Erasmus Experience in Iasi, Romania, by Alberto

Why did you choose to go to Iasi, Romania?

I went to Iasi because I wanted a new experience in my life, something totally different from West Europe and I got the experience that I was looking for.

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

I stayed in Iasi for 10 months. I could live fine with the money that I was paid by my scholarship. I got 500 € per month. I could enjoy the city, make some travels, pay my rent and so on.

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

I would absolutely recommend Iasi. The university is the second important university in Romania and its main building´s architecture is amazing. Their teachers are perfectly formed and help a lot with the international students.

Iasi is a city for students. It offers a lot of different options and you can never get bored there. You have cinemas, library, pubs, discos, shopping malls and lot of parks. Sightseeing the city is also a strong point, Iasi has hundred of little Orthodoxes churches and a huge catedral, but its main building is the Culture Palace, simply gorgeous.

What is the food like?

If you go to Iasi, you have to try some typical dishes like the soups and "Mamaliga" (some kind of sauce), among other delicious food.

However, you can eat whatever you want there. There are lot of supermarkets and streets markets where you can buy your weekly stuff. There are several restaurants and fast food locals in case you want to hang out with your friends.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Iasi?

It did not because I stayed in the residence next to the university. Its name is Gaudeamus. I recommend it because most of the international students were there. So, if you want to be always around the people who will become your friends, it is better to stay in a residence. It is not expensive and its 24hrs receptions are good things.

How much does it cost to live in Iasi?

You do not really need lot of money like I you went to London or Rome. You live in Romania with 400-500 € per month. You can perfectly do everything you want with that money.

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

The university offers language facilities to international students. Most of their teachers speak English or French and most of the classes are in those languages. We can also take part in some Romanian courses or get involved with ESN to speak Romanian or even English.

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

I had to flight to Romania from Murcia, Spain. So, I had to take a plane from Valencia to Bucharest and then, a train (from the train station in Bucharest) or bus (from the airport) to Iasi which the length is 7 hours. That is the easiest and economical combination when I had to get Iasi.

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

I would recommend La Baza. Amazing place with friendly barmen and waitresses. La Baza is cheap and the music is international. Baza is open until midnight.

Once Baza is closed we moved to Bar Hand which is next to Baza and is an after hours. The music and stuff is quiet similar to La Baza. You can really spend a great time on those places.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Library, Culture Palace and the huge cathedral.

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