Erasmus Experience in San Sebastian, Spain by Charlotte

Why did you choose to go to San Sebastian, Spain?

Because I wanted to train my Spanish. But also because I like Spain and their gastronomy as well as the nice weather.

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

I've received a scholarship of 1050 euros for these four months and my parents gave me 50 euros per week.

What is the student lifestyle like in San Sebastian?

It's very relaxed. During the week there is not that much to do, but in the weekend everybody is out to have a drink or pintxos.

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

Yes, I would, it's really beautiful out here and people are very friendly. My University is called ISSA School of Management Assistants. It's a very small school with all girls (only 2 boys). The school looks like a castle and is up a hill, the view is amazing. I've always walked to school but you can also take a bus to reach it.

What is the food like?

The food is one of the best things here in San Sebastián. There are many good restaurants and a lot of pintxos bars (tapas).

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

No, I've looked on the Internet and I've found accommodation in Parte Vieja (Old Town), together with another girl from Belgium.

How much does it cost to live in San Sebastian?

I didn't really count that. Every week is different, it depends on what you're planning to do. There are a lot of nice shops here, very good heladerías, delicious pintxos and of course you can take surf classes like I did. All of that isn't for free of course...

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

In my University there aren't language courses available, but I've seen some organisations that offer courses. Spanish is not difficult to learn but you definitely need a basis. At my University in Ghent I've had Spanish for two years.

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

At the end of August me and my boyfriend went to San Sebastian by car, because of all the luggage I had and because we wanted to be together as long as possible. With all the stops we made, we drove about twelve hours.

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

First I would go to Parte Vieja to have a drink and a dance in the bars, and afterwards you should go to Bataplan. This disco opens at 1am, but at 3am it's getting crowded. Drinks here are very expensive though...

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

La Muralla is a very very good restaurant! Va Bene is also very good if you just want to have a (large) hamburger. Also, all the pintxos bars in Parte Vieja are good, and for an ice-cream you should go to Boulevard or Oiartzun. On Thursdays it's pintxo pote in Gros, near Zurriola. There you can get a pintxo and a drink for two euros, the atmosphere is very nice!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There are two mountains with a beautiful view, Monte Ulia and Monte Igeldo. You can also go to Isla Santa Clara which you can reach by boat. Parte Vieja is really nice, I think it's the best place to have your apartment, it's close to everything.

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Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to San Sebastian?

Don't panic if you don't find accommodation immediately, there are lots of places. Take surf classes, it's really cool! Eat as much ice-cream as you want!