Erasmus Experience in Burgos, Spain by Kristen

Why did you choose to go to Burgos, Spain?

I wanted a true study abroad experience and live like a Spaniard in a local town. I wanted the full cultural experience and meet locals rather than other international people. If you want a true cultural enriching experience, choose Burgos. I learned so much about the Spanish culture and the people and how their hospitality is so special which makes them so unique compared to other parts of the world. Also, Burgos is so safe.

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

I didn't receive a scholarship

What is the student lifestyle like in Burgos?

The student lifestyle in Burgos is very intimate and different than the States. The classes are a lot smaller and personal which is actually nicer in my opinion because you get to create relationships with the other students in your class.

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

YES!! 100% yes. I was nervous about Burgos because tbh, it wasn't one of my choices in the beginning. I didn't even know Burgos existed but in my opinion, it is so underrated. The city is so charming and welcoming. It's small enough where you may run into your friends in the plaza but big enough you see new people everyday. The professors and students at the university were so helpful and sweet. They were very patient with me and always made sure I was understanding the subjects. I was taking classes in Tourism and Profesor Ignacio, Montserrat, and Maria were so patient and kind with me.

What is the food like?

I didn't get to eat out much while I was there but when I did, it was super yummy! I cooked a lot while I was there and for a tip: shop at Mercadona! It's cheap, big, and has everything you need. It is also cheaper than Lupa in my opinion (which is another supermarket).

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Burgos?

No! I used idealista. It's kind of like Airbnb but for renting out homes or apartments. I would suggest finding a place near the plaza/Cathedral! Everything is nearby: restaurants, clubs, bars, supermarkets! It's like a 30 minute walk to the university but you can always take the bus or just walk! The walk isn't that bad whatsover!

How much does it cost to live in Burgos?

I paid 325 euros a month for a shared flat.

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

English is not really spoken in Burgos since it's more of a local town. I come from a Spanish background so it was easy for me to navigate around but there are English courses available at the University.

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

Buses are usually the easiest and most economical way to travel to Burgos. There's also this app called BlaBlaCar and it's kind of like Uber. I used it to travel from Burgos to Madrid and it was cheaper than a bus ticket.

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

Hmm numiel because the bartenders are hot lmao jk but overall, they're all pretty cool, a little small though.

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

I don't remember the names of the restaurants I visited but tortillas are huge there! It's not like a taco tortilla, it is made with potatoes and egg, and you'll get addicted to it.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The Cathedral but I'm sure you already know about that. It's free on Tuesdays to visit inside!

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

Don't overlook Burgos because it's not a touristy city. This is why I fell in love with Burgos. It felt like a home more than a vacation site. I found myself loving Burgos more than Madrid or other cities in Spain because it's not overpopulated with tourists and locals. It's small and quaint but so beautiful. The people are so welcoming and kind. The food is great. The only con I would say is that the weather is usually cloudy and a lot colder than what I am used to. Other than that, the architecture is stunning. Burgos in my opinion exceeded all my expectations. I thought I was going to hate it because it wasn't near the beach or a big touristy city, but I loved the community I was a part of. Also, you can literally walk anywhere it's amazing. A car is not needed whatsover.