Erasmus Experience in Palermo, Italy by Ifrah

Why did you choose to go to Palermo, Italy?

I chose to do a placement year as part of my Degree and it involved spending 3 months in Palermo, Italy for an internship during the spring term.

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

I'm in Palermo for 3 months and received an Erasmus grant of roughly £1, 000 for this period.

What is the student lifestyle like in Palermo?

It's vibrant. There are a lot of international/Erasmus students and there is definitely an Erasmus community. It's never too difficult to navigate throughout the city or from campus to campus.

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

I would recommend the city to other students. Regarding the University I'm not so sure as I'm doing an internship in one of the research departments so I've not really experienced what the university is like for students.

What is the food like?

Great. There is a lot of variety and some of the typical Sicilian dishes are amazing. You're never too far from a food place/restaurant.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Palermo?

No. I received help from my current supervisor prior to coming to Palermo.

How much does it cost to live in Palermo?

It really depends on the person and the cost of your accommodation. It's definitely possible to live on a budget ranging from €300-€500 a month but then again it depends on the individual. Food and products are reasonably priced and not too expensive.

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

Italian is a wonderful language and it's not too hard to get to grips with basic common phrases for daily use. I took a language course in London before coming to Palermo and then signed up for a semi-intensive course at the language centre nearby. The first 40 hours for Erasmus students are free.

Tip: Learn some of the basics before coming and begin a course once you're in Palermo.

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

The easiest/most economical way to travel from London to Palermo is by flight which takes roughly 2-3 hours depending on if it's a direct or indirect flight.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Quattro Canti, Teatro Massimo, the port of Palermo, Mondello, the city of Monreale, Palazzo dei Normanni, Cattedrale di Palermo, Castello della Zisa, the Botanic Gardens and so much more! Try and do some research on places to visit as Palermo is full of cultural and historic sites!

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

Try and see as much as you can. Sort out things like accommodation closer to your departure as there are a lot of people and sites that can help. Try to learn some Italian before you arrive as many locals do not speak English - but they are generally more than happy to help. Enjoy the food and weather!