Erasmus Experience in Iaşi, Romania by Juan Francisco

Why did you choose to go to Iaşi, Romania?

I didn't choose Iaşi, that's for sure, but it was the only Erasmus city in the country available to me with my degree. Nevertheless, having had my Erasmus experience here, I would do it again without a doubt. If anything, I chose Romania for multiple reasons:

- Geography.

- Expenses more suited to my budget, which was a bit restricted at the time.

- Countryside and culture that is different to our own, despite them also being Latinos.

How long did the grant last? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

The grant lasted 9 months and at that time we used to get €5, 000. Although it depended on the regional government. Now, it has changed a lot. From next year onwards, students will only get a grant if they were on the MEC scholarship the year prior to going on their Erasmus.

What is the student lifestyle like in Iaşi?

It's great. It's a university town. In fact, the country's most prestigious faculties aren't in Bucharest, but here in Iaşi.

There are parties and student celebrations almost weekly. A huge selection of libraries, pubs, restaurants, parks, student residences, shopping centres and castles fill this marvellous city.

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

I would 100%.

What is the food like?

The food is excellent. It would be hard to recount the amount of dishes that make up Romanian gastronomy, but to name a few of the essentials, I would go for the Sarmale, the soups or Ciorbăs and the Tochitură.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Iaşi?

It was very simple, seeing that, as I said before, the city is full of residences that are adapted especially for students regarding the budget, their location and services available (laundry facilities and a restaurant among others).

How much does it cost to live in Iaşi?

In Iaşi, you can live for a month off around €350, including: acommodation, photocopying, nights out and the occassional getaway to the surrounding areas.

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

The official language is Romanian. My university offered me a language course totally free, for which I could later gain elective credits with my university.

However, pretty good English is spoken in classes and amongst students. Besides, a lot of Romanians speak some Spanish.

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

From Spain, the most convenient way is by plane. I used to use the company WizzAir and it was pretty inexpensive. I know of people who have got there by bus, but that's a 2 or 3 day long journey and I think it's a waste of time.

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

* Hand Pub for rockers with endurance, as it closes at 7am.

* Cannabis for fans of pop music and to play pool.

* Sky for dance and electronic music fanatics.

And to eat? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Iaşi?

* Casa Voltarege. The best without a shadow of a doubt.

* Mamma Mia.

* Any street vendor with the famous "fornetti cu telemea (cheese) and chocolate".

* Steak House.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

*The Palace of Culture is one of the prettiest and most spectacular buildings that I've seen in my life

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* The university

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* The buildings in the centre, which are very much of the soviet style.

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

They should take advantage of their time there and enjoy the old capital of Romania and the centre of the Moldovian zone.

The best advice that I can give them is that they leave prejudices far behind them and choose to go to this amazing city.