Erasmus Experience in Venice, Italy by Rockline

Why did you choose to go to Venice, Italy?

I choose to go to Venice because it's a beautiful Island city with many tourists from continents around the world. They offer the opportunity for people who don't speak the Italian language to also learn in english. It gives many people the opportunity of studying in Italy even when they can't speak the language. They have Italian courses which assist people to learn the language.

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

Offering scholarship for studies is one of the best opportunities a student can have. And luckily, the school offers scholarships for both students living here in Italy and those who are living outside Italy whether from an EU country or not. A scholarship must be applied before 11:59pm of 30th September of any year of the application. Both bachelor degree and master's degree students can apply for the scholarship. You have to enroll in that academic year and pay for the first installment of the university fees from 26 July until 30th September of that year, request ISEE certificate of the year you are applying. Money received depends on the area you live. We have resident student: if you reside in areas near the campus you are studying, commuter students : if you live between 40 and 80km from the campus, and non residents student: if you live in a town over 80km from the campus. In this case, a rental contract lasting at least 10 months must be submitted to the financial aid office. Your ISEE must be less than EUR 23, 000. 00 and asset situation (ISPE) less than EUR 35, 434. 78. Non resident student gets a scholarship of EUR 4, 524. 00 and a free daily meal in the university. A non EU student will automatically be regarded as non residents student, except that your family is resident in Italy. Commuting students receives EUR 2, 427. 50 and a free daily meal in the university refectory. And resident student attain EUR 1, 934. 00 and a free daily meal in the university refectory.

Source

What is the student lifestyle like in Venice?

In Venice we have different students from all around the world. Ca'Foscari students are very friendly and entertaining, it's easy to learn different cultures from different people. Students embrace all type of race. We are seen as one people. And most importantly, we take our lectures and studies serious as it's the reason for being here. But all work and no play may Jack a dull boy, we sometimes hold entertaining event just to release stress.

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

Yes of course, my school, Ca'Foscari university of Venice is worthy of recommendation. Why? Because it has alot of courses which other students around the world can offer. There are three bachelor degree courses studied entirely in english which I offer one of them. The school offers the best courses around the world. And there are some master degree courses also in english which can all be seen in the school website.

What is the food like?

The most popular food found in Venice is Pizza since it turns to be Italians favourite, but there are other foods like Khebab, potato chips etc. It is easy to find food to eat there. There's also McDonald's found on the way going to San Giobbe. Their food is very competitive since they have a lot of sellers there. Every one wants to have the best taste so their meal really taset great. And it really cost low. A slide of pizza cost at least EUR 2. 50, which is very cheap. There are beautiful place to sit and eat it's much beautiful especially in the night with beautiful lights.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Venice?

No it doesn't cost searching for an accomodation. Mostly, students paste notices on the school walls for available accomodation or even if you have a specific type of accommodation and cost, you can just write and paste on the wall, you might find your match. Of course you should write including how a person may contact you. You can also search online for an accomodation, the only cost involved is the Internet you use in finding one.

How much does it cost to live in Venice?

There are different prices of accommodation in Venice. It depends on where you will live. And accommodation is paid every month. But in general, their utility bills cost less. Some apartment in venezia mestre cost about EUR 200. 00 for a month, in a double room. A single room may cost EUR 350. 00 or above, if lucky, you can find one below. And it's east finding an apartment online. The school also offers an accommodation but mostly, the first year students gets to have it. There are sites like subito.it where you can find an accomodation online. Bus tickets from mestre cost EUR 3. 00 for in and out per day. And EUR 25. 00 for a month. The good part is that you can use it for the whole venezia, whether Lido, marghera, mestre or any other part. And you can also use it for the boat too. Isn't that great? But it isn't for trams and train which is the only exception.

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

Yes there are languages courses available. If you can't speak the Italian language, you have this opportunity. It is applied around September. Which cost EUR 100. 00 for students in Venice and without scholarship and EUR 200. 00 for students in Venice with scholarship. There's an opportunity to learn other languages. There are uncountable languages that can be learnt even if it's not part of your course. You can add it to your career plan at the time you are allowed to choose an additional offer course.

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

The most economical way to travel from my city which is mestre or any other city is by having an "abonamento" an abonamento is the monthly fee paid for your ticket. It's much cheaper than the daily one which cost EUR. 3. 00 for in and out. Excluding the use of boat. You have to pay EUR 7. 00 for boat if you are without an abonamento. But it cost EUR 25. 00 for both bus and boat for a month.

Source

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

There's a special place for Venice students near the train station on every Wednesdays. There are alot of students who sits there to drink, eat, meet new people and make new friends. This way, it's easier to learn the language as you mingle with them. There are other quiet places around san Giobbe and other places with beautiful canopies and lights around dinner tables which is closer to the water. There's a refreshing atmosphere which will help have a good time there.

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

As I said I'm my previous writing, there's a restaurant at San Giobbe closer to the water. Without any wall blocking the view. It's much beautiful in the evening.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

While you are in Venice, don't forget to visit these historical cultural sites that brings back alot of memories especially, for the Italians. Some are; piazza sam Marco which is popularly known, St Mark's Basilica, St Mark's square, canale grand, Murano and Burano, etc. And a whole lot you can find.

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

Venice is a fun place, and has a walking distance depending on where your department is situated. But I've still not found one much closer to the train station. So be prepared to have some distance walk. Anyway it's worth it since you will be having beautiful view as you walk towards your class, a little advice, don't let it distract you to keep you late from lectures. And also especially taking pictures at beautiful places can distract a lot. Anyway there are lot of fun here buy focusing on that might end you up having notes piled up. Remember to focus on your studies too which is why you are here.