Erasmus Experience in Granada, Spain by Dita

Why did you choose to go to Granada, Spain?

Well, in my case it was a bit difficult to choose. Firstly, I was thinking about Madrid, but absolutely everything is really expensive there. Then I had no idea where to go, but I decided for Andalucia. Nowadays I am glad to be here, because you can really enjoy every day in such a nice city: lots of places where to go, who loves party's gonna be satisfied here as well and the University is really cool.

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

5 months, every month I get 400 euros. In general, Granada seems really cheap, but for me (being Chech is no advantage in this case, especially during this time, where National Bank makes everything to keep Czech crown weak... ) prices are a bit higher here. If you want to enjoy it and travel, it is necessary to participate.

What is the student lifestyle like in Granada?

It depends on each student. You can travel, enjoy partying-time, make some friends in tapas bars, do different sports... it is an incredible place, because you can ski in the Sierra Nevada and the next day have a great time on the beach.

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

Sure, I am not able to compare with other cities and universities in Europe, that's the first time I am on Erasmus, but if I could choose again, Granada would have been my option number one. You can find here students from all over the world.

What is the food like?

Globalization causes that you can find here different food, not just from Spain. So if you prefer Kebab, Chinese food, Italian - no problem, but it is a pity not to taste paella, gazpacho y etc. Nevertheless, in Granada there are the best tapas, because for 2 euros you can get a beer or "tinto de verano" and dinner.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Granada?

Yes, because I had no idea how does it look like in Granada. If it is better to live in the centre, or near the University and so on. You can find here accomodation in different prices range - from 150 euros to xxx euros. It depends on where the flat is situated, on equipment... the cheapest is to live in a shared flat with other students.

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

If you are from Italy, France and other states where is the grammar based on Latin, it is not gonna be a problem for you. I have been here since February and still I have a problem to say something more. But I had known about it and that's why I am not surprised. It is necessary to have on your mind that the starts are not easy. The accent here is a bit specific for Andalucia, but if you hear it every day, after a few weeks it is not difficult to catch something.

You can choose courses of Spanish organized by URG - if you passed, you would obtain 6 credits for it. Not bad.

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

There are some possibilities - but the best for me is travel by plane from Prague to Málaga and then from Málaga take a bus to Granada. The flight lasts about 3 hours (if you travel directly), and travelling by bus about 2 hours.

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

Tapas bars, Porrones (one of the funniest entertainment I have seen here), Discotecas if you like them, Albayzín at night and an amazing view for Alhambra... lots of activities are organized by student organizations - samba, flamenco, tapas tours, café lingua...

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

I prefer tapas bars, because restaurants are quite expensive. Where to go for tapas? Plaza de Toros, Pedro Antonio.... everywhere. I would love to visit some tearoom, they look like amazing.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Alhambra is the most famous here, but you can find other sites. I love Albayzín and Sacramonte.

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

Do not be afraid, it is much better than studying at your University in your country. If you don't like stereotypes and you prefer getting to know new cultures, friends, places, experience, go and have a fun.

Granada is an incredible city with kind people and is waiting for Erasmus students.