Erasmus Experience in Ghent, Belgium

Why did you choose to go to Ghent, Belgium?

Actually, I didn't choose it. I wanted to go to Liège or a French city, so that I could practise my French. I think that being chosen to go to Ghent was fate.

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How long does the grant last? How much money do you get for help?

My grant was initially 6 months, with 1000 euros each month. But I managed to extend my programme for another 6 months, so I received a total of 10 instalments of 1000 euros each.

What's the student environment like in Ghent?

It's great, at least during the week. At the weekends all the students visit their parents, leaving the city half-deserted.

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

Definitely. Today I'm sure there isn't a better place to do an Erasmus exchange.

How's the country's food?

Chips and Bicky Burger! And the mussels... but the best is the beer! The best beers in the world are in Belgium. That's without talking about the chocolate.... mmmm...

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How did you find accommodation?

The Housing Department at UGENT help me.

How are the accommodation prices? And the prices in general?

The accommodation prices are usually high, around 300 to 400 euros for a room. In general, it's affordable.

What's the language like? Did you attend a language course at the university?

Dutch. For me, with Portuguese as my mother tongue, I had some problems in learning it. However, the Belgians are very open to English and they speak it very well. However, in general, I didn't have problems with the language.

What is the cheapest way to get to Ghent from your city?

Probably taking different flights with different stops (companies like TAP and KLM).

Where would you recommend for a night out in Ghent?

Overpoortstraat is great during term time. Graslei is the best place to go to in Summer. And Charlatan and the surrounding places are usually good for the whole year. But Ghent has lots of interesting bars and pubs: it's worth doing some research.

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

Amadeus serves excellent all you can eat ribs! Athens is my favourite Greek restaurant. And for those who like Vietnamese food, there's a great restaurant at the start of the road Overpoortstraat, right in front of the university restaurant.

And in terms of cultural visits?

Ghent has a beautiful historic centre! It's worth visiting Graslei, the churches and cathedrals. Moreover, the city has very diverse cinemas and theatres.

Do you have any advice you'd like to give future students in Ghent?

The best advice I can give them is to make the most of every single minute of your Erasmus life in this city, which is definitely the best city in the whole of Europe for the exchange. Experiment, travel, drink, eat, buy, embrace, get to know, visit, and a lot more!