Erasmus Experience in Oviedo, Spain by Clement

How long is your stay? How much financial support do you receive?

My stay here is for 3 months and Erasmus offers a grant of about 950 euros (nearly £850) at the end of the stay. But French students can also ask for the Mermoz grant which can add up to amount of the Erasmus grant which can really help too.

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

The internship that I am doing is in a business, so I can't provide any information about the university. But the city is calm and you can find all that you're looking for.

What is the food like in Spain?

A little bit too greasy but it is still good. In terms of charcuterie or Spanish ham, it's the best. After that, fish based dishes aren't too greasy and they are delicious. But I wouldn't recommend trying the mayonnaise in Spain, it's not as good as the mayonnaise in France.

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Have you had difficulties finding accommodation in Oviedo?

No, the city is big, so it is easy to rent. And there is a lot of house sharing to help.

What is the cost of living in Oviedo?

Life in Oviedo isn't expensive. The city has many supermarkets which offer low prices. For fruit and vegetables there is a regular market which offers good produce for those who want to cook.

How is it learning the language? Have you been to language classes organised by the university?

In terms of comprehension, you can learn quickly, also Spanish people talk very quickly so at first it's hard to follow, but expressing yourself is another thing, because if you don't have the right word that you're looking for in your head, you quickly get stuck. No, I didn't go to organised classes.

What is the most cost efficient way to get to Oviedo from your town?

I live in Oviedo so I can't give you information about transport costs. But the city has a bus station, allowing you to travel and to visit nearby towns. I took the bus to get to Oviedo as I arrived in an airport quite far away from Oviedo. It cost 8 euros per person for a 45 minute journey.

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And eating in Oviedo? What are your favourite places?

The restaurants aren't too expensive and all offer pretty much the same local dishes so all the restaurants are good to try. Spanish beer isn't anything special but there are a lot of good wines. And of course you have to try the cider.

Any advice to give to future students in Oviedo?

Enjoy the trip. Eat chorizo and tapas.