Erasmus Experience in San Sebastián, Spain by Cassie

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

I came with an Erasmus exchange scholarship, amount depends from where you are from and your university. You can check out the amounts on their website. It's for 6 months or 1 year.

What is the student lifestyle like in San Sebastian?

Student life for Erasmus is separate from the San Sebastian students, because they are not that integrated with the exchange. Also, the fact that their English sucks is for them a reason to not interact. Erasmus life is pretty much the same every week.

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

I went to UPV, it was horrible. Nobody knows a word of English, which is quite bad for the Erasmus in the beginning when your Spanish is not strong. The international office was not very helpful (I arrived late because they never sent me any confirmation or letter of acceptance, so I did not know when the school year would start - despite having emailed them several times - so when we got there they were pissed that we were late, which was their fault to begin with) also NO english courses, there are some for which they say that the exam is in English, but that's a flat LIE. I had to do an oral exam in Spanish, luckily I passed, but it would suck for someone with less knowledge of Spanish. I wouldn't recommend to go if you don't have at least the intermediate knowledge.

What is the food like?

Food is good!

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in San Sebastian?

No, I found it on Facebook.

How much does it cost to live in San Sebastian?

My rent was low, but living in San Sebastian is generally quite expensive as it's a touristic city with lots of Aussies and French people there to surf, etc., groceries was expensive, for example. But alcohol in bars was relatively cheap.

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

There are language courses available, and depending on your university, you can get 8 ECTS for it, which is cool.

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

I'd say get a bike. There are bikelanes everywhere. But if you live in Parte Vieja or the surroundings of it, you can just walk. Deusto uni was in Amara, so around 15-20 min walking. But UPV was far for example, so I'd take the bus. Getting a buspass was also much cheaper than paying the ticket everytime.

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

Thursdays is pintxo pote night, so you go have tapas at several restaurants for 10 euros + drinks, then to Molly's and then to Bataplan. Best night of the week, best time to party.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in San Sebastian?

Parte vieja, all around.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Go to the two mountains - amazing views, to the park near Amara (has some awesome caves).

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