Erasmus Experience in Sevilla, Spain by Qùynh Anh

Why did you choose to go to Sevilla, Spain?

I chose to go to Sevilla, Spain because I had went there for 2 weekends and thought that the city was lovely. There are so many old buildings, tapas bars and basically there is a lot to see.

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

My scholarship was 5 months. I got about 550 per month from my university back in Germany.

What is the student lifestyle like in Sevilla?

As a student you are definitely busy. There is always lots to study which does not really bring you forward. The university system is quite different, it reminds me of school a lot. A lot of copying from the blackboard and theory.

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

I would definitely recommend Sevilla to other students. It is a beautiful city. But here, you should know that the majority of people are really racist and the backwardness cannot be overseen. The "sevillanos" have a false pride and are not really open towards people from other countries, which can be quite a shock if you are an open-minded person.

What is the food like?

The food is amazing. There are thousands of tapas bars which offer a wide selection of tapas.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Sevilla?

It was easy to find a shared flat. It only took me 2 days because there are so many ads in the streets, the universities etc. Just walk through the city or go to the bulletin board of the universities and you will have endless options.

How much does it cost to live in Sevilla?

I would say about five hundred to six hundred euro. (two hundred to three hundred euro for the apartment rent and the rest for food and living).

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

You should definitely join the language exchange meetings or look for a tandem partner at your university. At my university in Sevilla they only offered courses for beginners.

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

I live in Seville.

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

If you like to get drunk go to Calle Betis. If you like the alternative scene a little bit more, go to Alameda. There are a lot of cool clubs and in the summer there is a nice atmosphere.

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

Basically all tapas bars in Plaza de Alfalfa are really good.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

You should take a look at the cathedral, the Archivo General de Indias, the big flea market on Calle Feria every Thursday and the Alcázar.

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

Keep the rascist thing in mind and make sure you can deal with such things. Sevilla is not as international as Madrid or Barcelona. And if you love animals, Sevilla is definitely the wrong city for you. Abuses towards animals are almost goes without saying and I cannot remember how many dogs without tails I have seen here.