Erasmus Experience in Cáceres, Spain by Giovanni

Why did you choose to go to Cáceres, Spain?

Because it seemed (and it actually was) a nice little town surrounded by nature, where the sun shines 300 days per year and students can live happily, having a lot of fun and enjoying all that this land has to offer.

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

My scholarship was 9 months long and I received 210 euro per month, divided in two installments, one at the end of December, and the other at the end of July.

What is the student lifestyle like in Cáceres?

Students usually spend their time at the university because it's a nice place to stay and meet other guys. Anyway, in the city centre, there are a lot of bars and pubs (not so many discotheques now, unfortunately) where students meet and enjoy the fiesta together.

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

Yes, but I know some students who weren't happy with their staying there because they imagined the city to be like a small Barcelona or Sevilla. Cáceres and Extremadura in general are wonderful places, but you must appreciate nature and silence, too. Because people are great and effervescent, but the land is wild and quiet. Wonderful! I loved both sides of the experience and would recommend it to someone who's not afraid of experimenting something new. Cáceres is a very comfortable city and you won't miss anything there.

What is the food like?

The food is great, typically Mediterranean. There you can try, among other tasty specialities- one of the best hams in Spain.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Cáceres?

No, I found it on the Internet a month before leaving Italy. I called the landlady and we arranged everything easily, so that I already had an accommodation and some flatmates before getting there.

How much does it cost to live in Cáceres?

It is unbelievably cheap. We spent around 150 euro per month (including everything) for a four-room flat, 80 meters far from the Plaza Mayor.

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

There are language courses organized by a language school in the city centre, other courses at the University, and also a specific Spanish course for foreign students. The beautiful extremeño accent is quite strong and may result difficult for people who have never studied Spanish before, but you'll soon get used to it.

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

By plane. Anyway, as Extremadura doesn't have an international airport, you have to fly to one of the big cities nearby (you can choose between Madrid, Sevilla, Salamanca or Lisbon) and then get there by train or bus. Spanish public transport is cheap and very well organized.

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

The Madrila square used to have a lot of bars, pubs and discotheques. I think some have closed now, but it still remains the zone for going out. Anyway, students usually meet in the Plaza Mayor first, have some drinks here and there, and then go dancing at a more Spanish time (3 a. m., hahaha! ). The Plaza Mayor is wonderful and people spend a lot of time there. It's a very nice place where you can eat good food, drink great wine, meet people and spend time with your friends. Most of the shows and parties that the city council organizes take place there.

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

I would recommend El Corral de las Cigüeñas for a great breakfast or El Racó de Sanguino, simply marvelous. Both restaurants are located in the old town, and the atmosphere is indescribable.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

In Cáceres and in Extremadura there are lots of wonderful sites to visit. Beautiful cities, great landscapes, amazing nature. You just need to get a good guide and decide where to go next.

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

Just enjoy your staying there and let Cáceres hug you with its warm sun. Let it be your second home. You won't regret it.