I was studying at the University of Cordoba approximately 6 months. The town of Cordoba is located in the south part of Spain. Like people say: Cordoba is a hell of Spain, but, frankly, it’s impossible to believe this statement because of beauty of this town and its deep sensitivity. Cordoba is located on the Guadalquivir River in the north of Andalusia. Every day on the way to the university I went through a lot of sights - buildings with columns, stone monuments, bridges and temples. Cordoba is a historical town, where many tourists come to understand and feel the true Spanish culture and its mysterious spirit. Cordoba is a small town with narrow streets, sidewalks of half a meter, pavement and endless fountains, and squares. As for me it was a great advantage because every day after morning chores I walked to the campus by steps, and it was an amazing start of the day. Morning exercises and ultimate awaking at the same time. The road took about 20 minutes. On the way to the university, I could go to a small cafe and eat sandwich with jamon with fresh juice or coffee, while meeting my fellow students, and then go to school. It is also possible to say with certainty that Cordoba is a city for cyclists, because every second student booked a bicycle until the end of semester.
Citizens love their city and do everything to make it beautiful. Separate collection of garbage, clean fountains, greenery and flowers in pots. And every square is a separate kingdom. The big shock for me was the existence of such notion as siesta when nothing works from 14:00 to 17:00. The exception can be pharmacies, shopping centers and grocery supermarkets, all other stores are closed for three hours and open only at 18:00. Siesta - this is the official time for a break in work, to rest and make up for strength, eat and even take a nap.
Bridge of Cordoba – one of the most popular sights. Interesting fact: this bridge was used during the shooting of the famous serial “Game of Thrones”.
During your study period, you can live both in a student dormitories or in the sharing apartments. I couldn’t find accommodation after arrival immediately that is why I was living in the hostel 2 weeks until I found accommodation for myself. Frankly, it wasn’t the most convenient place for living, but, nonetheless, I will never forget the time which I spend in this hostel making new acquaintances every day and sharing a room with 3 or 5 people. Then, I decided to rent a triple flat with two Spanish girls. It was rather cheap and comfortable. After a couple of days my roommates were as sisters for me.
University of Cordoba is one of the largest universities in Spain. There are 7 faculties and 3 schools scattered throughout the city. There is even a faculty to which you need to go on the fast train.
I studied at the Faculty of Economics and Law. The educational program consists of modules that the student chooses independently. Each module has several groups with different teachers and time of courses. Therefore, we composed our own schedule. The schedule can be drawn up so that, for example, the first subject can be from 12:00 to 14:00, and the other from 14:00 to 16:00 in another building. Therefore, there was an unspoken rule at the university: teachers are often late for a for 10-15 minutes, so that students can get prepare for classes.
We had a delightful campus. It reminded me something like a stone castle which could stand even hurricane. We had perfect classrooms across the campus and zone for students in the middle of the campus where you can cheer, sit down on the grass, read, chat with friends around the tangerine trees and flowers. Also here were cafes for students and teachers, a wonderful library and room, where you could watch movies, sleep and just relax in silence. There were some days when we spent time in the campus from morning till night. In the morning - lectures, then after an hour-long break we went to the library, made some homework, and then just clustered together and had fun.
Our faculty
Tangerine tree. The first miracle which you will see after arrival.
There were a lot of entertainment in Cordoba. Life in Cordoba like a stream of unforgettable memories and pleasant feelings. The city is filled with various bars, clubs and places where you can find new friends and meet old ones. There was never a time for boredom. As soon as I arrived there, I was invited to join the organization which is called “Erasmus Family”, which make some various activities from parties and games to trips. For example, we visited many cities in Spain: Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Valencia, Malaga and others. In addition, we traveled to such countries as Portugal, France, Germany. Almost every day in Cordoba - is a holiday. A huge number of festivals, celebrations could proof it. For example, Feria de Mayo is one of the most popular festivals in Spain, which lasts a whole week. At this time, people from all over Spain come there and have fun round the clock.
Feria de Mayo, one of the most popular festivals in Spain
Also, special attention should be paid to Spanish cuisine. As soon as it gets hot, the Spaniards literally attack "salmorejo" - cold soup puree from tomatoes and bread. They eat it almost every day. "Gazpacho - another kind of tomato soup - is considered as a drink, which could be drunk from glasses. Traditional Spaniard breakfast is a huge piece of bread, poured with olive oil, grated tomatoes and jamon. Personally for me - the best thing that can be in Spanish cuisine is “tortilla de patatas” - a kind of Spanish omelet and “paella” - a national Spanish dish of rice tinted with saffron, with the addition of olive oil. In addition, paella can be added seafood, vegetables, chicken. Also just for 2 euros you can taste "Spanish" snails under different sauces and even in the form of soup.
Studying in Spain was a great experience for me which gave me a majority of happy moments, marvelous memories and new acquaintances. From my perspective each student should have an experience of studying abroad because it gives a great opportunity to learn new languages, get into new conditions which will train your skills and bring a lot of knowledge and emotions which will never been forgotten.
Me and my friends. Celebration of passing exams.
