Erasmus Experience in Florence, Italy by Fatima

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Why did you choose to go to Florence, Italy?

Florence is my destination by chance. It was chance that brought me here since to begin with, my scholarship was for Paris. After the attacks, our university gave me the opportunity to change destination and I ended up here.

How long is the scholarship for? How much money do you receive as aid?

My scholarship lasts for 4 months and I receive €400 a month aid (plus an addition from my autonomous community).

How is student life in Florence?

The atmosphere is good amongst the Erasmus in the faculty, although I have to say that the students from Florence aren't as open as the Spanish and can even make you feel uncomfortable. It's the same with the teachers. They aren't all as predisposed to have Erasmus in their class.

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

Yes, clearly yes. It's a precious city with thousands of magical places to get lost in. The university is very peculiar for me given that it's different to the UGR, the university that I go to. It's not strange here, to have to listen to a class sat down on the floor because there are no free seats, for example and all without complaining.

How is the country's food?

Italian food is like you'd expect from it. Everyday during the Erasmus, my diet consisted of pasta cooked in various ways, ice cream and pizza.

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Was it hard to find accommodation in Florence?

To be honest, it's not easy to find accommodation in Florence and it's even less so, if you arrive half way through the course as in my case (my scholarship started in February) but anything is possible. There are many Facebook pages where they put up advertisements searching for flatmates/flats, as well as idealista and other pages.

How much does it cost to live in Florence?

Living in Florence isn't cheap... All the contrary. A double room costs around €250 plus bills and the prices vary according to location, if it's double or single, the conditions of the flat... but they aren't generally less than 250.

The food is also usually expensive and comparing supermarket offers is something that's on the agenda.

In general, it's not strange to spend around 500 throughout the duration of a month, between the flat and food.

How is the language? Did you go to any courses at the University?

Italian is very similar to Spanish so it didn't end up being very complicated. For me, when a Spaniard arrives in Italy, they go through three phases: The first in which they arrive and don't understand anything, which lasts for 2 days; a second phase in which they start to understand what people are saying to you but still don't know how to say anything which generally lasts a week or two and ultimately; the third phase in which they can speak and have a simple conversation.

The university offers free courses at different levels. You only have to ask in rrii and have a small interview, in which they assign you a group for your level.

What is the most affordable way of getting to Florence from your city?

The most affordable way from Spain is to catch a plane to Pisa and from Pisa, catch a bus to Florence.