Erasmus Experience in Valencia, Spain by Cristian G.

Why did you choose to go to Valencia, Spain?

The first reason is that on my application process, the UPV University from Valencia was the first who responded to me. The second reason it was that I wanted to learn a new language and for this the Spanish language is spoken by way to many people. You get in touch with a whole new world. Also I found out that from the biggest cities in Spain, Valencia is on the top of the cheapest.

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

Yep the normal scholarship is for 5 months for studies. Also you can go for the practical scholarship which also is for 5 months. But this is relatively, depends on your new university also, because if they have different schedule for the start and the end date the period can be higher or lower. For example I recived the scholarship for 6 months. The first thing you need to know the date of start and the date of the end for the new university because it will be stipulated in the Learning Agreement. This paper will determine your period of the scholarship. The money also depends from country to country. Germans may receive 200 E, French 400 E. The money I think devided by each country economical power. For example I received 500 Euro per month for studies program. Also an important thing, for the placement/practical program the sum is higher like 700 E. So you consider working and doing some practical stuff you will receive a higher sum than for the studies.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Valencia?

Pff... Short. Is awesome. If you feel like want to discover a better version of yourself, the Valencia city is the best for this. People are open for talk any time. You can speak with a Peru guy in the moment, the next minute you speak with a girl from China. Is crazy, the moments shared can be really awesome. The student organisation is really good for this also there are many pubs form Erasmus students.

There are some pubs for language exchange where you can meet Spanish native who want to learn English and Erasmus students who want to learn Spanish. Depends on you all the experience who much you want to push yourself from the confort zone. Yep Valencia is really good place for making friends.

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

Yes I do. If you want to experience new things and learn about a new culture this is the best place. Also the University is good. The UPV is a serious University where you need to prepare seriously for the exam. But they are open to help you pass them. Teacher's know English if do not manage with the language but is preferred to speak Spanish. Search for the UPV pictures before is really awesome.

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What is the food like?

Yep. The food is more oriented for the sea type food. Paella Valenciana is very good. The food is good here is everything. If you also want to cook you can find fresh and cheap ingredients from the market. Mercadona, Consum, Dia they are good for there.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Valencia?

Nope. You can search for anounces on internet. There are also facebook groups where is posted announces for apartments. Most of the Erasmus students here live in apartments for rent. The dorms are expansive and is not worth it. For example I live like 100 m from the beach and 500 m from the UPV and I pay 180 E and the conditions are really good.

How much does it cost to live in Valencia?

Depends on you. Like for flat you can find good flat under 200 E, the food from the market can be like 200 E each month. The rest like transport is like 20 E (metro), Valenbisi is really good thing. You have station for bicycles.

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

Yes there are courses where you can go for learning Spanish. You can choose the levels you want to go. Also there are privet company's where you can go. For me I registered myself to my University course for A2.

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

By airplane.

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

Many places. But I will start with Natura Dup is in Plaza del Cedro, Big Ben is another good place, Turia bar ( good beer and cheap), Mia(for clubbing) is like in the city of science. The centre also have good pub's. Parabarap.

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

I really like the restaurants on the beach since I live really close to the beach. They have good price and have typical Valencia food.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The central city is very interesting. The cathedral some museums also. Yes visit the central of the city

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

Visit my friends. Be open minded and do not forget to smile.

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