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!

Hope my personal experience has helped your survey. Are you going to help me find a job now??!! No seriously, Save as much money as you can before going. While abroad, take the opportunity to do a little bit of travelling. I would recommend getting involved in the Uni magazine, social projects around the Uni arranged by the students. More opportunities of engaging in the langugae and culture will make you feel like it is your secon home. Find out the cost of living, cost of living before you go. I didn't do much research in that respect. Yet I really landed on my feet. It was a pleasant surprise to find out how cheap it was.(Choose Las Palmas: Living on a small island and the opportinuty of travelling to neighbouring islands appealed to me.) What you bring over you will have to bring back. Allow for the fact that you tend to accumulate things over the course of your stay. Go over with the intention of having the most fun you can. remeber whatever happens, it such an experience. What seem to be bad experiences will be remebered as part of the adventure. Don't get bogged down with mundane everyday life. Be aware of the time frame and make the most of it! Again as I mentioned before, having a thriving social life and living as a local made it for me.