Erasmus Experience in Kortrijk, Belgium by Conchi

Why did you choose to go to Kortrijk, Belgium?

Because classes were in English so I could practice English and Dutch at the same time.

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

I stayed there 4 months. I received only 100 euros because it was an Erasmus Belgica. If I wanted more money I should have chosen an other country.

What is the student lifestyle like in Kortrijk?

They go to school and do some cultural activities. They also go to parties at night in bars or at somebody's house.

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

Yes, because it is beautiful for those who like quiet cities. For me it was a little bit boring but if you make good friends you will travel and visit some interesting place.

What is the food like?

Not bad. Belgian food and international food.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Kortrijk?

Not really but I was lucky because usually it is not that easy. Owners don't want to rent a room only for 4 months. In my case, I found a room that was free for 4 months because the girl who rented it was leaving 4 months also to go on Erasmus.

How much does it cost to live in Kortrijk?

My room costed 160 euros per month all bills included but it was a very poor place, very dirty. But I couldn't pay something else, everything is more than 350 euros per months.

Source

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

They told us that we were going to have some Dutch classes but we didn't (Howest) because they didn't have any teacher available. I was very disappointed. If you want some Dutch clases you have to go to a place after school. I think it is free (not sure). But Dutch is not that hard, it looks like English but you won't understand anything if you didn't learn it before.

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

I live in Liège so by train. And if you buy a go pass it is 50 euros for 10 ways, so 5 euros one way. It is also a nice way to travel all around Belgium.

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

Don't remember the names but your school will organize parties at night.

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

No, I always cooked. Cheap shops are Aldi and Lidl.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There is a good cinema with good movies at a cheap price for student.

Source

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

Be open minded to make a lot of friends otherwise you will be bored.