Erasmus Experience in Valencia, Spain by Lyne

Why did you choose to go to Valencia, Spain?

I don't like too big cities and if you like sunbathing, better have the beach near too.

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

I'm doing an internship actually. I have no scholarship or anything but I'm paid around 950 € per month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Valencia?

Difficult to answer for an intern but from what I've heard, it's really nice, no time to be bored, there's always something to do here.

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

I'd highly recommend it! It's beautiful, sunny and less expensive than Madrid or Barcelona. It still has a very big student community and of course, the beach!

What is the food like?

Well first thing first, I'm french so of course, I'm very difficult to please.

I'd say the food is normal, not as good as in France (particularly desserts which were a big disappointment) but still good and not very expensive.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Valencia?

Yes but I have an awesome non shared flat. In general the prices are a lot lower than in France.

I'd highly recommend doing a lot of researches beforehand on Idealista and EasyPiso for example (not agencies), to know the price range.

I said that to friends, but they didn't listen to me and now all of them regret it.

Finding a good flat takes time, if you aren't careful, you'll end up being scammed.

How much does it cost to live in Valencia?

Well, as I said, my flat is pretty big and I eat outside everyday so compared to my french student life in a small shared flat eating only home, it is really expensive. If I hadn't saved money for this beforehand, it'd be problematic but if you're being a bit more careful, you can find a room for 250 € per month and eat for around 150 € I guess.

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

Yes, it's pretty difficult, people talk fast and they don't always talk in spanish (see Valencia's dialect) but they are very understanding when they see that you have difficulties.

Not a lot of them speak english but it's still manageable even for a french girl who never studied spanish.

Yes there are spanish courses but I don't have access to these because they are always during my working hours. There's also a lot of exchange meetups in bars to share different languages, teach yours and learn others.

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

Paris - Valencia, 2h by plane for 40€ if you planned it well.

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

To those language exchange meetups in bars first, then you'll make friends and explore the rest.

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

Mala Hierba was awesome, quantities are not so big but to me it's perfect and the quality really pleased me.

It's original and really good, plus the dessert was the best I had here.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Oceanographic and Biopark for animals lovers.

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In the middle of the city there's a park ( el parque del Turia) really nice to bike, jog, picnic, etc.

And of course, the old city is pretty, it's nice to get lost in it and stop for a good orange juice.