Erasmus Experience in Santander, Spain by Sylwia

Why did you choose to go to Santander, Spain?

I didn't want to go to Santander from the beginning, but after some time I thought that it can be a great place to learn Spanish. It was the main reason for choosing Santander as my destination city.

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

I'm gonna stay here for 9 months. An academic year starts in a half of September (depending on the field of study) and lasts almost until the end of June. I receive money from my home university I have about 370 euro/mes. Is it sufficient? As always it depends on your lifestyle.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Santander?

In Santander are a lot of bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants, because it is a turistic town. There is a special organization for Erasmus students - AEGEE Santander (aegeesantander). It organizes several trips during the semester and various events. Other thing that I really like is the organization for young people (Espacio Joven) run by the city council which organizes numerous events and workshops. Do not forget also that there are beautiful beaches here, so when the weather is good, you can practice a lot of sports.

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

Certainly I would recommend the city as a cool place to live. as for the university, it's very well-kept, well-organized, the atmosphere is friendly (especially in the office for foreign students), but the classes aren't fully to my liking. Regarding the level of education, I believe that it is quite high, but the classes are not always interesting, very descriptive, and we are asked to do a lot of written work. (it's good to learn Spanish, but takes a lot of time for foreigners).

What is the food like?

I don't know really if the food is good. I supose that in restaurants you can find a typical, very tasty dishes, but I cook mainly by myself. I only can say that the Spanish food isn't so tasty as the Polish food; )

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Santander?

There is no problem with finding accommodation here. You can have a accommodation from school and it's always more sure or there are some pages with offers (Milanuncios.com; Easypiso.com) where you can contact, ask and book accommodation. However, IMPORTANT ADVICE! It's better to arrive firstly at the place and see a flat for yourself and feel prevailing atmosphere. I had big problems with the previous owner of the apartment.

How much does it cost to live in Santander?

How I have just written, it depends on your style of living. In the guide book for students monthly costs were set at 690 euros, but I spend monthly about 500 euros for everything.

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

In Santander, very few people speak English. If you know a little Spanish, you'll notice very quickly an improvement in a casual conversation. If you want to learn a lot more, it is better to go on a course organized by the university (unfortunately surcharge). Courses are intensive or extensive. In addition, you must be prepared that all classes are held in Spanish. In my case I use Spanish always among friends and at school, so you have contact with the language without interruption.

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

I had a way to Santander a little complicated, because at first I had flight by Wizzair from Warsaw to Barcelona and after that I went by train Barcelona-Bilbao-Santander. I think there is other way to come here, for example with Ryanair, because in Santander there is also an airport.

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

There are a lot of places where you can go by night.

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

Very often I go to the bar 100 montaditos. Some days are cool promotions and always great atmosphere.

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There are many beautiful beaches to visit (it's natural site, I know:)) Besides Santander is close to Bilbao, Oviedo and you can also visit Madrid. Santander is also passed by Way of St. James (Way_of_St. _James), so you can go on a backpacking trip and visit many interesting places.

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

Have fun, enjoy each day and meet new people, because time goes by very quickly here!