Erasmus Experience in Presov, Slovakia by Stavroula

Why did you choose to go to Presov, Slovakia?

1)I study psychology and here in Presov i had the chance to have courses that i couldn't have in Greece( Career Psychology, Psychology of Communication etc).

2) Because i speak serbian and the languages are similar so it was an opportunity to practice.

3) Everything is cheap here and just the scholarship is enough for someone to live in Presov

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

The scholarship is for 4 months( one semester) and for Greek students it is 358 euros per month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Presov?

Haha. I'll be honest. Presov is not exactly the best "ERASMUS" place. It's just a small city with only two clubs, not very good places. There isn't much life here. After 6-7 o'clock in the evening noone is outside. During the weekend all slovak students go back to their villages/homes and the whole city is empty, especially the dormitory. The good thing is that drinks are soooooo cheap. For example one beer costs about 1 euro. And so is food, clothes, cosmetics etc. At least much cheaper than Greece.

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

I recommend every city. If someone wants to go Erasmus you should definitely do it. It doesn't matter which city you choose. Erasmus is probably one of the best experiences in life. Never miss this chance.

What is the food like?

As long the prices, food is very cheap. But i am greek and food in Greece has nothing to do with food in Slovakia. :P The truth is that most erasmus students don't like the food. Everywhere you can find Pizza shops where one slice costs 1 euro. Also 2-3 Kebap shops and some restaurants. Some of them are good(like Mes Amis). Everywhere you can find pizza, spaghetti, salads and dishes like chicken with rice/potatoes which you can find in every restaurant.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Presov?

I stay in the New Dorm next to the university. All erasmus students live on the 11th floor. Our rooms are the best in the dorm. We pay 80 euros per month.

How much does it cost to live in Presov?

Life here is very cheap. For example me and my roomate spend about 40 euros both per week. But it depends on everyone's lifestyle.

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

Yes there is Slovak course which you can choose when you do your Learning Agreement and it has 3 ECTS so it's o good choice if someone doesn't have enough credits. As for the course, the teacher is trying to teach us phrases and words that we will use in our daily life so it's a bit messed up for someone who doesn't know anything about slavik languages, but i think it's quite easy.

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

From Athens, where i live, you take a flight to Budapest and from Budapest train to Kosice(which is 40 minutes away from Presov). In Kosice you change and take train to Presov. From Budapest there are only 2 trains to Kosice during a day. One at 6:30 and one at 18:30.

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

When you come here it's sure that ESN members will guide you, but for us definitely the most popular place is Ponorka club(10 minutes from dorm). Then it's Hviezda which is just in front of the dorm.

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

Mes Amis! The Best!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Spis castle is the best.

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

No matter what, ENJOY YOUR ERASMUS DREAM! You may don't like the place at first, you may miss friends etc but from my experience ( and believe me it was very difficult for me to leave behind some people) i can now tell you that you will never regret it! and i'm 100% sure for this. It will change your life and your way of thinking!