Erasmus Experience in Krakow, Poland by Catarina

Why did you choose to go to Krakow, Poland?

My first condition on choosing mw destination was the cost of life in that country, because in fact some of us have to put this condition as a first consideration.
But the real reason why I have chosen Krakow was because I really wanted to have the experience of leaving in a completely different country from mine and as far as possible from home. I really wanted to feel independency and to be completely outside of my "bubble of comfort". I barely now anything about Krakow and do it was my reason to choose this city.

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

I received around 1.000€ which really helped me and made this experience possible

What is the student lifestyle like in Krakow?

I think I really felt part as the city and it is incredible and amusing when the citiziens como to you and speak when their language and you just smile and just try to say "Sorry and don't speak polish." In Krakow I felt the we have many facilities and not speaking polish never was a problem, there is always someone near that can help translating you, almost always. And we easily start to learn the basic expressions, which is really enthusiastic.

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

Yes, for all the reasons. Since parties, to academic field, the polish culture, the beauty of the city and of course the presence of the ESN group the make you feel part of this.

What is the food like?

In comparison to my country is obviously different, but I felt so addicted to polish food that I miss it everyday.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Krakow?

No, because I get a place on the residence of the university. But as far as I saw there is always someone that helps you finding a place and that can advise you where are the best parts of the city to stay.

How much does it cost to live in Krakow?

Around 500€ per month.

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

Yes, I took part in two of them, the "survival course" and the one along all the semester and it really helped me.

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

By plane

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

You have so many choices that you don't even have to care.

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

The one that I really loved was the Pod wawelem next to the castle, but there is also another one next to the Theatre that is also good. To find cheap meals I would reccomend Bar Mleczny.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The Castle (Wawel), the stare miasto, the churches, Kazimierz, the big museums...

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

Don´t let the time go on, and don't just say that you will have time to see everything. Start to travel since your first day there, because the end of the experience comes so fast that you will feel that there is always something that you would like to have done or visited but you didn't because you didn't have enough weekends.