Erasmus in Firenze, Italy by Amber

Why did you choose to go to Florence, Italy?

I've always wanted to live in Tuscany, so when I had the opportunity to do an internship in Firenze (Florence) I accepted immediately.

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

The scholarship is 5 months. I get a full ERASMUS+ Traineeship Scholarship. This comes down to about 250€ a month. My internship doesn't have any kind of salary (finding jobs is very difficult in Italy at the moment, the financial situation is quite bad, so if you want a paid internship, you probably shouldn't go to Italy).

What is the student lifestyle like in Florence?

There are three big student organizations ESN (best one! ), AEGEE and ISF. I've done trips with the first two and I can definitely say that ESN is the best one. A lot of cool people and they organize a Aperitivo every Thursday night in the Oblata (the public Library very very pretty! With an amazing view of the Duomo). Entrance is free, so is the wifi.

Also a lot of day trips, weekend trips and parties are organized. There are a lot of Facebook groups and two WhatsApp group to ask questions and to make friends.

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

Yes. As I have heard the University is very good.

What is the food like?

Obviously all the food in Italy is amazing! You can buy a little pastry and a cappuccino for 1, 30€ in most shops.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Florence?

Housing in Firenze is very difficult. Start as soon as you know you are going. Also don't have high expectations of the houses in Italy. Most of the time the landladies/lords don't speak English and the prices are very high. It is very common to share a bedroom in Firenze, if you are ok with sharing then this is a very cheap good option for you.

The best neighborhoods I think are: Santo Spirito, San Niccolò, Ambrogio, Le Cure and Campo di Marte.

How much does it cost to live in Florence?

Food isn't that expensive but housing is. Also a bike will cost you around 100€ and a good lock 25€. Bikes get stolen quite easily so get a good insurance. Bus tickets are 1, 20€ so taking the bus everyday could also get quite expensive.

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

The University offers free language courses and there are others as well. The Italian language is not that difficult to learn (in comparison to Dutch, for example).

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

These flights are an option for Dutchies (or people traveling from the Netherlands to Firenze):

• Amsterdam - Florence
• Rotterdam - Pisa
• Eindhoven - Pisa
• Eindhoven - Bologna

From Bologna there's a quick train that takes about 40 minutes.

From Firenze there's a shuttle bus, costs 6€, takes 20 minutes and goes every 30 minutes. It arrives at SMN, so then you also have to take a regular Ataf Bus (1, 20€) to you place of accommodation. Taxi is about 20€, but then you're a lot faster and you are at your front door.

From Pisa you could take a direct bus to Firenze or the bus and train.

Amsterdam - Firenze is the most expensive, but the quickest.

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

• Yab
• Oibo
• Blue Velvet
• Bamboo

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

• La Trattoria Antico Fattore dal 1865
• Trattoria ZaZa
• La Cucina del Ghianda
• Gusta Pizza
• La Ménagère

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The whole city is a cultural site! But don't miss Piazzale Michelangelo and the Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte.

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

Try to live and eat like an Italian. Don't start lunching before 13:30. Don't have a cappuccino after 10:00 in the morning and have dinner really late!