Erasmus Experience in Noumea, New Caledonia by Veronika

Why did you choose to go to Noumea, New Caledonia?

This is probably the most frequently asked question. My answer is just: Type it to the Google and click on the section pictures. And I am 100% serious because since I saw them for the first time, coming to New Caledonia has always been my dream.

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

I received about 460 Euros per month (I don't remember it exactly). I was suppose to go there for 5 months, but finally I stayed for the longest term possible-9 months. New Caledonia is very expensive. Talking about food, student life and clothing-it´s more expensive than Tokyo.

What is the student lifestyle like in Noumea?

Noumea is pretty small. It´s the capital, but in fact it´s the only real city there. I can say that it´s pretty European.

The school is NOT in the city. It´s place few kilometres away-cca 10 min from the center (the part of city where you can go shopping, the offices are placed there etc) and cca 45 min by bus from the part of the city where all the clubs and beaches for relax and swimming are. (There is one beach 15 min by walk from University though)

The student lifestyle is very difficult to describe because everybody has a different style. Erasmus students live together at an international residence, but separatelly from the local students (what is a pitty). There´s one sport hall next to the school so you can go there and play volleyball or football.

As I mentioned, there is a beach few minutes by walking from uni, so you can go and enjoy it. At night, you can go clubbing, there are few little bars/clubs in the center (40-45 min by bus) but the buses finish at 7:30 so either you have to go early or you have to take a taxi. Yes, it is expensive everytime you want to go out and come back.

Mobility in New Caledonia is really not easy.

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

Yes I would recommend the city and the country. In my group of erasmus, there were people who were tired after 5 months and the people who were even more amazed (me) and stayed. It´s very beautiful, amazing, exceptional but small. It may happen that you will feel tired by seeing the same people and enviroment during the whole 5 months. After all, it depends on each personne.

The University, uuumm... let´s say this erasmus is not that much about school. You must attend school and sometimes it´s not easy, but on the academic side, don´t worry about being enriched too much.

What is the food like?

The food. Huuum, difficult to describe. Very expensive. Mostly fruits and vegetables-the prices are out-and-out higher than the quality. 1kg of tomatoes is around 6-8 Euro (depends on the season and place). The meat is also very expensive but I guess the quality is ok.

In the local restaurants the food is very good and interesting. Lots of sea-fruit so if you’re fond of it, you’ll love it.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Noumea?

The university provided the accommodation for me. Attention, the conditions and also the costs often differ a bit from what they promise (even though they send it in an agreement).

How much does it cost to live in Noumea?

I would say around 700Euro per month without any extra travelling or partying.

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

The University is only in French, although few courses (very little of them) are in English (but only from the English department so just the subjects like philosophy, writing class, etc). The Uni provides a course of French for the erasmus students, but I am not sure if it helps a lot. It´s better to improve your French by talking to people.

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

If you don´t own a huge boat, I guess you can only fly.

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

It´s very easy. There is only street – at a bay and all the bars/clubs are here. You can change them and you will realize very easily which one do you like the most and where everybody goes.

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

I haven´t eaten a lot in restaurants. However I can recommend the "Steak house" at Anse Vata.

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Tourism Office

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

Take 2 pairs of swimsuit and get prepared for the best time of your life. If you wish to know more, you can have a look at my blog (which is still in process of creation because I just started) and if you have some more questions, just let me a comment and I´ll respond as soon as possible.

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