Erasmus Experience in Calgary, Canada by pipo

Why did you choose to go to Calgary, Canada?

I wanted to be close of the mountains because i love skiing, hiking, climbing,...

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

i had pretty good scholarship about the region rhone alpes in france, someting around 4000 euros but i don't remember the amount exactly, i remember i had to do it really early, and i receive the money i two times, one during the year and one after

What is the student lifestyle like in Calgary?

there is many thing to do at the uni, for sport there is a huge fitness room, lot of squash court really cheap, climbing walls, basket-foot...court. or you can just hang out with friends at the bar or in one of the many food place (still at the uni). If you like live music there is a lot to do.At the uni there is lot of big concert or you can have smaller one everywhere in the city.
during the week ends, or if you have times during the week, calgary is only One hour drive from the wonderful rockies with many hiking trip or ski resorts

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

yeah,even if the city is not that great, really redneck spirit, you can really enjoy your student life in calgary, specially if you like outdoors activities.

What is the food like?

burgers,chinese,steackhouse,...and some more fancy places in town.
classic north american style

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Calgary?

i check on craiglist,or you can find some classifieds ads at the uni. But student residences are great to enjoy more your student life and meeting more peoples

How much does it cost to live in Calgary?

not cheap, not too expensive.i could say it's close to france, exept beers,wine and spirits...

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

yeah, not a really strong accent and people are understandings. Im not sure but i think there is some language courses.or you can give some french class and be paid for this at the uni,even if you're not a killer in english

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

from france by plane, then at calgary you have train,cheap for students, or bike is great too

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

student parties at the den (at the uni),lot of concerts all year round, some huge clubs and bars in town,some fancy wine bar,... many place but i don't remembers the names,sorry!!but locals will tell you quickly where to go ;)

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

wendy's if you like burgers!!
some goods restaurants in kensington

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

i don't know sorry

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

i had a car there and it was really great to go anytime in the rockies, even for a day trip,choose cascade residence if you can, it's where everybody is partying,having dinner,love story,...but you have more freedom and privacy outside of the campus. i lived just next to the uni, 5mins by bike on the east side of the campus and was great to be quiet sometimes