From Pamplona to Padova

Why did you decide to go to Padova, Italy?

It was the last remaining option.

How long was your scholarship? How much grant money did you receive?

It was 3 months and I received €1200, but it was all with the agency that organised accommodation and Italian classes.

How was student life in Padova?

It's definitely a university city, and you end up meeting many people from Spain.

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

Yes. The city is beautiful and you can travel to Venice for less than €10 which is half an hour away. I can't comment on the university as I didn't never went near it.

What’s the food like in Padova?

It's Italy, if you like pasta you'll love it there. That being said, you'll want to bring Colacao (Spanish version of Nesquik) and tomate frito (pureed tomato sauce) from Spain.

Fanta doesn't taste the same, which is normal when abroad.

For fans of chocolate ice cream, I suggest an ice cream parlour in Venice called Fantasy.

If you're vegetarian you will easily survive in Italy.

However, everything is expensive, both meat and vegetables will end up costing you a lot.

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Padova?

Everything was arranged in advance.

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What's the cost of living in Padova?

It's expensive, with regards to both food and transport.

What's the language like? Did you attend any courses at the university?

Italian is easy to understand. We attended an "express course" the first week there... you learn the basics. Initially you need a pocket dictionary. That being said, after three months you can fend for yourself.

What’s the cheapest way to get to Padova from your city?

I don't know if it's the cheapest, but we took two planes: Pamplona-Madrid, Madrid-Venice. From the airport we travelled to Padova by minibus.

Where are the best places to go out in Padova?

I'm not a party animal, but there's an Erasmus group that organises parties (one of which is on a boat). The card costs €10. I recommend getting this card and not the International Student card.

My friends always went to Factory.

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Any advice for future students going to Padova?

Living with others can be difficult sometimes, don't hold grudges and communicate (arguments aren't necessary, we can all get very stressed).

Padova's transport links are horrible, the buses stop running very early... I suggest getting a bike. The taxis are expensive.

If you want to learn the language, the cinema is a good option, there are offers and some films are released earlier than in Spain.

The planetarium is nothing special.

Travel every weekend! Venice, Murano, Milan, Parma, Bologna, Florence, Pisa, Sirmione, Gardaland theme park, Verona... The trips are the best part of Erasmus.

Your internship won't give you much (you won't end up the only one who is frustrated)... You won't grow professionally, but you will on a personal level.

Of course, the weather is extreme. You will spend time covered up with three blankets wishing you were in the fridge.