Erasmus Experience in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain

Why did you choose to go to Jerez, Spain?

Above all, I wanted to go on Erasmus in Spain to improve my Spanish.

It was my Uni who decided to send me to Jerez. I do not regret it!

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How long was your stay? How much financial support did you receive?

I stayed from the start of February until mid-July.

I had access to quite a few grants, the Erasmus grant, the Explo'Ra grant and a grant from my region.

What is the student atmosphere like in Jerez?

Superb! As Jerez is not a big city, it's easy for all the Erasmus students to meet each other, and to be able to organise numerous events together (trips, parties... ).

Apart from that, the Spanish students are very friendly and welcoming.

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

Absolutely! The city is very nice, really really authentic and lots of events are organised (The Horse Fair, Easter Week, flamenco).

It's not a very expensive city and the inhabitants are delighted to help or offer you advise.

What's the food like in this country?

Good and not very pricey!

The most popular food is of course tapas.

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Sharing many tapas between 2, with drink included (beer), you pay €4. 50 per meal and eat well.

How did you find your accommodation?

I changed accommodation along the way.

The first one I found on the internet. I unfortunately realised a bit too late that it was situated quite far away from the centre and the University.

Two Mexican friends from the "Erasmus group" offered me a room in their apartment.

What is the cost of rent like? And prices in general?

Not very expensive. In my case, a completely new apartment, situated 5 minutes away from the University and 10 from the centre, with a pool and balcony, cost me €170 per month (bills not included).

Speaking generally, life is not very costly, food, accommodation, clothes, transport are all very reasonable.

What is it like learning the language? Did you go to language courses organised by your University?

Learning the language happens quickly, if you immerse yourself and if you look to meet Spanish people.

In Andalusia there is a strong accent, which makes understanding quite difficult at the start, but you get used to it quickly.

I did not go to organised language classes, but some of my friends were able to take 2 weeks of intensive courses before the first University term back.

What is the most economical mode of transport to get to Jerez from your town?

By plane, but frankly it is not economical!

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Which places would you recommend for a night out in Jerez?

To go out: 'El Bereber', without hesitation.

It's a big nightclub, which is very pretty and very Andalusian, set around an outside patio, with free entry. There are two rooms with two different themes (one which is more of a pop/techno/reggaeton room, and the other rather more 80s/rock-y). In summer, the 'Bereber' beach opens: an open courtyard, with cocktails, sand on the floor, massive cushions...

There is also 'Oxi', with paying entry and not as nice in my opinion.

For bars, the 'Damajuana' is by far my favourite. A relaxed ambiance, chill music, cocktails, a big outdoor patio, and lots of organised concerts (especially by the Andalusian band 'Los Delinquentes'! )

And eating out in Jerez? Which are your favourite places?

For tapas: 'La Antigua Cruz Blanca', one of the best and least expensive!

'El Gallo Azul' is also very good, but more expensive, and there are a lot of tourists.

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There are really a lot of great choices like these...

And what cultural sites would you recommend?

In Jerez, the bodegas and the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art at least.

After that, take a walk in the centre, and the district of San Miguel.

There is also the cathedral which is very pretty.

And go travelling of course: Cadiz, Séville, Córdoba, Granada... nowhere is too far!

Advice to give to future students of Jerez?

It's a small town, not very touristic and with very welcoming inhabitants... therefore try to integrate as much as possible with the locals!