rule, they were very competitive students. They didn't usually help the foreign students very much. It also depends on who you have in your class and how well you get on with them. I personally had difficulty. Some classes were very good but others were quite bad with the classmates because they don't help you. I want to emphasise that normally this occurs in the 'public' universities'. In the private ones that they call 'École', it's a very different matter. In this kind of university, they award students who help foreign classmates at the end of the semester.

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

Yes, without a doubt about it. Yes, it's certain that the city isn't very clean but then it has its charm.

How is the country's food?

I didn't personally like it much. I believe there is nothing like our gastronomy. It is true that I didn't have difficulty to get used to it because I'm not picky about eating.

Did you find it difficult to find accommodation in Bordeaux?

No! Moreover it's what's easiest in terms of the paperwork I had to do. This also depends on the university. In my university, it's the first thing they oblige you to do and they facilitate you loads with a leaflet.

How much does it cost to live in Bordeaux?

Pfff! This subject is very subjective and too broad. There are many factors that intervene. It all depends on whether you go to a student hall, of which there are various prices or if you rent a room in a flat.

In my case, I went to a CROUS student hall (http://www.crous-bordeaux.fr/). It was one of the best ones and it cost me €200 a month, as well as food and the University cafeteria that I ate at for €3 if I remember correctly. I spent €500 a month and with war economy.

CROUS student hall

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How is the language? Did you do to any courses at the University?

Ha! This question is very good. Yes! I went to a French course at the University but I didn't realise it was useless until I went there. According to the university, I had a B2 and when I arrived, it seemed like I had gone to China. Writing wasn't bad but when it came to speaking, I was dead meat.

What I mean by this is that we leave with a preconceived idea and when reality strikes, it's another. I had enough French to defend myself during day to day life but never to present in front of a class or to do a written exam on the development of Labour Law.

What is the most economical way of getting to Bordeaux from your city?

From my city, it's without a doubt by plane (Ryanair).

Which places would you recommend to go out to party in Bordeaux?

La plage, Fabrik, Charles Dickens, Cafe des sport.

La Plage

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And to eat in Bordeaux? Can you name your favourite places?

Daniels, Casolette Café, New York, Le Saint George and I without a doubt recommend getting lost behind the Place de la Bourse, which has many, many little restaurants for an incredible dinner.

And as a cultural visit?

All of its monuments!

Any advice you want to give to future students in Bordeaux?

It's difficult to begin with but it's worth it!