Josep's Erasmus Experience in Foggia, Italy

Why did you choose to go to Foggia, Italy?

I wanted to learn the language, live this beautiful experience for myself, meet people, as well as getting to know the country and its culture.

I chose Italy for its food, its character, its fashion, its language, and because it was a country that I wanted to visit. I don't regret it at all.

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How long does your grant last for? How much money do you receive as financial support?

My grant is for 5 months and I receive 1500€ more or less. It's not much use to me other than for covering my expenses, but it's a good way to contribute towards paying your rent, for example.

Each self-governing region, university, etc. has their own grants, and I think that the best thing to do is to search for information directly from your university of origin.

There is another grant that is a little bit higher in amount (from the Ministry of Education), but the requirements for that, in turn, are higher.

Depending on your destination, they may give you more or less money, but I think that the absolute minimum that you can receive is 1200€.

What is student life like in Foggia?

There are lots of universities (programmes available in: Medicine, Nursing, Law, Business Management, Economics, Physical Education, Dentistry, Physiotherapy... ) and lots of students and young people.

There are about 150 of us Erasmus students, the majority of which are Spanish.

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Would you recommend the city and your university in Foggia to other students?

Yes, absolutely. It's not the most touristy nor the prettiest city, neither is it very big, but this makes all of the Erasmus students a family, and we always go together to places, parties, meals out, trips, etc. The city centre is where all of the Erasmus students live, and it's easy to walk everywhere. The pedestrian areas by the shops are full of people passing by and shopping from Monday to Sunday, especially from 5pm or 6pm onwards.

On an academic level, honestly I am not really learning much here, as many of the things I am studying here I have already studied in Spain, and because it's very difficult concentrating and studying in a language that's not your mother tongue. But, they do help you with a lot of things.

What is the food like in Italy?

For me, it's a ten out of ten. The reputation that Italy has for being good cooks is absolutely true; here, I have eaten the best pizza and pasta that I've ever had.

The pasta, pizza, coffee, cheese, wine... it's all really good. I have eaten just as well in Foggia as I have in all of the little villages and cities that I have been to.

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Was it difficult for you to find accommodation in Foggia?

It wasn't difficult for me at all. ESN (the organisation that helps Erasmus students) helped me, and when I arrived I already had accommodation (costing 200€ a month). The day that I arrived, they were waiting for me at the train station and they took me by car to what is now my flat. Then, they took me into Foggia itself to visit the most typical places and things in the city and introduced me to other Erasmus students. In reality, they were really great!

The best thing to do when searching for accommodation is contact ESN through Facebook. Another option would be to contact previous Erasmus students in Foggia.

How much does it cost to live in Foggia?

200€ for accommodation + cost of food (similar prices to those in Spain) + leisure + trips...

For example, I spend between 800€ and 1100€ a month (which takes into account the cost of travelling, eating out and parties).

An important thing to note - the drinks in nightclubs are small and in a plastic cup... they cost 5€ there, but they normally cost 2. 50€ or 3€ in cocktail bars or pubs. And, Peroni (beer) costs 1€!

It's not expensive living in Foggia; Erasmus life, however, is expensive because the pace of life is pretty wild (trips, parties, shopping, dinners, etc. ).

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What is the language like? Did you go to any language classes at the university?

Very easy.

You adapt to the language really quickly - in a month you already pretty much understand everything. After 6 months, you return home understanding and speaking Italian quite well.

They offer you two language courses, which I recommend 100%:

Online course and in-person Italian course.

What is the cheapest way of getting to Foggia from your city?

By plane from Barcelona to Rome (costs 20€), and then from Roma Termini to Foggia by train (can cost anywhere in the region of 19€ to 50€).

Obviously, the earlier you book your tickets, the cheaper they will be.

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Which places do you recommend for nightlife in Foggia?

• Replay (nightclub)
• Domus (nightclub)
• Groove (nightclub)
• XO Bar
• Smallest
• Winery

And eating out in Foggia? Can you name your favourite places?

• Nuevo Mundo (Argentinian food - good meat and sandwiches with discounts for Erasmus students)
• Long Island (amazing meat, although a little bit expensive)
• Cairoli (incredible pizza and pasta, great wine)
• Pizzeria Romana (it's really good, especially for just grabbing a couple of slices during a day where you don't feel like cooking)
• Fascina (really, really good and cheap pizzas)

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And cultural hotspots?

Foggia doesn't have many places that you can visit. You can see all the different buildings and areas of the city in one day:

• Piazza Cavour (with its beautiful park)
• Teatro Umberto Giordano
• The Old Town
• The cathedral

Is there any advice that you want to give to future students in Foggia?

Like all cities, it has lots of bad things, but this does not matter; you have to take advantage of all the good things, meet people, and live your life there to the maximum. You have to have an open mind.

Don't get involved with bad people or look for trouble because the mafia is dangerous.

Take care because they drive really badly - the idea of pedestrian-only zones is sometimes forgotten about...

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