Erasmus experience in Zagreb

Why did you choose to go to Zagreb, Croatia?

In reality, I've never really had a clear motive for wanting to go to Zagreb. I simply saw myself in different Erasmus destinations which were offered by my faculty and Croatia was the one that caught my attention the most.

After I found out some information about Zagreb and after I saw some photos on the internet, I could imagine myself there.

I thought that it would be a very different country from Spain where I could have many amazing experiences and I wanted that so much. I wasn't mistaken.

Source

How long did the placement last? How much financial aid did you receive?

The grant which I received was 275€ a month over 5 months. Erasmus gave me the grant as well as additional money for being a scholar and having the accredited English level.

I was lucky that Croatia is a very cheap country so the money covers my rent and life here. But generally, it's not usually like this.

The grant that the Spanish government give us is one of the lowest in Europe.

Source

How is student life in Zagreb?

Zagreb has only recently been incorporated into the Erasmus programme so you can see how much the Croatian youth want to create a nice student atmosphere. Throughout the whole city you can find a large variety of places to go out or to places to go to have a drink at whatever hour of the day.

There are so many events organised in every corner of the city. It always makes a nice atmosphere, not only for students but for everyone. Furthermore, in a lot of these places, they give you a discount for being an Erasmus student. You can really breathe in the student atmosphere in Zagreb.

Source

Would you recommend the city and the University in Zagreb to other students?

Without a doubt. Zagreb is one of the forgotten cities in Europe; not a lot is known about this country. Everyone that comes here is treated so well and has such a good time.

The University in Zagreb is the oldest in Croatia with 29 faculties and 3 art schools.

Source

What's the food like over there?

Croatian food has been influenced by nearby countries (Serbia, Italy... ) so it's very varied. From meats to pasta, sweets... there is a lot of variety for all different kinds of tastes.

Source

Did it cost you a lot to find accommodation in Zagreb?

No, I looked on different websites (Facebook groups, agencies, contracts in Zagreb).

If you don't manage to find accommodation before you get there, you still have the option of staying in a hostel and looking for accommodation in person.

Zagreb also has student residencies which are also a good option.

Source

How much does it cost to live in Zagreb?

In general, life in Zagreb is cheaper than it is in Spain.

• Rent: between 100-300€ depending on the number of people you end up sharing with and depending on the location.
• Bills: usually 20-60€ depending on how much you spend.
• Clothes: there are second hand shops and/or outlets where you can find all kinds of clothing for less than 1€!
• Food: There are restaurants called "menzas" which are aimed at students. The menu costs between 1-2€, but normal restaurants in the city are not expensive either. There's something for every financial situation.

Source

What's the language like? Did you do any sort of language course?

They speak Croatian here, but 90% of people here speak perfect English (not so much people older than 70).

The university offers free English and Croatian courses.

Source

What is the cheapest way to get to Zagreb from your city?

From almost all Spanish cities, the cheapest way is to fly to Budapest, Hungary and take a bus from there or even rent a car.

Source

Which places would you recommend for a night out in Zagreb?

Firstly, without a doubt, Žirafa (giraffe) is the place for drinking and the cheapest in the city. There are 4 of them in total in Zagreb. Žirafa Facebook page.

To go out to have a dance, Pepermint, Vip, History, Rococó, Bungabunga, Gallery, Hollywood are all good depending on the type of music that you like.

Source

And to eat in Zagreb? Can you recommend some of your favourite places?

Any bakery, they're everywhere. They sell a variety of food to takeaway, from puff pastries, breads, sweets, products made from dough, all for a reasonable price.

Kebabs, pizzerias, mobile food stalls with traditional Croatian foods...

To have a nice meal, Nokturno.

Source

And how were the cultural trips?

Zagreb is a very romantic city.

There are a lot of charming places which you can only find by wandering around and getting lost. There are Austro-Hungarian, Renaissance, Neoclassical styled buildings... very varied.

There are numerous squares and parks and a large number of museums. Here are some of them: Museum of broken relationships, museum of illusions, contemporary art museum, torture museum...

Museum of illusions

Source

Zagreb not only has a lot of cultural variety, but also a lot of history. I would recommend to everyone who wants to visit Zagreb that they read a little about the history of Croatia. It's very interesting and helps you to enjoy the city more.

Zagreb has daily "free tours" which are a very good option for those who don't have too much time to look around the city. They show you the basic things.

You need a few days to see the whole city.

Do you have any advice to other students who would like to go to Zagreb?

Enjoy everything. Enjoy the icy cold winters and the sun which burns you in the summer. Enjoy the trams which take you to all parts of the city and the drivers who drive like crazy.

Enjoy every event that is set-up in the squares, take part in as much as you can. It's the best way to get to know a lot of people and get the most out of your Erasmus experience.

Open your eyes to Zagreb, to its culture, to its people. In a country with a very rich life which makes you look forward to seeing it.