Erasmus Experience in Verona, Italy by Maria

Why did you choose to go to Verona, Italy?

I didn't choose it, it was because during my PhD I had to go there to do a stage of several months.

Source:

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

I am not an Erasmus student, so the help comes from my research group.

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

Yes, sure. I think it is lovely, very nice. It is difficult to say about the level of the University as I have been working in the laboratories of one science department, but the collegues and my professors have been very very kind.

What is the food like?

As I am coming from Spain (Catalonia), I must say that the food is like in our country. You can find everything in the supermarket but it is more expensive. The only thing that it is not here comparing to Spain is the salt, ham, Nocilla (instead there is Nutella), and good bread.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Verona?

When I started seriously looking for it, it took me a week. But I must say I was sending lots of emails to the flats that I wanted. I wasn't saying how many months I was going to be there, because then the real estates didn't want to know anything more. The university as well looks for you, but maybe they haven't the flat which you want.

How much does it cost to live in Verona?

My flat is a "bilocale", and it costs 550 per month. More or less is the medium price that I was finding in all the real estates. If you share the flat, you could find rooms for 250 euros.

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

I suppose that this depends on your mother tongue. For a Spanish or Catalan person is very easy to understand the Italian. I did some lessons before I went to Verona, but just to know some basics. I haven't done any course in Verona's university but there are.

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

From Tarragona you must get the plane in Barcelona and fly directly to Verona (which is a flight expensive and it is not always available), to Bergamo (airport Orio al Serio, which is low cost flight)and to Milan-Malpensa (which is low cost). Then from Verona airport there is a bus to the city (6euros) and from the others airports you have to take train. I leave this link here where it explains all in more detail: http://www.veronadirect.com/Howtoget2.html

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

There are a lot, but they are expensive. In general Italy is more expensive than Spain, and as I know, Verona is more expensive than other parts of Italy.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

All the city is lovely. I have visited the museum of Castelvecchio which is very nice if you are interested in history, art and castles. Seeing all Verona from Castel San Pietro is as well one of the most great things to do. I haven't entered to the amphitheatre but it is a good monument as well. YOu can easily travel to "lago di Garda" by bus (from the train station) and in my opinion Sirmione is one of the nicest villages worthy to visit.

Source:

Then you can go by train to Firenze, Rome, Venice... Remember that on Saturday there is a discount and you can travel 2x1, which you would love if you see the normal train prices...

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

For me it has been a short stage (4 months) and I was here working, so I can not tell anything about students parties, but Italians are very friendly and I am sure that nobody will have any problems to know new people. Remember to do your "codice fiscale" when you arrive, because you will need it for the rent of your flat.