Erasmus Experience in Cadiz, Spain by Ewa

Why did you choose to go to Cadiz, Spain?

I chose Cadiz mainly because I liked the localization - I wanted to live in a city with a hot weather and by the sea/ocean. I also had heard a lot of good things about Cadiz and its beauty.

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

It depends on you, it can be one or two semesters long, up till 10 months stay. The money you receive also depends on many factors, like the country you are from, your university etc. Personally, I received about 300 euros in the firs semester and 150 euros in the second.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Cadiz?

The city is small so soon you can get to know most of the Erasmus students. As an exchange student you can choose your courses and make up your schedule, but after classes you have time to go out, go to tapas, go to a party, to the beach or cinema. During your weekends you can also do some trips to other cities in the Andalucian region.

Most of the classes take place in the old part of the city so I recommend you looking for a flat in this localisation. Some of the faculties run courses in other cities like Puerto de Santa Maria so I'll have to go there by train, etc. But still Cadiz is the center of all the students' life.

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

I would recommend it if you're looking for a nice, historical city with great beaches, although have in mind that it's very small and that the sunny time lasts pretty much from April/May till October.

What is the food like?

It's a typical Spanish food, there are a lot of typical bars with tapas where you can find gazpacho soup, some Spanish tortillas and try great and fresh seafood. In the morning try some hot chocolate and churros in the main market. You can try also some good wine and olives. You have to get used to this kind of food and, especially, the meals time which is quite different.. always mind the siesta time!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Cadiz?

At first no. I had found it quite quickly via Internet - there are a lot of websites with advertisements, etc. But it's always better to look for the flat when you're already in the place and you're able to visit the flat, meet the landlord in person. Think about the people that you would like to live with and be careful when it comes to money, paying, etc.

How much does it cost to live in Cadiz?

It depends on your lifestyle, if you want to go out a lot or do a lot of traveling it's obviously more. When you do a basic food shopping every 2-3 days you would spend probably 15-20 euros. The city bus card costs about 12-13 euros. The flat is normally 200-250 euros a month.

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

It's hard to say because I had already known the language before my Erasmus but I think it's not that difficult and there are some pretty good courses at the university. But it's good to know at least the basics before you come to Cadiz, for example to be able to communicate in the shops, etc. Spanish usually don't like to talk in English.

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

I live in Poland, in Silesia region so the best way is to take a plane from Katowice/Kraków to Madrid or better - Malaga and then go by bus to Cadiz.

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

There is a one area in the city where you can find all the bars and discos called La Punta, which is located in a port in the old part of the city. Parties start late, something like 2-3 am. Before you can go to some bars like M2 or Nahu, Woodstock (old part of the city). You can also find some bars/discos in the new part - like Vanitas, Barabas, etc.

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

La gorda te da de comer, Cien Montaditos.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The old part of the city as a whole with its narrow streets, Cathedral square and Cathedral itself. Also Torre Tavira, Puerta Tierra. There are some museums and festivals like small dance/theater festival.

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

Try to enjoy the most all of your stay from the very beginning, don't bother too much about the money and travel a lot! For good weather choose only the second semester!

Remember that is not always that important to live with Spanish people but the people that you get along well with. The most people you will meet at the bars and parties! Don't be afraid to talk in Spanish! Be open-minded!