Erasmus Experience in Trencin, Slovakia by yassine

Why did you choose to go to Trencin, Slovakia?

Because of an Erasmus student exchange between my home university in Angers, France and the University of Alexander Dubceck of Trencin -Slovakia.

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

For my 3 months of the mobility in Slovakia I received about 1480 euros, and it was enough for me for all the duration of the stay; the main advantage of this country is the cost of life is not really high even if the official currency is EURO since 2009: for example bus tickets cost 60 cents of euro, accommodation for students costs about 66 euros per month, food costs much lower than western countries... I visited 4 countries : Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary and Poland with discount prices from the Slovak capital. For example : Bratislava-Wien 11 euros for a one month round trip ticket.

What is the student lifestyle like in Trencin?

Very interesting; every Tuesday there are student parties in the bars and nights clubs of the city for interesting prices (1 euro the entry). You can practice sport with 50 % discount if you hold a Slovak Isic card, which is better to order after arrival.

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

Yes!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Trencin?

No, I had my accomodation ready before my arrival and I paid only 66 euros per month.

How much does it cost to live in Trencin?

I think 1480 euros were enough for me for food, transport, accommodation, going out and travelling in the 4 neighbour countries of Slovakia

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

Slovak is not really easy to learn but with some practice you can progress without problems, and there is a lot of Slovak courses availaible in the university for free.

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

By plan : I took a flight from Paris to Vienna via Frankfurt for 230 euros with Lufthansa and Austrian airlines; it's better to travel to Slovakia via the Austrian capital because there are more flights availaible and the distance between Vienna and Bratislava. The Slovak capital is only 60 km away and there is a bus from Vienna Airport to Bratislava railway station for only 7 euros. Once you arrive to Bratislava, you can take a train for 4 euros to Trencin. The best way to get in Trencin is via Bratislava if you arrived from Vienna.

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

I recommend the Steps club, the best night club of the city.

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

I don't have a preference; I think it's better to discover all the restaurants of the city if possible

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The Castle of Trencin is a good place to visit.

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

Just be erasmus and enjoy the experience ;)