Erasmus Experience in Gent, Belgium, by Jeannemarie
Why did you choose to go to Ghent, Belgium?
I wanted to learn more about the Vlaanders culture as the language is close to my home language, afrikaans. It made my transition easier.
How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?
The scholarship was for the duration of one semester. I received 3500 euro for the total duration of my stay.
What is the student lifestyle like in Ghent?
The students are active. The town is integrated with tourists, citizens and students.
Would you recommend the city and the University of Ghent to other students?
Yes! It is a beautiful town with various interests and beautiful architecture. It is well situated between France, Germany and the Netherlands which makes traveling easy.
What is the food like?
Belgium is famous for Fritte met Mayo (fries and mayonaisse). Except for amazing beer, that is the only thing I would recommend to try. The rest of the food culture is quite average.
Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Ghent?
No, I found a private apartment to rent directly from the owner
How much does it cost to live in Ghent?
The average rent is about 450 euro. I managed to find a suitable place for 280 euro, which was a little further from campus. Fortunately the public transport is easily accessible all over the town, and the town is very flat which makes cycling a must!
Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?
It's easy and yes.
Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Ghent?
To "Afsnis". It was my favourite pub with good beer, music and atmosphere.
What good cultural sites are there to visit?
The centrum of Gent is beautiful and a site to see in itself. The two main canals, Graslei and Korenlei, passes through the town and offers boat trips to see the city from the water.
Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Ghent in the future?
Get a bike from "studentenmobiliteit". It was easy, cheap and a must to have a bike in in Gent.
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