Erasmus Experience in Lille, France by Claudia

Why did you choose to go to Lille, France?

I wanted to learn French.

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

It was 9 months long.

I received near to €2000 from Erasmus, €1000 from Bancaja grant (ask for it, it is really helpful and they can give you €400, €600 or €1000, it depends on your academic record) and also in France you can demand a Govern grant for your lodging, which is €46/month.

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

Absolutely.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Lille?

Not at all. Before being accepted for my Erasmus I received all type of information about residences. I had a place in the residence before being sure that I was going to live in Lille!

How much does it cost to live in Lille?

If you live in a residence is not really expensive (€200, and in the case you have the Govern grand for accommodation, it would be less). But the supermarkets, alcohol, boutiques... are much more expensive than in Spain.

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

I really recommend not to have relation with people from your same country.

An Erasmus is a great and easy opportunity to learn a language... When I arrived there, I didn't know anything about French, it was impossible for me to understand it or speak, but after 10 months without Spanish people and only talking in French, I have my superior Degree in French. It was great. There are free courses in the University but I recommend to do an intensive course, because I didn't do it and I really regret it!

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

Ryanair from Valencia to Brussels-Charleroi airport. After you take a bus from the airport to the train station of Charleroi, and then you take a train to Lille.

I came many times to Valencia, and I try all kind of possibilities, and this is really the most quickly and the cheaper one.

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

A bar called Solférino. The beer is very good and cheap (in comparison with other bars).

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Wazemmes market.

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

Get involved with people from all the countries.... this is a great experience that is not going to happen again in your life!