Erasmus Experience in Irakleion, Greece by Pavlína

Why did you choose to go to Irakleion, Greece?

For me it was racionally the best option upon the places on the sea side becouse of comparable price of living and because not many people was about to applie for Crete...becouse it´s not so popular as for example Spain.

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

I could stay just one semestr (because I have been to Slovenia at Erasmus already) and I was given 400euro/30days.

What is the student lifestyle like in Irakleion?

My lifestyle is: Trying to get up - difficult :D Going to school/practice...having nice food ouside (fastfood or school cantine)...than going to gym/shopping on local farmer´s market/having THE BEST COFFEE IN THE UNIVERSE!!! :D Going home just to change clothes/eat something small and going out for a party/concert/movie night/latino dance night... :)Chating a lot with flatmates....making a dinner together...going to bed at 2 or 4 a.m. :D ;)

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

The city - absolutely!!!
The university (T.E.I.) - yes, just the less you´ll expect the more you´ll be happy about everything....don´t be too ambicious, stressed and worried, just relax and be patient. ;) Everything´s gonna be alright in the end.

What is the food like?

perfect... I´ve got problems not to get fat :D Great vegetable and fruits, amazing cheese, sea food, perfect sweets and perfect salty pies....Have I already told you about the coffee?!!! :D I just won´t tell you anything about the meat, couse I´m vegetarian ;)

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Irakleion?

I cost me a lot of energy and nerves....start looking for something as soon as possible. Dormitories are the cheapest option....but it´s quite far from the center. Ammoudara is great for the beach, but also far from the center and far from the school. I live near Talos (the shopping center) with my friend in 2 rooms flat and I pay 175euro/month (all service covered).

How much does it cost to live in Irakleion?

Accomodation 175euro
Bus 24euro
Food and coffee 200euro
Parties 28euro
Other (trips, excursions, clothes, souvenirs) 30-60euro

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

It´s not easy, but it´s not impossible. :) The best is to use every new word as much as possible. There is a course...but it´s just one hour/week and sometimes it has been cancelled because of holidays/strike/other reason.

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

From Brno (/or Czech republic) the best is to take a plane from Prague directly to Heraklion (Aegean airlines)...other possibility (sometimes cheaper) is to take plane from Prague/Bratislava to Athens and then take a flight or go by a ferry.
I payed around 80euro/direct flight with two baggages (23kg) :D

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

La Brasseria bar - especially on Thursday becouse of the latino night!!! :)(and they have the chaepest beer just for students for 3euro)
Jailhouse (rock music), Roling Stone bar, Guernica, Blow up bar (reggae/dubstep)

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

Peskesi!!! perfect tradicional restaurant....and Yasouvlaki fast food in Talos.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Knossos, Agricultural museum (but it makes sence just with a tourguide, which we had - our teacher Gareth Owens.)

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

Prepare yourself for waiting....a lot!!! :D But once you´ll realise you´re here for the experience and fun and not just for the grades, you´ll fall in love with the city and with the island - for sure. ;)Be careful while crossing the street....the traffic is an organised chaos :D Don´t be afraid of people - they´re very friendly and helpful! :)