Erasmus Experience in La Rochelle, France by Aga

Why did you choose to go to La Rochelle, France?

I could choose between La Rochelle and The Netherlands. And who doesn't want to go to beautiful France and put his feet in the Atlantic Ocean?

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The other reason was the private business school. I talked to some of my French friends back in Denmark and they told me that it is a chain of very good, private business schools and having its diploma can help you in the future career.

I have chosen La Rochelle also to improve my French, get to know the French culture as my boyfriend is French. There is nothing better than one year in country of cheese and wine!

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

In my case I have received the Erasmus scholarship. It was about 250euro per month. Unfortunately this was not enough to cover my accommodation. But the idea of Erasmus is to support us financially not to cover all our expenses.

What is the student lifestyle like in La Rochelle?

It is very French! Students like to meet for small apero in the afternoons/evenings before going to the club or pub. They also like to meet together for a dinner.

The lifestyle is a bit different than the Scandinavian one, the one I'm used to. There is a huge lunch break for more than 2h from 11. 30 when all the students go to eat in the student canteen. There you can meet other students from the whole city. That's great as you can integrate and meet other students!

Many students try to discover France and they go for the excursions around the region and outside. If the weather is nice students meet at the beach and enjoy the atmosphere.

Everyone is friendly and open-minded. It is easy to meet people and get friends for a lifetime!

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

I would definitely recommend La Rochelle as a city. Cannot say much about University of La Rochelle as I have been studying in Groupe Sup de Co La Rochelle.

What is the food like?

It is a bit expensive but super good! Having a French baguette in the morning straight from boulangerie is amazing. Definitely try the "moules frites" once you are there and other sea food! You won't be disappointed. Also there is a market in the centre of the city, where you can buy fresh products, fish, vegetables, fruits and other delicious goodies.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in La Rochelle?

Well my boyfriend is French and he managed that. You can find the private accommodation online. There is of course the Facebook group for each Erasmus year and you can try to find something with others or apply for the student dorm.

How much does it cost to live in La Rochelle?

I would say it's around 500 euro per month. Depends how often you go out and how expensive your accommodation is. Plus if you travel a lot!

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

I have got the French course in Sup de Co. As we know it's not the easiest language, but it is the language of love. You can easily get to know the bases once you are there hanging around the city.

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

I have been going by car in order to bring more things with me. However, I guess the cheapest is to take the low-cost airlines.

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

I would recommend to start in La Guignette, which closes at 8 pm. You can drink apero there. Then you can go to Oxford Club or KGB. Also the nice clubs as Le Ship near the Vieux Port.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in La Rochelle?

Can't really recommend anything special. All of them are good! Definitely try the restaurants in Vieux Port with the specialities from France.

I can recommend the best ice creams though - Ernest le glacier! A must try while being in La Rochelle!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Vieux Port, city centre.

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Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to La Rochelle?

Be friendly and open-minded! Try to spend time with French student to get the most of your stay! Just be yourself and enjoy the life. Erasmus happens once in a lifetime!