Erasmus Experience in Córdoba, Spain by Nevena

Why did you choose to go to Córdoba, Spain?

I wanted to go somewhere to improve my language. When I read about the Roman origins of the city, when I saw pictures of its monuments on the Internet, I could not believe I was going to live there. Cordoba is a perfect way to experience Spain and Spanish life - to witness and live the way they do. It is a very culturally rich experience.

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

The length of the scholarship depends on the contract between your university and the receiving university. The monthly amount, I think, it is fixed on the base of home country-receiving country. In my case, coming from Bulgaria, in 2010, it was 400 EUR per month. Although I had worries, the amount is perfectly Ok for a room in a shared apartment, food, and general expenses, and if spent wisely, can suffice for travel, too.

What is the student lifestyle like in Córdoba?

Cordoba is a very young city, lots of local and international students, there's always something happening somewhere...

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

Yes! It's small and and you can go on foot, it has rich cultural life, it is safe, and in the center of Andalucia - which makes it an almost perfect point for traveling in the Southern parts of Spain.

What is the food like?

Spanish food is not my favourite, but there's a lot of relatively affordable sea food. Supermarkets are many and cheap; there's also quite a lot of cafes and small restaurants to eat something local and cheap.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Córdoba?

No, I was really lucky. We liked the 2nd or 3rd apartment we saw. We took it, and we put a note looking for a 3rd compañero around the faculty. The first girl that came, on the very first day, stayed.

How much does it cost to live in Córdoba?

If you come from Western Europe, Córdoba will be cheaper than home. Coming from Bulgaria, costs were higher than at home, but my scholarship was still enough to cover all basic costs - and occasional travels and rebajas shopping sprees.

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

No, Spanish spoken in Córdoba is quite different from the typical Castellano taught in language schools around Europe. El accento Andaluz, as they call it, is hard to grasp at first, but people are generally tolerant and friendly, so this is not a serious barrier. Actually, they really appreciate foreigners speaking Spanish - or English - as foreign languages are not very common in Cordoba and around.

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

Low cost flight to Madrid, or Malaga, or Seville, and then - bus to Cordoba.

From Madrid it takes 5 hours, from Malaga and Seville - around 1. 5 hours.

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

That would probably be a botellon on some little plaza on some warm night...

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

Moriles! And breakfast in Sojo Ribera - that is a very chill out cafe with views over the river.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The Mezquita, the Old city in general, el Alcazar - with the night show of the water fountains, the Plaza de la Corredera with the market building for food shopping; the churches Fernandinas between the Old city and avenida Barcelona; the Archeological museum. Recommended: jogging in the Old city in early morning, through the Roman's bridge, and through the park...amazing!

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Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Córdoba?

Have no doubts about going to Cordoba - you will have the wildest times! Explore the city and the area as much as possible; plan trips, rent a car and go to natural parks...