Erasmus experience in Seville, Spain, By Jehanne

Why did you choose to go to Seville in Spain?

Andalusia was the part of Spain that really interested me. The Andalusian culture is very interesting to discover, very festive.

For how long are your staying? How much money did you received from your scholarship?

I am staying in Seville all year, from September 2017 to July 2018. I am receiving help from the European Union, which is around 1200€ and 882€ from my town.

How is the student atmosphere in Seville?

The student life here is really dynamic. For foreigners, local association organises parties every night of the week and trips every weekend. There are many places to go to have a drink or dance. Tapas restaurants are the most interesting for students. In general, a lot of cultural activities and other things are offered by the city.

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

Yes, I would recommend both. Seville is a city where we can enjoy real Spanish atmosphere. The University of Seville is in the city centre (the rectorado) and it is a marvellous building, an old tobacco factory with numerous well supplied libraries where we can work. Sometimes it is difficult to be integrated into the University even if lot of professors are comprehensive with the foreign students.

How is the Food in the Country?

The tapas bars in Seville are the most wide-spread, some are good some aren't. You should avoid restaurants on la calle Betis and other touristic restaurants where the food is too expensive for what they are bringing to table (even for Tapas). We can find many restaurants where you can enjoy good ham and good cheese. There are many bars where you can have the typical Spanish breakfast : Churros con chocolate.

Did you had difficulties finding an accomodation in Seville?

I had to deal with an agency via internet to find an accommodation. There are many accommodation propositions on the internet but the housing is not always appropriate when we arrive. However, it is always better to find an accommodation before your arrival into town, and move to another one during your stay if necessary. Students who have no accommodation before sometimes have difficulty finding one once they are here (especially for boys, some housing only accepts girls... ) Houses to rent come and go really easily because of the amount of Spanish and foreign students asking for one. But, Erasmus association can help you in finding one.

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What are the living costs in Seville?

Seville is a really touristy city and the living costs in the city centre are high but affordable for small student budget. We can find here some really cheap supermarkets (Mercadona is the most interesting one).

What about the language? Do you have special languages lessons organized by the university?

I take some Spanish classes at the University of Seville. They offer these lessons at the begging of the year to foreign students that want to improve their Spanish. We can choose to take this class as an additional module as one that counts for the credits. Spanish professors teach you all the details of the Spanish language, explain what to say in every situation. teach expressions that you are going to use during your stay in Seville, in the streets, shops etc...

What is the cheapest way to go to Seville from your city?

Travelling by plane is not always the cheapest way but if you look for it soon enough you can get a good deal, as it remains the easiest way to go to Seville. The are direct flights from Paris.

Where are the places to go out for a party?

There are many places to go to have a party! During the summer, open-air clubs are the most appreciated ones and they are all in one place, along the Guadalquivir (Libano; Alfonso XIII; Bilindo). In the centre of the city, la plaza Alameda de Hercules is one of the most visited places by students with a lot of pubs and bars all around. The Alfalfa square is a really nice place too. And finally, the most famous winter disco, the Hoyo and Utopia, are located near the Plaza de Armas. There are others but far from the centre.

Where do you recommend to eat in Seville? What are you favourite spot?

The Triana square has numerous nice little restaurants and so does the Santa Cruz square but it is way more touristy. Near the Plaza Alameda de Hercules, and around Alfalfa, we can find restaurants and nice bars too.

And what cultural visits do you recommend?

The cathedral of Seville is a place to visit even if the entrance is expensive.. The Alcazar is absolutely a place to be seen and the price for students is affordable. Then, there is plaza de Espana, Torre del Oro and Plaza de America, where the most interesting museum of the city and and should also be visited.

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Do you have any advice you want to share with future students heading to Seville?

Seville is a one of the most important cities for international exchanges programs. You can meet there a lot of foreign students that are in the same situation at the university, so don't worry about arriving alone to the city because bonds are easily made. Foreign students association are really helpful when it comes to directing us and making us meet other people. Participating in their events is a good way not to feel alone at the begging. And rent an apartment with Spanish of Spanish-speaking students (to help you understand their daily life) or else share with other foreign students which is also a good idea.