Erasmus Experience in Sofia, Bulgaria by Le

Why did you choose to go to Sofia, Bulgaria?

Unfamiliar with the culture as I have been living in the Netherlands my whole life. Also, Eastern-European countries are booming: I believe I will have an advantage on my CV. I hate prejudices and want to see the country with my own eyes and experience it all by myself. I also believe that recruiters will appreciate people who don’t go for standard countries more. I think these kind of people are innovative and open-minded and I want to become such a person as well.

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

The scholarship is as long as your internship or studies is. I actually continued my internship with 1 month more and I received the money for the extra month afterwards. The heighth of your scholarship is based on the country’s standard and there is also a difference when doing and internship or studying. The money I received was approximately 150 euro’s a month, which is 300lv over here. It’s not extremely much, but it will cover 80% of your rent or your whole expenses on food. Again, Bulgaria has a lower standard, so 300lv is a lot of money for people here. A month’s salary is 800lv or so...

What is the student lifestyle like in Sofia?

Firstly, I want to everybody to remember one thing: it’s all about the mindset that YOU as an individual have. Extern factors can and will not be such a big deal if you don’t let them be!!! So, get yourself out there if you want to have a great experience. Search for Facebook groups, meet people, go on trips and excursions, do some sightseeing, go to tours, museums, etc etc etc! The student lifestyle is Sofia is great! If you’re more into hipster bars and shops, there are plenty. If you like rock, metal, techno, latin music, pop or whatever your ears are craving for: eat your heart out! It’s full with international people, mainly students! Alcohol is cheap and of good quality. It’s also one of the greenest cities in Europe, so have your lunch at one of the parcs... Life is mellow over here, perfect for students ;)

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

DEFINITELY! Sofia University is this big, gorgeous building, all marble and woodcraft on the inside. It’s in the center.. I mean... do I need to say more?

What is the food like?

Guys... if you never have experienced a foodgasm before... I recommend to get your ass over here. The food is A-Mazing!!! It has Greek and Turkish influences. The fruits, vegetables and meat are of great quality! (DO NOT SHOP AT THE SUPERMARKET, its more expensive and less quality... instead go to a local shop) Just passing by fruit and vegetable shops would prickle my senses enormously!!!! I’m really lazy and did not like cooking my own meals before, but I actually love it now because of the food here. PLEASE TRY THE LOCAL DISHES... they are to die for!!!!!!!! Also a lot lot lot lot of options for vegetarians and vegan people- VERY TASTY AS WELL!

Food is love over here and you will see that almost all restaurants use fresh and seasonal ingredients!!!!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Sofia?

I did it through Facebook, which I highly recommend!

How much does it cost to live in Sofia?

Well, the rent was like 400lv/200euro a month.
Food... 300lv/150euro (and I ate a lot outside)
Sport... 50lv/25euro - luxurious sport clubs

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

Nope, the language does not resemble Russian like most people think... nor is it an easy language. There are courses available, AGAIN: if you want to learn or see more, its all about your mindset and you will find what youre looking for! I do recommend learning basic words and phrases, most people (except the young people) do not speak english. However, people are friendly and will always try to meet you halfway, just put a smile on your face and explore the city.

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

By plane! Since september last year also Ryanair is flying to Sofia. Wizzair and Ryanair are competing in price. Just book in advance, and the tickets will be very cheap!

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

Wow... so many places!!!
There’s somthing for everybody’s taste...
Hipster and international friendly: Bar Petak
Rock/metal fans: Terminal 1
Anything Latin: Macondo
Lavish clubs: FULL of them...
carrusel is very nice
Just enroll in a Facebook page, ask your fellow students and do some research online... people over here live for parties, drinks and dancing... you will definitely not die or boredom thats for sure!

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

Oh mannnn, I don’t know where to start!!!!! I haven’t come across a bad place to eat... and I’m a terrible eater.
Examples: Sun&Moon, MoMa, Hadjidraganovite izbi, Pod Lipite, Nushich, Vodenika, Soho, Rakia Raketa Bar, Skaptobara, Rainbow factory, Shtastlivetsa, Raffi, Social Bar, Mr. Pizza, Happy, The little things.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Pff, it’s full with it! Please go and do the Sofia Free Tour! Bulgaria is beaming with history and the second oldest city in Europe!!!
You have everything, thracian (pre-roman), roman and byzantium sites, sites from the Ottoman empire, communist/ socialist sites.... everything!!!
Also very interesting history during the WW2 as Bulgaria is one of the two countries that actually SAVED the jews!!!!!
I’m sad that just a few people know about this country and it’s treasures and rich history!
People are also extremely into art in theaters over here... it’s a walhalla for every art freak!
It’s full with churches by the way... one by one very beautiful!

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

Don’t be prejudice!!! One rude person does not mean that all Bulgarians are the same!
Show interest, like everybody should in one and other!
Do some sightseeing, grab every opportunity to hike in the mountains or go to excursions outside the city... you will be amazed!
Eat local food!!!!
Every street has some history, stop and be curious... go to museums, go to art galeries, get to know the culture, talk to locals, go out and party.
LIVE YOUR LIFE and feel free and welcome to open your mind and see past the prejudices people have about Eastern-Europe! Step into the flow of everyday life here and soon you will see that you too have become a relaxed person!!!!