Erasmus Experience in Lecce, Italy by Jaime

Why did you choose to go to Lecce, Italy?

It was my 5th choice, I wasn't very convinced by it, but actually it was an experience I would change for the world, In fact, a lot of people from Rome, Florence, Bolognia, etc. who go down to Lecce are really surprised, and what's more, I think I sensed a bit of jealousy.

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

My scholarship was for 9 months and, well, the topic of my grant was a bit complicated. I got the grant from the Ministry (MEC or Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport), and because I was already getting a course grant before, I got €900 a month, due to the €300 compensation. But with my home university (Granada), there was a problem with the payments, meaning, whether it was the Andalucian Council's fault or the fault of the University of Granada, they owe me €2, 100, but I doubt very much that it.

What is the student lifestyle like in Lecce?

Truthfully, it's a small city, but it has a lot of charm. Being that there aren't very many university students (some 200 in the year I was there if I remember correctly), we all got to know each other, we were like a little family, so you form lots of bond and unity. It's totally different from cities like Rome or Milan; where it's actually more difficult to establish friendships. It's a fantastic city with a lot of soul, the people are lovely and they treat like one of their own. In fact, I would love to go back.

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

Yes, without a shadow of a doubt. 10/10.

What was the food like there?

The food is great, and, despite it not being a very big place, there's a lot of variety, and it's pretty cheap.

Did you find it difficult to find accommodation in Lecce?

Actually, the issue of my accommodation is a bit complicated, as they don't have university residences for Spanish people; but while you're trying to find a flat, the bed &Breakfasts in Lecce have an agreement with the university which makes a night there very cheap. Concerning the issue of flats, they give you a lot of help, as the student office will look for a flat for you. The person in charge and who'll help you is called Riccardo Favale, he even speaks Spanish, he was very helpful especially as didn't know any Italian when I arrived. Aside from this, I recommend you look for a flat on your own, even though there aren't a lot of people, it takes a while for them to show you the flats, and there's the issue of commission, etc. In my case, I found a flat on my own.

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How much does it cost to live in Lecce?

It's very cheap, I was paying €200 a month, otherwise living your life in Lecce is very cheap. The transport (the thing that works the worst in Lecce, without doubt), food, parties, drinks and even going to see the province of Lecce, cost me €12, and that was when I was in first class.

How did you find the language? Did you go to any courses at the university?

The language was another complicated affair. I was given some Italian classes, but actually when I got there, the Italian they speak in Lecce is a bit different to what they speak in the centre of Italy, but the same thing happens in Spain between the centre and the north and south of the country. You pick it up quickly, but it's definitely not a perfect form of Italian. Then there's the issue of the dialect, which I found really difficult, I learned a few words but not much more. You don't have to speak it, people aren't going to speak to you in a dialect that they know you don't understand. Yes, I went on a course but I don't think it helped me much.

What is the most affordable way to get to Lecce from your home city?

Well! Yet again, it was a complicated issue, Lecce doesn't have an airport, so you have to fly to Bari and then get the train, or you can fly to Brindisi and get the bus, but it takes a while to get to Lecce from either place. However, from what I've heard they're getting rid of a lot of flights. I'm from Cordoba and I had to go to Madrid to get a flight, because they don't start to put on flights from Andalucia (Seville, Málaga) to Bari or Brindisi until spring time and even then they're actually quite expensive. There can be also the issue of the transfers, so for example, going from Malaga to Milan then from Milan to Bari. As I said before, the transport systems there are the worst, and it's as bad to get there as it is the get around when you're there. You have to take it in your stride and remain calm!

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Where would you recommend for a night out in Lecce?

There are loads of places to go out in Lecce, a lot of pubs organise parties parties every week, EST café, moulin rouge, un largo, they're the ones I can think off right now. You'll even get Erasmus discounts and actually in Lecce, being Spanish is a privilege; you get treated really well. The bad thing is that the pubs close early, so you can forget about partying until the early hours of the morning like you would in Spain. Although, the other option is to go to the clubs, but the only problem with that is that you have to get the bus. But it's really cheap (bus+entry+a drink= €7/10), depending on the club, but they're all really good fun, there's Boogaloo, Living, Pepenero... and lots more.

Riccardo organises the bus there, but I'd suggest you organise yourself, it'll end up being cheaper and just calling the company and say look, we're Erasmus and we're..., Erasmus= $ for them. And when you get the good weather, well bad weather is pretty rare actually, it's really hot and humid there and all of the beaches in the south are amazing. They're the best I've ever seen. There are parties on the beach day and night, they're a sort of club on the beach, they're called Lido, it's awesome! Lecce turns into a very tourist-y city in the summer. There's a lot less going on in the winter.

And to eat in Lecce? What are some of your favourite places?

The food is good no matter where you go, there's Greek food, Brazilian food, Chinese food, etc. if you want it. Any bar or restaurant in Lecce has great food, it also depends on how much you want to send.

What cultural sites are there to visit?

I've visited pretty much all of Italy, and, without a doubt, Lecce is one of the most charming cities in the country, lose yourself in the historic centre, you don't have to pay and there's nothing like it! I'll say again that it has so much charm, I really want to go back!

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Do you have any advice for future students in Lecce?

They shouldn't even think about it, they should just go. People told me that Lecce and its parties, its people, the city were mediocre... and now that I've spent 10 months there, I can say that that's absolutely not the case. It all depends on how you approach it.

My advice: try to stay for the summer months; take it easy there because the people of Lecce are very laid-back, in the transport, the supermarket, in the bars, even the professors at the university; and lastly make the effort when exams come around... If they see you taking the initiative and you show interest, I don't think you'll have any problems. Obviously, it's different with every professor, there are professors who don't take to the Erasmus students at any university.