Universidad de las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC)

LIVE WITH NATIVE SPEAKERS- it is worth the effort as not only will you improve your Spanish you will make life-long friends! But when looking for accommodation, don't take the first place you see in panic- try to get to know your potential flatmates first, because if you don't get on with them there will be minimal interaction. And above all, try to be as open-minded as possible- it is all too easy to fall into the trap of judging your new lifestyle on the basis of your own expectations and then feel disappointed. Remember that the university and its people will not change, and if you make the effort to get to know them and respect their culture, you will be greatly rewarded. Also, join in the Erasmus activities but don't rely too heavily on them, as only a few local students join in and you'll end up speaking mostly English (but if more local students decide to join in, then go for it). And, most importantly, ignore the moaners, they will put you in bad spirits!

Overall, I think my language skills have improved tremendously and I now feel motivated to learn more. Living with native speakers definitely helped as I was forced to speak the language every day. The locals are very friendly and will speak to you in Spanish even if you speak basic Spanish. When I first arrived I knew the basics but had trouble in some situations ie ordering a sandwich, and I sometimes had to play cherades with my flatmates, but by the end I was comfortable in almost any situation and my flatmates could talk to me about anything (politics, social issues, etc) I felt quite isolated linguistically at the beginning, but by the end I felt accepted within the community and I miss them terribly!

There are "bonobus" cards that give you 10 bus journeys for 5 euros. And buy a Movistar SIM card, as it is a good value network and there is a shop near Avenida Mesa y Lopez that gives you 16% extra free when you top up! You can also get your phone unlocked at plenty of phone shops near the beach.

The majority of local students live in an apartment either with their families or with other students. University accommodation is offered but is few and far between, as well as being in a dodgy area! Finding accommodation is relatively easy if you come in the first semester but is difficult in the second, as most Erasmus students are there for the whole year. An intro week is organised for Erasmus students so that they can find accommodation- my advice would be to arrive at least a week early, as more rooms will be available.

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