Language Campus welcomes students from all four corners of the globe. Yes, North, South, East, and West. In the second of a series introducing you to our international language students, meet Edyta Gąszczak.
1.) Hi, Edyta. Where in the world were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in Poland. In 2018, when I was 20, I participated in a student exchange program called Erasmus and moved to Spain.
2.) Where are you based 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. I'm currently 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 deep topic, and to be honest, I still don't know everything about it. It's very interesting for me to compare how times have changed in terms of gender roles and parental responsibilities.
5.) What made you want to learn Spanish?
It all started with telenovelas, 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?
I initially chose Gran Canaria because I'd seen how beautiful it was, and also for economic reasons. It's an island, so the cost of living is lower. I soon fell in love with everything there: the people, the food, the lifestyle, and the climate.
7.) What attracted you to Language Campus?
A friend of mine was doing an internship here three years ago. She recommended me. It turned out to be a good choice.
8.) How have your 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, at high school or university, classes are usually taught by Poles who may have spent a year in Spain. Their accents didn't help me learn to "speak properly."
9.) During your classes, what's your favorite word you've learned?
Favorite word? Hmm... I'd say it means "in fact" and "effectively." It's always sounded very official to me, but I've noticed that Canarians use it all the time.
10.) How about a favorite phrase?
There's a phrase I first heard outside of class, not in it. 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 lessons, what has been your most significant discovery on the island, and why?
The most significant discovery? I would say the people. They're really open and helpful. Poles don't smile or wave at you on 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 accompanied by jam. Also the 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 plenty. The most popular is Arehucas rum from Arucas. It never fails to impress them.
14.) What about 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'd be living here four years later, but I feel like I've found my home, the place I truly want to live and continue to discover.
