Erasmus experience in Marseille, Cristina's France

Why did you choose to go to Marseille, France?

I wanted to go to France because I had decided that I was a bit fed up with English, and when I was 15 I had said that in order to learn French I would go to France for a year, so that's what happened. And why Marseille? Because it was the only place that I had no idea about - I wanted adventure and something different.

How long did the placement last? How much money do you receive to help you?

In my case, the placement lasted 10 months. At the time I did my placement in 2010-2011, we received about 300 and something euros per month. Furthermore, there is a possibility for Erasmus students in France to receive a housing grant which is called CAF, it's really useful. You have to have some patience with bureaucracy in France, payments always arrive late.

How is the student life in Marseille?

I lived in the university student halls. I was in Aix-Mediterranée II, on Luminy campus, if you look at it on a map, you can see that is a little out of the city centre. In the halls and on the campus there was a really good atmosphere.

Would you recommend the city and the university to other students?

I recommend it to everyone, it was an incredible experience. Everyone who stayed there loved it, but it's certainly a different atmosphere to what people may have experience in Sweden, London... Each city has its charms, and at the end of the day, the place is made by the people you meet. For me, Marseille would not be the same if I was to go back there.

What's French food like?

For any foodies out there, I would say to you that as a port city and a multicultural city, you'll enjoy the tastes and the smells of the city: I ate fresh oysters in a pavilion for a really cheap price, the best couscous I have ever tried wandering around the Arab quarter, accompanied by a mint tea with sugar and I enjoyed a variety of cheeses and wines. You'll find the large majority of fresh products there.

Did you have trouble finding accommodation in Marseille?

I had reserved my halls when I was still in Spain.

How much does it cost to live in Marseille?

It's the cheapest city in France, and the food was cheaper than it is in Madrid for example. It does also depend on the product you're buying. But in general, it is about as costly as it is in Spain.

How is the language? Did you go to any language courses at the University?

I hadn't done French for 15 years and I could only remember how to negate things by putting a "pas" after the verb. The language starts coming to you if you get involved with other foreign students, if you surround yourself with other Spanish students, you probably won't learn a thing during the year. In my experience, I enjoyed it a lot because it was as if the language would stick in your brain without you realising it. You pick it up quickly, although naturally it's frustrating at first not being able to express yourself.

What is the cheapest way to get to Marseille from your city?

From Madrid, I believe a plane ticket bought in advance. One time it occurred to us to travel by car but it wasn't worth it in the end because of time, petrol and all the tollbooths.

Which places would you recommend for a night out in Marseille?

Personally, I loved the neighbourhood called Cours Julien, it's all about drinking, chatting and friends. If you are more interested in clubs, people tended to go to "Vieux Port".

And what about eating in Marseille? Can you name some of your favourite places?

For eating, you have to look around. I can't remember the names of any places now. You will find seafood kiosks (very typically French) and can wander around the thousands of restaurants.

And what about cultural trips?

Marseille has so much history. Napoleon used to live here for a bit of his childhood, the island called "d'If" for the fans of the count of Monte Cristo, apart from the history of immigration in Marseille... It's a very old port city. In 2013 it was named the cultural capital, what with all the buildings and infrastructure to disseminate the past.

Do you have any advice that you'd like to give to any future students who are planning to go to Marseille?

Apart from enjoying the parties, make an effort to see a bit of the nature. There are water sports available, so many places to rock climb and beaches with water so crystal clear that you won't believe it until you see it. And it's all an experience of cultural immersion, that's what we're here for!