Erasmus experience in Valencia, Spain

Why did you choose to go to Valencia, Spain?

First of all because Spain has always interested me and I really wanted to go there, nowhere else. I chose Valencia because I knew nothing about the city and it seemed the most interesting one since it has access to the sea and generally Erasmus people say that there was the best to go.

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

I have been here since the end of January and I will be here until the end of July, although I will only receive Erasmus grant for the months of January - June. It is 300 euros per month, but our uni will probably give us 100 euros more for each month in September.

What is the student lifestyle like in Valencia?

It is fantastic! Students rule this city. There are huge "botellones" (drinking in the street) and police does not care about them. There are a lot of street parties throughout the year, for example during "Las Fallas" in march. Students are great, everybody is super nice and open!

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

Of course! UPV is a great university, it has a fantastic campus! And the city has everything an Erasmus student could wish for.

What is the food like?

It is fantastic! You have to try the famous paella valenciana (the best ones you can find in bars near the beach) and apart from that empanadas with atún, eggs and potatoes and also tortilla española! The food is great and Valencia is not that expensive.

How did you find your accommodation?

I was lucky, I found a boy from my country in the internet and he simply left me his room for the next semester. So I did not have to look for it.

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

It usually is 150-250€, depending on what you want. Most students pay 180-220€ for normal conditions, if you want to pay less, you get an older or smaller room.

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

I already knew the Spanish language even before coming to Spain. If you do not know anything of Spanish, you should come for the whole academic year to simply learn it. Indeed, 6 months for learning a language it is not enough. You can forget about English, they do not speak it! Well, sometimes there are some classes with English, but it is like one in a million.

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

From Poland you take Wizzair to Barcelona and then a bus to Valencia. With Ryanair there are sometimes good links between some smaller cities in Poland to another European city and then to Valencia but I only heard about them, never found them.

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

Hmm, if you become an Erasmus you will not worry about it. There is always somewhere to go, there are a lot of events on Facebook so try to keep in touch. You will usually party around Blasco Ibanez or on the beach in the summer. You can try partying in the center, but the Erasmus rarely do that.

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

Near the beach - paella valenciana!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The city does not have rich culture. Or maybe I just did not care about that. But what I will remember are fantastic jazz and blues bands who give concerts in almost every bigger pub in Valencia and sometimes near the beach. They are very professional and the music is good!

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

Do not worry about anything! I came here for 6 months but I wish I could have been here since September. The time passes by so quickly that you simply wish it could last longer because it is such an unique experience. You won't miss your family - there's a solution: Skype. I learned a lot, I got to know different kinds of people but what's most important - I found amazing friends here! No matter who you are, if you keep an open mind, smile to people and keep a positive attitude, you will have so much fun!