Erasmus Experience in Girona, Spain by Anka

Why did you choose to go to Girona, Spain?

As I had very good referals from older students and wanted to live in Spain at least for some short time I decided to go to this beautiful place and study and the second best university in Spain. And I can say it was very good decision!

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

I received the scholarship from my university before the semester started. It was calculated from the day I arrived to Girona for Catalan course to the last day of semester. If I remember it well it was around $405.00 each month. Even it wasn't enough for all the expenses, it at least helped to pay rent and food.

What is the student lifestyle like in Girona?

I didn't speak Spanish before I came to Girona and no Catalan either! I actulally wanted to study only in English, but there wasn't enough subjects to choose from as I was already doing my Master degree. I couldn't choose subjects I already had during my Bachelor because of my Slovakian tutor. She accepted all my semester only if I had new subjects doesn't matter if they were in English or Spanish.

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

Of course I would! It was beautiful medial age city with very kind people all around. Teachers were awesome, they were helping foreign students as much as they could. I learned a lot, especially to understand and speak Spanish.

What is the food like?

Food is very good, I love the Spanish cuisine. You can find tortillas, eat paellas and drink Sangria everywhere. And beer was very good too! I think everybody likes San Miquel or Estrella. Pubs and resaturants are very variuos and everybody will find his favourite.
We were actually surprised that there wasn't big dinning place for students, there were few little buffets, where you could mostly buy bocaddilos, water or some easy-prepared food. As we ale learnt to eat hot meals in Slovakia like soups and meat for lunch and for dinner too, we decided to cook and we did it almost every day. You can find very cheep groceries at Mercadona.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Girona?

We tried to find the place before we arrived to Girona and we found one room to share on the Facebook webpage in group of Girona students. I think with social sites is very easy to find some place where to stay.

How much does it cost to live in Girona?

We chose to rent an apartment rather than to stay in dormitory. Dormitory was even expensive than our place, that time it costed around $350 per person a month. We shared our three bedroom apartment with huge living room and two balconies with some Turkish students and we paid around $200.00 each with all the ulities. It's about planning your trip ahead because you still need to have some spare moeny for all the parties, you know :)

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

Ouuu Catalan language is actually very hard! Unless you are from Romania, Italy, Portugal or Latin America. As we are from Slovakia and I didn't speak Spanish before for me it was brand new language to learn. Language course is available before the semester, it takes approximately three weeks and you can meet many classmates before semester and accomodate very easily.

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

Of course Ryanair. My boyfriend came to visit me too, return flight costed only 100 euros, because we had direct flights from Bratislava to Girona.

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

Mitchigaaaaan!! It was place for Erasmus people, to watch football matches, to talk and dance. One of my classmates was a DJ and he used to play music there too. Girona is small town, so everbody knows each other, Erasmus people are like attraction there and are filling pubs and clubs so you will be always with your friends around

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

Konig Sandwiches is pretty good for their burgers and I know there is a restaurant which has Michelin stars but I dont really remember the name of that. I have never been there but I think I should go.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There are so many of them and I am pretty sure that University of Girona always do trip around the city. Even the University is very old spectacular place to visit.
There are so many places along the coast, Costa Brava is the most beautiful place I have ever been to, Lloret de mar, Tossa de Mar are places you really need to visit. Another amazing place is Montserrat, old castle in the mountains where you fell really close to the heaven. And we cannot skip Barcelona of course, it's a must if you are already in Girona!

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

Enjoy and have fun because this will be your best semester ever with many unforgettable moments! Wish you all the best!