Language Campus welcomes students from all four corners of the world. Yes, North, South, East and West. In the second in 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 grew up in Poland. In 2018, when I was 20 years old, I took part in a student exchange programme called Erasmus and moved to Spain.
) Where are you located now?
I was here as an Erasmus student for 12 months. Then, in 2020, with the appearance of Covid, I stayed in Poland. At the beginning of 2021 I returned to Gran Canaria.
) What are you studying?
I am studying Spanish philology. Right now I am 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 is the subject of my thesis. It is a very deep subject and, to be honest, I still don't know everything about it. For me it is very interesting to compare how times have changed, in terms of gender roles and parental duties.
) 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.
) Why Gran Canaria?
At first I chose Gran Canaria because I had seen how beautiful it was and also for economic reasons. It is 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 was doing an internship here three years ago. Then she recommended me. It turned out to be a good choice.
8.) How have the 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 given by Poles who may have spent a year in Spain. Their accents did not succeed in teaching me to "speak correctly".
9.) During your lessons, what is the favourite word you have learnt?
Favourite word? Hmm... I would effectively 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 favourite phrase?
There is a phrase I first heard outside the classroom and not inside. My Spanish friends always said that I walk with "lead feet". I discovered that it means that I am very cautious and wise. Of course, I think they are right.
11.) Outside 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.
) Where did you enjoy your meal the most and what did you like about it in particular?
It was in Puerto de Mogán. We were eating a typical Canarian cheese that had been grilled. It was accompanied with a marmalade. Also the papas arrugadas, with a spicy sauce called mojo.
13.) What souvenirs do you plan to take home to your friends and family?
I have already bought many souvenirs from them. The most popular is Arehucas rum of Arucas. It never fails to impress.
) How about memories for you in the form of your most lasting memories of Gran Canaria?
Every day there is a lesson here. I can always learn something new, for example by meeting people, but also here at Language Campus. Arriving here in 2018, I never thought I would live here four years later, but I feel like I found my home, the place I really want to live and keep discovering.
