Language Campus welcomes students from all four compass points. Yes, North, South, East, and West. In the second of a series introducing you to our international language learners, meet Edyta Gąszczak.
1.) Hola, Edyta. Where in the world were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in Poland. In 2018, when I was 20, I took part in a student exchange program called Erasmus and I moved to Spain.
2.) Where are you based now?
I was based here as an Erasmus student for 12 months. Then in 2020, with the onset of Covid, I remained in Poland. At the beginning of 2021 I returned to Gran Canaria.
3.) What are you studying?
I’m studying Spanish philology. Right now I’m finishing my master’s degree in translation and interpretation. This sees me translating and interpreting Polish, English, and Spanish text.
4.) So, please do tell us more about motherhood in the plays of Federico García Lorca.
Well, that’s the topic of my thesis. It’s a really deep subject matter and, to be honest, I still don’t know everything about it. For me it’s very interesting to compare how times have changed, in terms of gender roles and parental duties.
5.) What made you want to learn Spanish?
It all started with soap operas, telenovelas, that I watched with my grandmother. I just really wanted to understand what they were talking about with so much passion. As an eight year old, I was a very curious child.
6.) Why Gran Canaria?
In the beginning I chose Gran Canaria because I had seen how beautiful it was and for economic reasons too. It’s an island, so the cost of living is cheaper. I soon fell in love with everything here: with the people, the food, the lifestyle, and the weather.
7.) What attracted you to Language Campus?
A friend of mine was doing an internship here three years ago. So she recommended you to me. It turned out to be a good choice.
8.) How have lessons with us improved your Spanish?
Classes with native Spanish teachers have helped me, among other things, to speak and express myself better. In Poland, in high school or university, classes are normally given by Poles who may have spent a year in Spain. Their accents failed to teach me to «speak correctly».
9.) During your classes, what is the favourite word you have learned?
Favourite word? Hmm… I would say efectivamente which means «in fact» and «effectively». It always sounded very official to me, but I’ve noticed that Canarians are using it all the time.
10.) How about a favourite phrase?
There’s one phrase I first heard out of class rather than in. My Spanish friends were always saying I walk with «pies de plomo» as in feet of lead. I found out that it means I’m very cautious and wise. Of course, I think they are right.
11.) Out of lessons, what has been your most significant discovery on the island and why?
The most significant discovery? I would say the people. They are really very open and helpful. Polish people don’t smile or wave to you in the street. Canarians do and it’s so refreshing.
12.) Where have you had your most enjoyable meal and what did you like about this in particular?
It was in Puerto de Mogán. We were eating a typical Canarian cheese which had been grilled. It was accompanied with a jam. Also the wrinkled potatoes, papas arrugadas, with a spicy salsa called mojo.
13.) What souvenirs do you plan to take home to friends and family?
I already bought them a lot of souvenirs. The most popular one is Arehucas rum from Arucas. It never fails to impress them.
14.) How about mementos for you in the form of your most abiding Gran Canaria memories?
Every day here is a lesson. I can always learn something new, for example by meeting people, but also here at Language Campus. Coming here in 2018 I never thought I would be living here four years later, but it feels like I found my home, the place I really want to live and keep discovering.
We look forward to enrolling you as a student at Language Campus. Contact us for further details. Who knows? Perhaps you will star in a future installment of Student Stories.