Erasmus Experience in Irakleion, Greece by Bára

Why did you choose to go to Irakleion, Greece?

I choose the Iraklion because it was the best country from the supply of university Erasmus´s list. There were only few places with good weather in winter and with sea. And on the other side Crete had a very long history and lot of opportunity for traveling.

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

I spent here one semester, so only four month. I received 400 euro per month from my home university.

What is the student lifestyle like in Irakleion?

The Esn isn´t so good there. They organized only first welcome week, one trip to the Rethymno a and few party in some bars and cafeterias. But we are a good group of people, so we organized our own trips. For example Athens and Santorini, Balos, Matala ...

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

In Crete are better places for study, for example Chania and Rethymno, these places are very beatifull more then Iraklio. I study on the TEI on social work department, they don´t have a money for teachers and everything is easy for me, because my home university is on the higher level. But greek system is a one big chaos. It depends what you expect from erasmus. I think we have a lot of free times for travelling.

What is the food like?

Couisine on Crete is very very good. You find here many excellent restaurant and the food is largely establish on vegetables and cheese.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Irakleion?

I paid 175 euros per months with included electricity and water.

How much does it cost to live in Irakleion?

Approximately 600 euros per month, but i traveled a lot.

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

Greek language is so hard for learning, but we have a course of greek language on our university. We learn only basic phrases, which greek people usually use. But the oldary people don´t speak english so we must use the body language :-D

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

In season is very cheap the plane by direct way but in winter is a good combinate ferry (19 euro for students) and plane from Athens.

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

To La brasseria and Loft club.

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

The best choice is a Peskesi (near Lion square), typical Cretan couisine.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Near Iraklio are aquarium, Knossos palace, historical museum and of course the other places like Matala Beach, Kurna lake, Rethymno,.. but these places are litle bit far so it´s good to rent a car.

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

Erasmus isn´t only about place, but largely about people and i hope you will the same lucky like me and you´ll met here your future friends.