Erasmus Experience in Castellón De la Plana, Spain by Frida

Why did you choose to go to Castellón De la Plana, Spain?

it's around October 2013 I've been told that my home University which is University Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) has student exchange cooperation with UJI. Frankly, I had never studied abroad before, That's why when I heard about this program, I was excited and register my self without too much consideration where the target university is. The only information that I've known already are UJI, Europe, and Spain. With those three information I convinced my self that it would be great. After I submitted my registration form I started to seek more information about UJI. Beside all the awesome information that I've got, the fact about UJI located in Condusive- small- unique- peaceful town excited me more. Because I know, It's mean I will get new experience that would be literally different, because It's hard to find such a place in Indonesia.

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

The scholarship would be only 6 months, and I've been here for 3 months since February [3 months left]. the scholarship only cover the tuition fee.

What is the student lifestyle like in Castellón De la Plana?

From what I see in these 3 months, there are 2 things about student lifestyle that amazed me. First, how they spent lot of their time in library. Moreover when the exam about to come. It just show me how serious they be when it comes to study. And second. I don't know how to explain this but what I can see is, they really know how to have fun! haha. I don't really get it how can they manage it to keep have fun and study without failed. No matter how late they back home at night and no matter how early they should be in class on the next day, they make it. haha. so, what I can say is. Do not worry, because here, both your studying and have fun atmosphere will be builded up automatically.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Castellón De la Plana to other students?

Ofcourse. How calm and how our need are facilitated here are just make Castellón so conducive for every aspect.

What is the food like?

Basically almost all Indonesian people like to eat spicy food. Just the opposite with people here. Food here are far from spicy for me, that's why it's kinda hard to find a food that really match with my tongue. But there was one food that really catch my attention and now it becomes one of my favorite. Paella! It's one of typical food from Spain. It's like rice with mix of meat and it's really really good. and I should tell you that the best paella that I ever had is the one that I got when I hike the mountain in Magdalena Festival.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Castellón De la Plana?

Yes, to find a flat that we living in now, we contacted one agency. So, in the first month we need to paid 400euro for flat and 200euro for paid their service.

How much does it cost to live in Castellón De la Plana?

Living cost in Castellón isn't that expensive compared with another city in Spain. Here I live with 5 friends from Indonesia also. we live in one Flat together. The flat cost 400€ per month and we divided it for 5 people, so It's 80€ per people for flat only or around 120€ if the electricity, water, gas, and wifi are included.

For living expense, I might spent 6-10€ a day. But if I cook and bring our own lunch from home it way is cheaper. a lot cheaper! It's only around 10-15€ per week. So, I recommend to cook instead.

Not forget about monthly need, I usually prepared 10€ for stuff like detergent, soap, shampoo, etc and 20€ for unforeseen expense, because no one will know what will happen tomorrow.

The last, it's only tips, if you like to travel, you can set apart 50-100€ per month for travel, with these amount you already be able to travel around Europe.

So in total, I could only spent around 310€ for living per month, around 210€ without travel.

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

Spanish and Bahasa Indonesia has the same form in sentence, and like Spanish, bahasa Indonesia pronounce exactly like how it's written as well. So, it doesn't as hard as learn English for me. In the first semester, university provide Spanish Courses. Since I don't have any basic in Spanish I joined intensive course level A1 for 3 weeks, really help a lot to learn the basic rapidly. for this Intensive course I need to pay around 100euro [I forget either it's 100 or 120 euro hehe but it's not far from it]. for the next level I didn't take any course and try to learn Spanish at home. but for those who want, there's semi intensive course for the next level.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Castellón De la Plana from your city?

there's 2 transportation that I usually use in Castellón. City bike and tram. City bike cost 40euro for 1 year. I got registered in police office near Corte Ingles Mall. City bike is really efficient since Castellon isn't really big and everywhere are reachable by bicycle. And if there's a time when I'm in hurry or tired, I usually take a tram and it's only cost 1, 05 euro.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Castellón De la Plana?

There's a pub where Erasmus student are usually gather on Tuesday night called Pub Terra. It's nice to go there and get new friends.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Castellón De la Plana?

Everywhere is good. I recommend you to try every food and restaurant here.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

there's a big church called Santa Maria. it's located in the center of the city of Castellon. Beside Santa Maria, there are still a lot of cultural sight in Castellon and all can be reached by feet.

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Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Castellón De la Plana in the future?

It's better for you to learn Spanish before, at least to know the basic, because English doesn't really work here. Except that, everything are great!