Erasmus Experience in Santander, Spain by Adham

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Why did you choose to go to Santander, Spain?

At first, My scientific interests appropriated with professors of Universidad de Cantabria.

Secondly, I liked to be in green places and the shore as much as possible.

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

I won this scholarship for 33 months as a PhD student. The monthly scholarship salary is enough for us (me, wife and son).

What is the student lifestyle like in Santander?

The Student lifestyle in Santander depends up to every student's behaviour. If you want noisy lifestyle you can find it, but I like silent lifestyle and this city is best fits for my lifestyle.

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

If you have enough knowledge and skills you can achieve the best student career from Universities.

What is the food like?

Spanish tortilla, pizzas and seafood dishes is the best I have tasted ever

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Santander?

It is not so difficult to find a flat from Santander via Internet and Rieltor agencies, and prices also not so much. The price starts from 350 euros for whole flat with 2 or 3 rooms.

How much does it cost to live in Santander?

I live with my family here and I spend 350 euros for flat rent and about 60 euros for other expenses, like electricity, water and gas. Supermarkets are cheaper than other EU cities, which I have lived (Vienna, Munich, Bilbao)

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

Usually, Spanish people do not or cannot speak in English except University students and staffs. Therefore, I have had some Spanish courses at University and I paid about 150 euros for a level, for example A1. 1.

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

I am from Uzbekistan, and the most economical way to travel to Santander from Tashkent by plane, through Tashkent-Moscow-Barcelona-Santander, about 500-550 euros. If you like to visit other cities like Bilbao or Madrid you can find other economical ways also, and it depends on yourself.

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

I can recommend for everyone to go to the beach on a night out in Santander.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There are some good cave paintings in Cantabria, like Altamira, Gullalvera and so on.

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

The climate is not so cold in winter, the lowest temperature is about +6, but there are a lot of rainy days. Therefore, I recommend you take light waterproof clothes instead of heavy warm clothes

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