Erasmus Experience in Irakleion, Greece by Maria

Why did you choose to go to Irakleion, Greece?

Because I thought that for a nursing student it would be interesting to see the hard times they're having there.

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

It depends on the scholarship, but around 250€ per month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Irakleion?

I'm here to do my practical training so actually I don't have any lesson. But the student lifestyle is good, quiet, without worries (from my point of view).

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

Of course!

What is the food like?

The food is great, if you like all kind of food. The traditional dishes are delicious. And as in all islands, the sea food is excellent.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Irakleion?

No at all. My supervisor here helped me and I found an accommodation in the Students Hall of the university.

How much does it cost to live in Irakleion?

It's quite similar to Spain, around 300 - 400€ per month (all included).

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

The greek is a little bit difficult to learn, at least at the begging; but once you get used to their alphabet and you study all days a little bit, you can understand most of the things, and some words are close to mine.
The university offers courses of greek, and you can get ECTS for attend those lessons.

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

By plane, low cost flight.

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

To the fort or to the wall, the views are amazing and hanging out there, drinking or eating something with your colleges is great. You can also go to some night clubs in the center, most of them are really cool and they play good music.

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

The good restaurant are the greek taverns, and you can find them anywhere. Also by the sea, there are good seafood restaurants (if you're a fish lover).

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

If you come to Iraklion you must visit the palace of Knossos, all the museums of the city and also the venetian ruins all along the city.

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

It's one of my best experiences ever, the people are really friendly, the streets and roads are a chaos (but you'll get use to it), rent a car and go to visit the other parts of the island (cities, beaches and natural parks), take the ferry and go to the other islands, go to Athens and Meteora, explore as much as you can, buy your food in the street market (it's worth it), and have fun, have the time of your life!