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author
Riccardo Pernice
Riccardo
Pernice
faculty
Přírodovědecká fakulta
academic year of the stay
2023/2024
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author
Riccardo
faculty
Přírodovědecká fakulta
academic year of the stay
2023/2024
traineeship
study stay
short-term mobility
other
University of Palermo
How does Riccardo rate their stay?
university
city
accommodation
financial demands
about university
What made your university special? What were the facilities where you studied and the university equipment like?
The University of Palermo is spread across two areas: one located on Via Archirafi, featuring a row of historic buildings along the street, and the main campus (Viale delle Scienze), which is a 10-minute metro ride away—though the metro service is not very frequent. Anyway, for me, this was not an issue, as I spent most of my internship at the Via Archirafi site. The buildings there are not massive but are functional, with several classrooms where students can study peacefully, a large library offering a perfectly silent study environment, and various laboratories. Since my work focused on programming-based data analysis, all I needed was an office shared with colleagues and my laptop. Last but not least, you can find a small but quite interesting Zoological museum next to the university, which hosts thousands of speciemens, and an immense botanical garden at the rear of the university.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about your "adoptive" university? What made it special? What were the premises where you studied and the university facilities like?
Interns are quite valued as active contributors. From the beginning, I was treated as part of the team, with my ideas and input taken seriously. My host supervisor was quite often approachable and responsive.
What is student life like at university?
Did you study in English or in the language of the host country? What language requirements does the university have?
about the city
What was your impression of the city? How would you describe it? What is interesting to see here?
Palermo is a vibrant mix of history and art. I would describe it as a place where the past and present coexist harmoniously, from the stunning Arab-Norman architecture to the bustling street markets. A special mention goes to: the majestic Palermo Cathedral, the intricate mosaics of the Palatine Chapel, and the lively Vucciria and Ballarò markets. The nightlife in Palermo is equally vibrant. From lively piazzas like Piazza Sant'Anna filled with bars and music, to cozy pubs and open-air spots in areas like Mondello, the city truly comes alive after dark. If you visit the city during the warmer months, you can also enjoy Palermo’s beautiful coastal spots. Mondello Beach, with its crystal-clear waters and white sand, is just a short trip from the city center. For snorkeling lovers, places like Sferracavallo or the Marine Protected Area of Capo Gallo are a must-visit, offering pristine waters, diverse marine life, and breathtaking views. The only slight downside is the public transportation system, which is not efficiently interconnected and has limited service during nighttime hours.
about finances
In your experience, how far does the scholarship go? What percentage of your expenses did it cover? What is your opinion on prices in the country in general?
I received a scholarship of approximately 4500 euros, which was enough to cover my rent and food expenses for a 6-months-period. The flight tickets to Palermo cost around 2,500 CZK. There are plenty of accommodation options available for students and researchers near the university, such as apartments or shared rooms, particularly in areas like Viale delle Scienze or near Via Archirafi. The scholarship covered all of my expenses, and I found living in Palermo to be very affordable. The local cuisine is delicious, and you can eat at many bakeries and trattorias for a low price. However, it is always better to cook at home, especially since pasta is much cheaper here than in Prague.
Please advise your classmates on how to save money—Where to shop? What services can be used to save money?
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about accommodation
What type of accommodation did you choose? Would you recommend it to others? If not, what type of accommodation do you think is best based on your experience (dormitory, private apartment, private dormitory, shared room, etc.)?
The university's administration offers a service to help students find accommodation. In my case, the housing options available through this service were already fully booked. However, thanks to the help of my host supervisor, I was able to secure a place in a private apartment. It seems that the best way to find accommodation in Palermo is through word-of-mouth and the support of colleagues or host tutors, as they often know who to contact and can help you find a place as quickly as possible.
about experiences
Did you use Erasmus stay to travel around your country/Europe? What are your best travel experiences? What would you not recommend?
Language and culture: what cultural differences did you notice? How did you cope with the national language? Was it also the language of your studies? Do you feel that your language skills improved during your stay?
final rating
Why here? What makes this location special? Why would you send your friends to your country/city?
I highly recommend the availability of professors and colleagues, who are always willing to engage with you. As for Palermo, it is an excellent destination for those who love the sun, the sea, delicious food, and art.
live-saving tips
If I went again, I would definitely remember to pack...
Before leaving, I would like to know that...
What surprised me most was that...
The hardest thing for me was...
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