Miguel's Erasmus Experience in Catania, Italy

Why did you choose to go to Catania, Italy?

Of the options I had, it was the one which I knew the least about, I thought that being an island could mean I would have the option to travel and see other places (I didn't expect Sicily to have so many things to see, which was a pleasant surprise).

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How long did the scholarship last? How much money did you receive to help you with living costs?

In my case the duration of a school year. I don't remember the exact amount, just enough to eat in the dining room and rent a room (just enough at the time, but not much compared to what there is now).

What is the student lifestyle like in Catania?

It is similar to life in Sicily and this concept of "family" that you don't know is misunderstood.

In the university people keep their distance at first and you have to make the first move (except being a girl, there won't be a problem there, I'm afraid), but as soon as they get to know you and you become one of the class, you really feel part of it.

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

Of course, yes.

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What is the food like there?

Incredible Italian food, incredible Sicilian food, ice-cream, pizzas, panini and horse meat (which, at first everyone is reluctant to eat, but after you've eaten it a few times you can't resist).

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Catania?

A little, because I wanted to find it on my own and live with Sicilians instead of other Spaniards. I got a newspaper "Il Mercatino" I think it was, and I started ringing and checking out webistes (it also makes you get to grips with the language quickly). The help that ESN and student organisations give you when you are a boy is quite non-existent, but if you are a girl they will go out of their way to find you accommodation and whatever is necessary.

How much does it cost to live in Catania?

I don't remember prices very well, if you eat at la Mensa the menu was €2 per meal and very good quality, you also get to be involved in life there with other students.

The food is very cheap, fruit and vegetables are of unbeatable quality and you can buy them at ridiculous prices and the thousands of food stalls are also very cheap. Flats cost between €200 and 300 for which you can find a good room including bills.

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

I attended an intensive summer course that was very useful as it meant that I was able to hold my own for the first few days and look for a flat. It's easy to learn, but the more you mix with people from there, by eating at la Mensa, attending classes, etc, obviously it gets much better.

What's the easiest way to travel to Catania from your city?

Some time ago there were two routes from Valladolid-Milan Milan-Catania. Or fly from Madrid-Catania directly.

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

The theatre area as a place to meet every day and for going out at the beginning of the year, and when it is good weather, it becomes another place and it is cleaned and the lidos/disco in the beach are unbeatable (the prices are very good, there are indoor swimming pools, two stages with different music, and you can access the beach from there, as they are on the same beach).

It's beautiful when you find yourself drinking something whilst in the sea, listening to music with the people you have met, while in the background you see sunrise over Etna.

And for places to eat in Catania? Can you recommend some good restaurants?

The DopoTheatre. There is the best place to eat a horse burger in the square of the theatre. There is also one of the best ice-cream parlours in this square.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

I recommend renting a car (public transport is slow and complicated) and touring the islandon several occasions, which whill allow you to see a lot.

From Catania, which is a dirty city but with a special charm as it is built with black volcanic stone from the foot of Etna, to Siracusa (which once was the city that dominated the Mediterranean), Agrigento and its valley of precious temples (next to it is the Scala Dei Turchi which is a spectacular site of white rock on the crystalline sea), Taormina and the best sample of what a Greek theatre represents (again with Etna in the background) and a small beach "Isola Bella", the Aeolian Islands to the north of each one is a volcano or two (Stromboli, Vulcano, Salina), an obligatory day trip is to take a ferry and to rent a motorbike for the whole day, which is cheap and great. And a very long list of etceteras of things to do on the island without going into more detail.

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

Once you get over the first disappointment about how dirty it is, or how dark it seems, start discovering the city, which will be lit up day by day. It has a thousand corners to explore and people to meet. It shines incredibly when the good weather comes, along with the beach parties.

It is a good size to feel comfortable there and Sicily hides a lot.

Enjoy the experience.