Erasmus Experience in Gdansk, Poland by Stanzel

Why did you choose to go to Gdansk, Poland?

I chose to go to Gdansk because I'm fascinated by the eastern Europe countries, especially Poland, Ukraine and Belarus. In the future, I imagine to work in the fields of solidarity business, international relationships or diplomacy between France/Germany and the eastern Europe countries. I chose Gdansk because I found it nice to spend nine months in such a nice city.

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

I studied at the faculty of economics in Sopot for nine months. During this time, I received a financial help, about 2500 euros; from France.

What is the student lifestyle like in Gdansk?

I live in a small flat (30m²) located in the city center of Sopot. For this flat, I pay a rent of 1400PLN per month. I really enjoy my stay here at the Polish seaside.

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

Yes, because it's a nice city, and also because itgives the you opportunity to discover Poland, which is not a well-known country.

What is the food like?

Tipycal polish food.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Gdansk?

No.

How much does it cost to live in Gdansk?

Life costs approximately 600 Euros per month(even if you live in a small flat), 750 Euros per month if you add the trips around Poland during the weekends.

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

I find the lessons at the faculty of economics easy, but you need already to have a good command of English before you come in Gdansk.

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

My parents and I live in Dijon (France). The cheapest way to come to Gdansk from Dijon in the following one:

1. Train from Dijon to Paris (one and a half hour).
2. Plane from Paris to Berlin (one and a half hour of fly)
3. Train from Berlin to Gdansk (six hours of travel)

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

I have no idea.

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

I have no idea.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

In Sopot, you need to visit the city center and go for a walk at the seaside.

In Gdansk, you need to visit the city center, which is absolutly beautiful. if you want to visit some museums, I recommend you to visit the national museum, and the solidarnosk museum ("roads of freedom"), which is very interesting and very emotional. it shows the life of Polish people under the communism until 1989.

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

If you want to rent a flat in Gdansk or Sopot, begin to search accomodation on websites already in July, even if you arrive in Gdansk at the end of September. This task will also take you a lot of time, because most of the websites are in Polish.