Erasmus Experience in Jaen, Spain by Nadia

Why did you choose to go to Jaen, Spain?

Because I wanted to go to Andalucia and in my University I had the choice between only two universities according to my studies : one in Denmark and the other in Spain, in Jaén.

And I'm very happy I chose Jaén, it was a perfect erasmus!

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

the scholarship depends on your sending university, the salaries your parents receive and the living costs. In Jaén you don't need to have a lot of money : rent a flat, parties and food are quite cheap, so don't worry even if you don't have a big scholarship.

What is the student lifestyle like in Jaen?

When I was there during the year 2009-2010, it was a very great lifestyle; We were a bit like a big family, it's a small city so everyone knows each other quickly and you can meet your friends in different places (shops, streets, parties... ). There are 3-4 discos where you can dance, many different places where you can drink or eat something cheap and delicious and people are usually very friendly.

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

Yes I totally do, I hope they will have the same great experience that mine, it's an unforgettable erasmus!

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What is the food like?

Cheap and delicious : andaloucian kind (tapas, calamares etc. )

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Jaen?

No because I had a good buddy that helped me to find my flat, she lived in Jaén and the university put us in contact.

How much does it cost to live in Jaen?

around 250-300 euros.

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

Yes spanish it's easy to learn and there are different courses according to your level (beginner, intermediary, confirmed etc but they use letters for these like A1-2, B1-2 and C1-2).

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

I live in Brussels, so I took a flight until Malaga and then a bus during three hours until Jaén but there are other ways I guess...

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

Some discos like the 20th century, karma and another one whose name I don't remember but I liked it a lot, there is a greek dj and a good ambient!

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

There are many where you can eat good tapas but I don't remember the name... some are in the Avenida de Andalucia and others are more in the center...

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The castle (i went there many times and it's always a good adventure, you can go for pic-nic for example).

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

Try to speak spanish most of the time with other erasmus and with spanish people, be curious and enjoy your erasmus!

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