Erasmus Experience in Cuenca, Spain by Dana

Why did you choose to go to Cuenca, Spain?

I chose Cuenca accidentally, my friends recommended me to go.

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

It lasts 5 months, I receive only 70% of my scholarship, the rest when I come back to my country.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Cuenca?

All students know each other very well, they treat themselves like family. Cuenca is small, everybody usually meets in the shop, at the street, during the party.

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

I can strongly recommend Cuenca because it's cheaper than any other city so that you can easily travel. It's very close to Madrid and Blablacar is very popular.

What is the food like?

Food in Cuenca is not different than in any other Spanish city. Wherever you go yo may find paella, tortilla or any other popular dishes.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Cuenca?

If you don't have flat, at the beginning you must stay in a hostal in order to find something. I have been to many flats in Cuenca, when you share the flat with other students it is cheaper but if you rent it from the owner it is so expensive.

How much does it cost to live in Cuenca?

It is not much, it is possible to find a flat for 150e per month. In Lidl or Alcampo everything is quite cheap and you don't need to pay for public transport (everything is quite close) but if you live further the bus ticket costs 1, 10e.

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

Cuenca is small city so just few students or teachers speak English. There are 2 or 3 classes in English, the rest is in Spanish. Of course, there are Spanish courses at different levels offered by the university.

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

The only and the fastest way to get to Cuenca is from Madrid. After arriving in Madrid there are buses or trains directly to Cuenca.

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

There is a special place in Cuenca called plaza España (or pabellón) where everybody meets to drink something first and then go to clubs near plaza España, everything is on one street.

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

There are many, it depends what you would like to eat.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There is an old town from which it is very beautiful view on the mountains, there are so many mountains trails to go hiking, and two the most important cultural events which are San Mateo in September, and Semana Santa in March.

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

You need to know at least A1 Spanish, just some basics to communicate otherwise it is very difficult at the beginning. And it is quite cold so take warm clothes!