Erasmus Experience in Valencia, Spain by Barbara

Why did you choose to go to Valencia, Spain?

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I wanted to choose a mediterranean country because I love this kind of climate and weather, so Valencia was perfect with its localization in the South. And I was interested in the lifestyle of the spanish people. They are more easy-going and they can think in an easier way. This is completley different than in the East-Europe.

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

My scholarship is for 5 months.

What is the student lifestyle like in Valencia?

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The student lifestyle is more difficult than I thought before. Because I have a subject twice per a week (in EASD), it's too much, if you want to discover the city and enjoy your life in Valencia too at the same time. But I think Valencia is a perfect choice for students because there are a lot of possibilities to go out, you can find bars, discos. Moreover there are amount of events.

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

I can absolutley recommend the city, but with EASD, I have doubts.

What is the food like?

Honestly, I don't like spanish foods so much. There is a speciality in Valencia called Paella, this is a rice dish with different kind of ingredients. You can choose seafoods, chicken, vegetables etc. It is not bad, but for me it wasn't a big deal. Usually, the cookies seem to be good, they are beautiful and you want to try it, but than the taste is not that you expected.

How much does it cost to live in Valencia?

Of course there are different kind of prices. The price of a normal flat for students, when you have to share the flat with others, is about 230-300 euro with bills.

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

There are some language schools in the city and the university recommends a really good discount for Erasmus students.

You have to use Spanish, because there are just few people who can speak English! Of course, you can survive without Spanish knowledge too, I have never learnt Spanish before and I can solve everything but it is much more difficult. Especially in the university, Spanish people can't speak or they don't want to speak English.

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

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From Hungary you don't have too many choices, you can travel from Budapest but there isn't any direct flights. Or you can travel from Wien.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Valencia has a Science and Arts district with museums, and beautiful buildings in futuristic architectural style and there is Oceanogáfico which is amazing. There are lots of different kind of animals from the sea, you can participate in good shows and events, it is a perfect choice for students and families too.

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

If you already know that you can come to Valencia, it is better to start to learn the language, at least the basic things, because the life will be much easier than.

Watch your step on the street, there are lots of dog poop!