Erasmus experience in Seville, Spain

Why did you decide to go to Seville, Spain?

Seville is wonderful because it has everything: from historic traditions, to the Mudejar style architecture which blends in amongst the modern structures from the Expo '92. The local food is excellent, and there are all kinds of events, clubs with Latin American, reggaeton and pop music, many parks to relax and get some fresh air, monuments to visit, street markets and a variety of shops too.

Source

How long was your scholarship? How much grant money did you receive?

My scholarship was 5 months and I received €1100 from the EU.

How was student life in Seville?

Very lively and cheerful, there are many Italians, South Americans, French and German people.

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

Yes, absolutely, it's perfect for meeting lots of foreign students.

What’s the food like in Spain?

Good, tapas are great and cheap, one costs between €1. 50 and €3. I advise trying the tortilla de patata (potato Spanish omelette), the ensaladillas (salads), croquetas de bacalao (cod croquettes), espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas), solomillo al whisky (steak cooked with whiskey), "carretillas sevillanas" and the revuelto (scrambled eggs).

Was it difficult to find accomodation in Seville?

No, I found a flat through a Facebook ad and it was cheap, you can find a place for €200. If you're going in the winter bring an extra blanket as houses don't have radiators.

What's the cost of living in Seville?

Compared to Italy, it's less expensive: for general expenses I spend about €100 a month. There's a prepaid card for transport: 76 cents with transfer (bus and metro), 69 cents without. A single ticket costs €1. 50. To save money I use Sevici, a free bike-sharing service for up to 30 minutes.

Source

How was the language? Did you attend any courses at the university?

I learnt Spanish there as I couldn't study it at university, but after a few months in Seville, I was able to speak Spanish pretty well and it wasn't too difficult to understand.

What’s the cheapest way to get to Seville from your city?

From Fiumicino airport in Rome, Ryanair flights are quite cheap.

Where are the best places to go out in Seville?

I'd say Alfalfa, the Santa-Cruz neighbourhood, Alameda and the promenade between the banks of the Guadalquivir river.

And eating in Seville? What are your favourite places?

Las Coloniales, El Charlatan, La Gitana Loca, Montaditos, Casa Morales, La Antigua Bodeguita, La Eslava, El Riconcillo, Las Golondrinas, El Patio.

And for a cultural experience?

You must visit the Cathedral and the Giralda (bell tower), the Alcazar, Plaza de España with the Maria Luisa park, the Golden Tower, Plaza de Toros and Metropol Parasol. Other not so well-known places are the Palacio de la Condesa Lebrija, the hospital Los Venerables, the Fine Arts Museum, the Casa de Pilatos and the Pabellón de la Navegación.

Source

Any advice you want to give to future students going to Seville?

Get an ESN or Erasmus Club Sevilla card, as they'll organise many activities to discover the city, free entry to clubs with beer for up to €1. 30, discounts in various shops and restaurants, but above all you don't want to miss out on the weekend trips: crossing the desert on a camel in Morocco is one of the most exciting experiences that I'll never forget.