Experience in Santiago de Compostela, Sara's Spain

Why did you decided to go to Santiago de Compostela, Spain?

I decided to go to Santiago because I had the chance to work in a forensic genetics lab , a field of genetics that I'm very interested in.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive as help?

My scholarship lasts only for 4 months and I get about 400 euros a month . If I decided to extend beyond 4 months, I would have no support from my university; However sometimes it is the host university that decides to help in some way during your stay here.

What is the student environment like in Santiago de Compostela?

I work in a laboratory, so I don't have much to do with students, but rather with researchers and PhDs; However Santiago is a university city and therefore there are lots of students , not just spanish!

Would you recommend the city and the University of Santiago de Compostela to other students?

Absolutely yes!

How is the food of the country?

The food is excellent , and the prices are much lower than in Italy. In the restaurants we mainly eat fish and one of the typical dishes here is the octopus.

Has it been difficult to find accommodation in Santiago de Compostela?

No , I was able to find an accommodation by writing a post on an Erasmus group on Facebook ; Several guys contacted me and in the end I chose the accommodation that seemed more central and closer to my University.

How much does it cost to live in Santiago de Compostela?

I think that with 350 € a month you can live very well. Rents costs a maximum of € 200 and everything else has a very proportionate cost, from supermarkets to clothing stores, to places to go for a drink in the evening.

How's the language? Did you attend some courses at the university?

Since it is very similar to Italian, learning Spanish was pretty easy to me. Soon I will start a semi-intensive course at the university, just to learn grammar and learn to write above all, which for now seems the hardest thing!

What is the cheapest way to get to Santiago de Compostela?

From my city, the easiest way is by plane . In Santiago there is an airport and there are several international flights, even with low cost airlines that reach Italy, such as Ryanair and EasyJet.

Where do you recommend going out at night in Santiago de Compostela?

In the old area , near the Cathedral, there are lots of locals where students and young people go in the evening. They go out mainly from Wednesday to Sunday, and at all hours of the night.

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And to eat in Santiago de Compostela? Can you tell us about your favorite restaurants?

I haven't tried so many places where to eat yet... but there are several pizzerias and bakeries that stay open all day and make delicious takeaway food.

And what do you suggest to visit?

Definitely the Cathedral and its museum , as well as the pilgrim's house and the market . Even the universities are beautiful to look at, from that of history, which I believe is one of the oldest, to that of Medicine, where I work.

What would you recommend to future students heading to Santiago de Compostela?

Enjoy every single moment of Erasmus, take every opportunity, don't be afraid to go out and meet new people even if you are alone. It is truly an unique experience that won't happen again so easily!

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