University of Glasgow

In general I am happy with my language improvement, because even though I had a good paper knowledge of the language, it was difficult to put it into practice and develop fluency. After my stay in Glasgow I felt much at ease when I had to speak in English. Mainly I practised at University, with teachers and local students, and outside University at shops. It was difficult to get to know local students and share their activities (mainly the night live ones) due to the age difference (as the local students sharing accomodation or classes with us where much younger).

I have been speaking english for most of my life so I had no problems understanding others in most cases. The only case that does not apply is when the person speaking to me was from the lower class, in which case they had a very thick accent which made it difficult for me to understand, but there where very few of these cases.

The first days I had some trubles to expres myself in English since I studied English for many years but I stoped four years before going to Glasgow. Those trubles lasted some weeks but then no problem. Theachers were very sensibles with Eramus students and they understood that we had some difiulties.

I realised that the best way to learn a language is to be totally immersed in the culture. That's mean that you have to talk and get involve in activities eg sport to meet other local student and not try to stay with your classmates from your home institution.

The Galswegians speak ina way that is sometimes non-understandable even from the mother tongues. You'll learn a lot of slang and the meaning/using of some words like: mingin' , couldnea, mental and others that where unknown before

Three months in UK are the difference between Apu from the Simpsons and a someone able not only to make himself understood, but even more to talk about anything with the same confidece he has in is home language.