Erasmus experience in Teruel, Spain

Why did you choose to go to Teruel, Spain?

I decided to go to the University of Zaragoza because I read that it's one of the most ancient in Spain, for the beauty of the city, because it's 5 months (as at the beginning I didn't want anything more than 6 months) and because of the cost of living that wasn't high. Then I discovered that it wasn't Zaragoza, but a campus in the city of Teruel, 2hours and a half far from Zaragoza. But it was great in any case! Cost of living even cheaper, wonderful people, very good bus station from where we could go in a lot of cities...

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

I received like 230 euros/month for my Erasmus staying period. I could manage to do almost everything for staying there, as the cost of living is low (I used to pay 160euros/month for a single room, expenses included). I could also make a lot of trips (by choosing cheap accommodations and flights).

What is the student lifestyle like in Teruel?

There are not too many students, because the campus is small compared to other universities. But there is a university atmosphere in any case. Erasmus people they're not too many because these are the first years of Erasmus exchanges for Teruel. but we were like 30 Erasmus people when I was staying there.

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

I don't regret having chosen the University of Zaragoza and I will never do it. I lived a wonderful experience. Moreover, Erasmus is unforgettable wherever you do it, in Spain in particular as Spanish people are great and warm!

What is the food like?

I tried some food that I really liked which is typical of Teruel, and Aragon (the region in which Teruel is located). Besides that, Spanish food, in general, I really loved it.

How did you find your accommodation?

I found accommodation by going to Teruel in October (4 months earlier than my departure) at the university wall.

What are the accommodation prices like? What are prices like for other things in general?

I used to pay 160 euros per months, expenses included, to live there for a single room in a very well located house, 5 min from the university by feet, 7 minutes from the city center 10 minutes from the bus station. I was really lucky in finding this house! I lived with 3 Spanish girls and I really recommend do live with other Spanish because it's one of the best ways to learn the language and a lot about their culture.

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

I didn't know anything about the Spanish language before going. Everything I learned, I learned there. I also attended a Spanish language course in Teruel which was very useful. The school is called "Isabel de Segura". Living in Spain and also taking Spanish lessons, is the best way to learn properly.

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

I attend university in Rome, so I took the plane (Ryanair, very cheap! the best one! ) to Zaragoza and then a bus from Zaragoza to Teruel. Also, I took a plane from Rome to Valencia, and then a bus from Valencia to Teruel. The distance is almost the same (Zaragoza- Teruel: 2h 30min, Valencia-Teruel: 2h). Both Zaragoza and Valencia have very good bus stations easy connected to the airport.

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

The most famous disco in Teruel is "Disco Tattoo". There are also many other places in the center. You will discover them by yourselves and also, the best things are the ones organized with your group of friends! a lot of dinners and parties in houses!

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

I really liked "Museum", "Rokelin", "La Mafia" (an Italian restaurant-pizzeria) and "Gran Café Teruel" (if I remember correctly the name! ). All in the center or very close to it.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There are some museums (the most famous is the one of "Los Amantes") and ancient cathedrals.

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

If you go to Teruel, you have to enjoy as much as you can, not only in the city but also outdoor. Also, it's not only about going to parties or having the chance of going to thousands of different discos every night that make the difference it's also about relationships with people, both Spanish or foreign. If you are flexible and open-minded, you will really like it!

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