Erasmus Experience in Milano, Italy by Verónica

Why did you choose to go to Milan, Italy?

First of all, I want to point out that I didn't do an Erasmus, what I did was an internship with the "Beca Leonardo" once I finished university.
I chose Italy because my background is Italian and I wanted to improve the language. I chose Milano because the company where I did my internship is settled in this city.

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

My internship lasted 6 months ( October-April) and I received almost 3,000 euros for the whole period (I can't remember the exact quantity). This amount of money is given in two different moments: 70% at the start of the internship and the 30% left at the end, once the internship is finished and the final documentation is delivered.

What is the student lifestyle like in Milan?

There are lots of students and young people you can get on well with in Milano. It's very common to go for an "aperitivo" after uni, and Milano is the hub of this!

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

I don't know about the University, as I said, I did an internship in a company, I didn't go to uni, so I don't know how is it like, but I would definitely go to Milano if you like the Italian culture and you want to do this experience in an Italian enviroment.

What is the food like?

What can I say about the food! It's just amazing! The Italian cuisine is delicious and there is a wide range of products to choose, you can have a different meal each day, even though pasta and pizza are the stars, of course. You can't miss out "polenta"and "risotto alla Milanese", the typical meals of the North of Italy.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Milan?

Yes, it did... The majority of accommodation offers you can find consist on sharing rooms with one or even more partners, if you prefer a single room that it's harder to get and more expensive. It took me one week to find my place! You have to be careful and don't let people take advantage of you just because you are students. Make always appointments for inspection and ask all the questions you may have. Moreover, try to bargain if the person looks nice :)

How much does it cost to live in Milan?

I'll be honest with my answer. Milano is an expensive city. Is not just the accommodation, it's the shopping as well. I must say though that transport is not very expensive and some good restaurants either. If you manage your money well, you'll be able to make it, otherwise, you may need a casual job.

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

The language is easy to pick up, especially if your mother language is Spanish, considering that both of them are very similar. I don't know about courses in the uni, but I know that Milano offers courses in different schools and colleges around the city.

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

The easiest and most economical way to travel to Milano from my city (Madrid) is by plane undoubtedly.

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

For a night out in Milano I would recommend to go to a pub and have some drinks or even go to a place with live music. If you like disco, there are few of those in Milano.

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

There is an excellent place for the aperitivo called Blender Bar, lots of food and very cheap. There is another place called Luini, close by the Cathedral of Milano, where you can eat a delicious panzerotto. In the area of Brera you can find very nice places as well, although is more expensive.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The good and unmissable cultural sites to visit in Milano is the Cathedral in Piazza Duomo, the Castello Sforzesco, the Pinacoteca in Brera and the Galleria. The original "The Last Supper" painted by Leonardo da Vinci is in Milano as well, if you are on arts you must visit it (note that you need to book your visit). These are the most typical and touristy places to visit but the most important ones. Get lost among its streets and you may find really nice spots. In addition, watch out for all the events that can be organised in the city of the fashion.

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

Don't miss this chance to meet new and interesting people, to learn a new and beautiful language or improve if you already know it, and to have new experiences in your life, this is what makes you grow up.