Universitat de Girona (UDG)

The main reason I chose Spain was that I wanted to improve my Spanish, although in Girona(Catalonia) people speak mostly Catalan(Spanish usually when dealing with strangers). In the beginning communicating with local people was difficult, as they don't speak English or their English isn't very good. My Spanish in the beginning was very simple, but it got better with time. The difficulty was that everywhere I could hear Catalan, and Spanish only sometimes. I didn't really try to learn Catalan, so as not to mix it with Spanish, but I also learnt it a bit, mostly reading. In spite of all the difficulties, my level of Spanish improved significantly and I have some basics of Catalan, which I find quite satisfying.

There are plenty of places in Girona worth recommendation, in the old part of the city, next to the river you'll find little, cute and cosy cafes(good coffee and delicious croissants are their speciality)e.g. "La Tierra", best restaurants with typical tapas and Mediterranean delicacies. Among night spots my favourites are: "Siddharta" - a kind of bar with a specific atmosphere and "La Via" - a tiny club with good music and nice bartenders,and of course Irish pub! in Girona - "Excalibur" - brilliant, foreign people usually go there.

The first month after arrival I spent in residence hall, which was totally satisfying, except for the price, which was too high, so I decided to rent a flat with other foreign students. Not only was it cheaper, but much more convenient and comfortable, with perfect location in the centre of the city, very spacious, light, clean, with all the necessary facilities.