Erasmus Experience in Foggia, Italy by Martina

Why did you choose to go to Foggia, Italy?

Italy is one of my most favorite countries in the world, I love their culture, food, language, people. I wanted to study abroad for a few months since I started university, so choosing a country wasn't hard for me at all. I chose Foggia because of location, cause the other places were far away from sea and located in northern part of Italy. I had no further info about Foggia but I know now it was a great choice.

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

I was in Foggia from 22nd of February till 1st of July which is cca 4 months, I received 370 euros per month from my university.

What is the student lifestyle like in Foggia?

Student lifestyle depends on faculty you are attending. I studied medicine, I had practice in hospital every day except for weekends. We also had Italian lessons for all foreign students on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday morning and also on Wednesday and Friday afternoon. I spoke to all professors and created something like "study and practice plan" for all the weeks and it worked out very well. I had no trouble with changing subjects after I got there and professors were really helpful. Also my friends who studied physiotherapy had practice and lessons every day. Other people - not so busy.

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

I definitely would. Foggia is not a perfect or beautiful city, but there is a lot to visit all around and the sea is very near, it is not so expensive because it is in a southern part, and people are very nice and kind. I believe it is not about where you choose to go for Erasmus, it is mostly about people you meet there and spend your time with.

I had good relations with all professors and doctors in hospital and we had two ladies at University office responsible for foreign students, they were helpful but sometimes when I needed some information or documents on exact date they didn't send it to me or reply at all until I sent more e-mails or did more calls. Maybe it is Italian lifestyle, they have no stress and they always think there is more time to do things, but sometimes there is not so I was a little angry.

What is the food like?

Depends on what you like. I am a huge fan of Italian cuisine, so I enjoyed pasta, prosciutto, sometimes we had a pizza, mostly we cook at home. There is a perfect market in one of the streets every day - they have fresh vegetables and fruits, meat, fish, cheese, tuna, hams, eggs, bread etc.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Foggia?

I asked two coordinators from student's office to help me with accommodation because I was in Slovakia and could't search for it by myself. They have a list of private owners offering apartments for rent. First apartment I live in was very far from centre and from the hospital, it was very expensive (300 euros per month for single room) and I didn't like it that much, so I decided do change a place. I moved to appartment in centre, with 5 single rooms, I payed 230 euros for single room per month and I loved it. The owner is a lawyer so he prepared a contract, I had to pay "deposit" 690 euros before I moved in and he gave me the money (minus water+gas) back when I was leaving.

How much does it cost to live in Foggia?

I got small amount of money from my university - it was cca 1500 euros for 4 months and it is nothing. I had to pay 300 euros for first appartment, then I decided to change so I payed 690 euros deposit. And you are left with 500 euros for 4 months... Impossible. I had some savings and my mum helped me. It really depends on how much money you got from your school, cause some students got around 1000 for month...

You should count apartment costs, food, public transport if you go to school/hospital, travelling. It is a lot of money. Even Foggia is not so expensive and food is for reasonable price.

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

We had a language course finished by exam, it was organized by university and teacher - Valeria - was amazing. We had lessons every day and they were interesting. I lived in Italy 2 years before my Erasmus for few months even tough I never learned the language, I was used to that and I understood a lot. I had to learn the grammar and vocabulary and it was not so hard. I mean I was there alone from Slovakia and almost nobody spoke English in the hospital so I was forced to use it and speak and practice and I learned a lot. It depends on who you are there with and if you go to school at all.

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

I had a flight from Vienna to Rome, cause I went to visit a friend and then I took a train from Rome to Foggia. I think the easiest way is to fly to Bari and take a train.

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

We usually met at someone's apartment at first and then went to the centre. There is a lot of places, depends on music you like and drinks you wanna drink.

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

I don't really remember going to fancy restaurants if there are any. We went to place where they have pizza for 1 euro and once Indian restaurant. Also some other pizzerias all around town.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

In Foggia nothing special, but I would recommend Peschici, Vieste, Lecce, Napoli, Alberobello, Manfredonia and Mattinata.

None of those are cultural sites, but...

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