Language Campus welcomes students from all corners of the globe. Yes, North, South, East, and West. In the second installment of a series introducing you to our international language students, meet Edyta Gąszczak.
1.) Hello, Edyta. Where in the world were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in Poland. In 2018, when I was 20 years old, I participated in a student exchange program called Erasmus and moved to Spain.
2.) Where are you located now?
I was here as an Erasmus student for 12 months. Then, in 2020, with the outbreak of Covid, I stayed 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 interpreting. This allows me to translate and interpret texts in Polish, English, and Spanish.
4.) So, tell us more about motherhood in the works of Federico García Lorca.
Well, that's the topic of my thesis. It's a very profound subject, 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, soap operas, that I watched with my grandmother. I really wanted to understand what they were talking about with such passion. When I was eight years old, I was a very curious child.
6.) Why Gran Canaria?
Initially, I chose Gran Canaria because I had seen how beautiful it was and also for economic reasons. It's an island, so the cost of living is cheaper. I soon fell in love with everything here: the people, the food, the lifestyle, and the climate.
7.) What attracted you to Language Campus?
A friend of mine did an internship here three years ago. Then she recommended me. It turned out to be a good choice.
8.) How have your Spanish lessons with us improved?
The classes with native Spanish teachers have helped me, among other things, to speak and express myself better. In Poland, at school or university, classes are usually taught by Polish people who may have spent a year in Spain. Their accents didn't help me learn to "speak correctly."
9.) During your classes, what is your favorite word you have learned?
Favorite word? Hmm… I would say it actually means “in fact” and “effectively.” It has always sounded very formal to me, but I have noticed that Canary Islanders use it all the time.
10.) How about a favorite phrase?
There's one I first heard outside of class, not inside. My Spanish friends always said I walk with "lead feet." I discovered it means I'm very cautious and wise. Of course, I think they're right.
11.) Outside of the 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. Poles don't smile at you or greet you in the street. Canarians do, and it's very refreshing.
12.) Where did you enjoy your meal the most, and what did you particularly like about it?
It was in Puerto de Mogán. We were eating a typical Canarian cheese that had been grilled. It was served with jam. We also had papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) with a spicy sauce called mojo.
13.) What souvenirs do you plan to bring home for your friends and family?
I've already bought them lots of souvenirs. The most popular is Arehucas rum from Arucas. It never fails to impress them.
14.) What are your most lasting memories of Gran Canaria?
Every day here is a lesson. I can always learn something new, for example, by meeting people, but also here at Language Campus. When I arrived here in 2018, I never thought I would still be living here four years later, but I feel like I've found my home, the place I truly want to live and continue exploring.
