Erasmus Experience in Salerno, Italy by Jose

Why did you choose to go to Salerno, Italy?

Honestly, I was looking to go somewhere with good weather, I wanted beaches and to have a good time. And I didn't make the wrong choice. It's a city in the south, near the Amalfi coast and Naples, and it's very well connected with the rest of Italy because of its train station. Although it's the capital of the province, it just felt like a big town to me. The people there are very friendly and outgoing, but obviously, you'll meet all sorts of people.

The thing I enjoy most about Salerno, I'm speaking particularly to those who love nature when I say this, was it's location. Surrounded by many, many natural parks and mountains that go all the way to the wonderful coast... Yes, the city has a very small beach, which isn't very well looked after, but if you approach it with the right attitude, you'll enjoy it regardless. At the end of the day, that's exactly the Erasmus spirit, is it not?

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How long was the scholarship? How much financial aid did you receive?

My scholarship was for 9 months. Like everyone from Andalucia, I got €600 a month.

What is the student lifestyle like there?

It's pretty nice and relaxed. People often do all they can to help you out. It depends on the faculty, of course, but from what I've seen there's quite a lot of life on campus.

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

I would recommend the city, it's really not a bad choice of place. The campus is really good, too. It's relatively new and there's a good atmosphere there.

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What was the food like there?

The Mediterranean Diet is a lot like the Spanish diet, so it's really good. Besides, you can get a pizza for €2 or €3, which, at such a low price, are still so good...

Was it difficult for you to find accommodation in Salerno?

It wasn't hard, actually. There's quite a lot available there, and although all the place can look really shabby, you end up getting used to it and you pick somewhere quickly.

How much does it cost to live in Salerno?

For Italy, it's not an expensive city. But I'm not going to say that it costs the same to live in as it does here in Spain, it's more expensive in Salerno.

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How did you find the language? Did you go to any courses at the university?

Well, here in Salerno they usually just speak in the local dialect, and it was a bit of a problem in the beginning, but if they can see from your facial expression that you don't have clue what they're saying, they'll speak to you in Italian. There's usually an introductory course put on at the university depending on what level you're at.

What is the most economical way to get to Salerno from your home city?

I flew with Low Cost airlines to Rome and then took a train to Salerno. It's pretty cheap. You can fly to Naples from Madrid, too, and then get the bus to Salerno.

Where would you recommend for a night out in Salerno?

Well, I'd mainly recommend the bars and clubs where they put on Erasmus parties. It's a small city, so there aren't too many places to choose from, but what is there isn't bad at all.

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And to eat in Salerno? What were some of your favourite places to go?

I'll always remember the Crocchè, which was in the same neighbourhood that I was living in. It's a place where they do really good pizzas and crocchè (an italian fried street food). In general the best way to eat is in the street. There's pizzas, kebabs, fried foods and different kinds of dough.

What good culture sites are there to visit?

The city has quite a lot of interesting monuments and buildings, and some parks. I recommend you go when the "Luci d'Artista" are switched on, they're on from November if I remember correctly...

Do you have any advice for future students in Salerno?

In the beginning, at least from my point of view, it doesn't seem like as much of a good Erasmus destination as it is but you'll end up seeing its full potential. There are lots of things to do, but getting in and integrating with the people there is the best thing, without a doubt. Take advantage of the year!