Erasmus Experience in Breda, Netherlands by Pauline

Why did you choose to go to Breda, Netherlands?

I wanted to go to the Netherlands because I had never been there before. Breda was the perfect city : not too big not too small. I really enjoy living here. You can go to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, La Haye, Utrech, Antwerpen, Brussels for the day from Breda. And there are a lot of shops !

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

6 months (I am only doing my internship here) and I will receive 1.500 euros from ERASMUS.

What is the student lifestyle like in Breda?

There are a lot of parties in Breda. The carnaval is really cool here ! And the city center is full of life the night !

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

I would definitively recommend the city !

What is the food like?

ahah ! Comparing to France ? Not really great ! But you still discover new interesting things and this is the most important !

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Breda?

It is not easy to find an accommodation here but it is still easier than in Amsterdam, Rotterdam or La Haye for instance. So keep hope you will find ! (The website Kamernet is really handy)

How much does it cost to live in Breda?

400€ of rent (I share my appartment with 4 other girls)
And then if you want to eat properly (vegetables, fruits etc) we can spend 40 euros per week at the food market.
I bought a bike 45euros when I arrived on Marketplaats so I don't take the bus.
Otherwise concerning the restaurants and bars, I think it is more expensive than in France but it is still fine.

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

I don't speak Dutch but Dutch people speak really well English so life is easy no worries !

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

hum ... the train if you book your tickets in advance maybe (and when French people do not decide to go on strike) ... Otherwise the plane is cheaper and probably easier because you can reach Amsterdam Schipol in 50 minutes by train from Breda and you can also go to Brusells Int airport by train.

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

't Haart is nice to start a night out with friends. Then it depends on what you like ;)

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

Sirtaki is a really good Griek restaurant !