Erasmus Experience in Cartagena, Spain by PRIYANSHI

Why did you choose to go to Cartagena, Spain?

Because it's a small peaceful city and it is just next to this BEAUTIFUL sea !!

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

My scholarship was 6 months and I received 800 euros per months since I am from India . The amount was more than enough for me because I didn't have much expenses except rent and bills. So I got to use some money for traveling. I am really thankful for that ahaha :D

What is the student lifestyle like in Cartagena?

I think it's really relaxed ( at least for me ) the college didn't overburdened us and we got lot of time to do other activities . Lot of people used to go to bachata classes and broken coffee etc as well and of course PARTY. I saw some people more in clubs than in the class :D , overall a great experience both for party animals and sincere students. Everyone had something to do .

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

YES , YES , YES !

What is the food like?

Food is good !!! There is a great pizza place in called mayor and kebab place too . Since I am vegetarian , I didn't try much food since it had meat but I am pretty sure it was amazing. The desserts were GOOOOD !!!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Cartagena?

Well , since I didn't know anyone in Cartagena , tbh in whole Spain , I didn't come with any references from India , so first 20 days I had to live in an Airbnb and it was EXPENSIVE !! If you have any senior from college who already been in Cartagena better find an accomodation in advance !!!!

How much does it cost to live in Cartagena?

Umm , depends upon individual don't you think ??? If I talk about myself , my rent was 150 euros and adding the bills it was 200euros/month and adding expense of food and others it was total 350 euros/month for me . But I am sure the average expense is somewhere near 500 euros/months for majority of people who actually want to spend good money on food , shopping , parties and good house !!!

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

I found comparatively easy for my if I had to compare to something like French or Chinese for example but unfortunately I couldn't get into language class ( they had one ) my Spanish was not as great . The people from Italy and France ( from countries who has Latin origined language ) picked it up real fast tho.

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

Ahahah , it's a longgg , tacky and expensive route.
1. Take a train/cab to Mumbai/Delhi.
2.land in Madrid barajas airport
3.take an alsa straight to Cartagena.
Almost a 2 days long journey

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

My favourite was going to eat pizza and then going to port with few friends and beer ?!!!
The majority of people also went to tantalo , radio bar and Goa the club.

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

Ahhh , I had veryyy limited options so I kept eating in Mano a Mano , king kabab and cake shops , now I wish I tried some non-vegetarian local dishes too . Ahhh , don't be like me , go to every possible restaurant you can !!!!!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The Roman theatre ?! The calle mayor itself is a cultural site for me ? Since the character of the street is so different than in India. Tbh whole city was a cultural site for me tbh :D

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

1. Don't be shy , try new things .
2. Travel , travel , travel.
3. Learn Spanish because you will probably never get such chance to practice Spanish again.
4. Learn at least one Spanish art ( I didn't and I regret it now )