Erasmus Experience in Firenze, Italy by Gabriela

Why did you choose to go to Firenze, Italy?

Because my university had a learning agreement with the University of Florence, I wanted to learn a new language, I thought Italian is a really beautiful language, so, it was the best option for me, besides the amazing and beautiful places here, that are really mean to me because of my carrier (Architecture).

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

My scholarship was for 6 months, they helped me with money, which cover only the house and the food (because this is an expensive place to live).

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

Definitely! The city es really beautiful and you are going to fall in love with it when you come! The University is nice, but doesn't have a modern style, at least not mine. Of course because mine is in the city center and Florence is characterized for being historic and antic, not modern.

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What is the food like?

The most common things you can find here, obviously is Pasta and Pizza, but you can find, of course, other things in the supermarket that maybe could be similar to your food in your country.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Firenze?

A lot! It was really, really difficult for me to find a place to live, because as I said, here is much more expensive that in other places in Europe, but Studio a Firenze - Cerco/Offro CASA in this link, there are always an announcements of people who are looking for a flatmate or something, could be very helpful for you! And these are 2 other links where you can find something: link. I think it is a little bit more expensive but still you can check and maybe find something really nice if you are with 2 or 3 other friends!

How much does it cost to live in Firenze?

The apartment, the flat, the house or whatever, with utilities included it is 350/person, and for 3 or 4 persons if it's a cheaper one (like mine) the price could be 500 for only a room, but obviously depends of the location and the commodities what the house have.

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

Yes! The language is easy to learn but its better to live with Italian guys to learn faster! I took a few courses of Italian before to came here and were really very helpful. The courses are available in the University but are only available (you don't have to pay) for Erasmus (students of the European Union), otherwise, you have to pay 50 Euros to have access for 1 course of Italian.

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

By train, I think, but you can also rent a car for 3 or 4 persons and have an amazing trip without paying so much! But it depends where you want to go and what you want to know.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

• Galleria dell'Academia
• Ponte Vecchio



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• Cathedral di Santa Maria del Fiore
• Il Duomo



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• the Bell Tower
• Piazza Michelangelo

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

Try to get at least some knowledge of Italian language. The more the merierr, because that way you will be available to talk and learn easily and quickly when you come, and it is the way that you will be able to get to know Italians people better.