My Erasmus Experience in Córdoba, Spain by Emma

Why did you choose to go to Córdoba, Spain?

I'd never been to the south of Spain, but I'd always heard that the Andalusian region was magnificent and very culturally rich. Córdoba was the only destination in Andalusia that was offered to me, so I chose it straight away.

How long's your stay? What financial aid do you receive?

I stayed there for 10 months, and I received a 2000 euro bursary throughout the year- I got 200 euros a month.

What's the student vibe like in Córdoba?

The student atmosphere is very good and as there's a large Erasmus community, there are more parties!

Would you recommend the city or university to other students?

Yes of course!

What's Spain's food like?

It's simple- everything is fried in olive oil! I am stereotyping a bit, but they do fry meat, vegetables, fish and eggs- anything goes! But the Andalusians claim that it's good for your health! I personally liked Spanish food a lot and there are things that I'll miss in France.

Was it hard to find accommodation in Córdoba?

I found it through a friend from Córdoba who was doing his exchange in my university the year before I did mine. He gave me the contact details of some friends who were looking for house mates.

It's pretty simple to find accommodation in Spain! If you're going to Córdoba, you can contact ESN Córdoba or the vice-deanship of the Philosophy and Arts faculty International Relations, who have a list of apartments from old Erasmus students, and you can contact them on Facebook. You can also look on websites like EasyPiso or Milanuncios, or at the adverts in the streets.

What's the price for rent link?

It's between 150 and 200€ for somewhere in the student neighbourhood Ciudad Jardín, and places are a bit more expensive in the historic centre at 250€.

What's it like learning the language there? Did you take part in a language course organised by the university?

There are language courses for foreign students organised by the university at the start of the year, around October. They're free and are on in the late afternoons. You can enquire about them from the vice-dean of International Relations.

What's the most economical way to get to Córdoba from your home town?

Flying from Paris Beauvais Tille to Seville or Malaga with low budget companies is normally the cheapest way. From Seville, just catch a train or bus for around 10€ to Córdoba, or for 12€ if you're coming from Malaga. Of course there are other alternatives like the Eurolines bus, direct from Rennes to Córdoba for those that have loads of bags!

Where do you recommend to go out in Córdoba?

There's so many places! The night clubs in the city centre like Gongorra, Underground, Mansull Café, Long Rock and so on. There's the really good Sojo de Ribera near Guadalquivir, and there's plenty of nightclubs near the 'El Vial' train station. The Ciudad Jardín and the Corredera Plaza are good for bars.

And to eat in Córdoba? What are your favourite places?

The students normally go to Moriles in Ciudad Jardín which is one of the best and cheapest restaurants in Córdoba. You can eat there for between 5 and 10€ a meal. I also like tapas bars like La Caña d'España.

And what cultural places do you recommend going to see?

La Mezquita, of course, which is free in the morning until 10am!

You should also visit the gardens of The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, as well as the Royal Stables and Palacio Museo de Viana. It's nice to take a stroll through Juderia, the historic centre, and to discover and visit all the little places.

Any advice for future students going to Córdoba?

Make the most of your year in Córdoba, discover the Spanish culture, the Spanish people's happiness for life and their sense of fun. Explore Spain as much as you can, especially Andalusia!