Universidad de Granada (UGR)

Andalusian people have crazy ass accents and eat lots of letters, use strange phrases like "al carajo", "illo", and "pisha". Canarian people too, but they are very warm and easy going. Again nothing like staying in a private residence with lots of people to really learn good Spanish. I didn't mix with other ERASMUS students to concentrate and in hindsight a good balance may have been healthier because I arrived home really out of touch and missing Spain too much.

I felt I was well prepared for university life as I had taken a four-month course of Spanish in Cadiz earlier the same year. I was therefore used to speaking to people in different situations and settings and besides that, Spaniards are very approachable and easy-going. Apart from practising Spanish at univerisity and with friends, I also learnt Italian and some French through the interaction with other foreigners.

Before I went to Spain, I could speak well the language. Most peopöe are very happy when they hear some words of slang from you. Moreover, most of the natives are pretty open-minded and help you in case of language prblems. However, ypou have to be a very open- minded person, too. If not, it is difficult to have a good discussion with natives. Most of the contact will remain pretty superficial.

My spanish was pretty good before coming to Spain, but now I'm almost fluent. I made a big effort to hang out with Spanish students and to live with Spanish people - it is too easy for your social life to centre in the international student circle, you have to make an effort...once I did I was received with open arms. Spanish people are very open.

I took a spanish language course in the Centro de Lenguas Modernas which was a great help as i was put in a class with people of a similar level and we revised all the basics. The accent is quite strong down in Granada and can take some time to get used to it but the people are very friendly and patient which is very important.

You learn spanish quickly because thats the language you are going to use. Learn it and you will love Granada. The accent of Granada is a little tricky to pick up, but by the end, you will love the nuances of it. Also, stay for longer than four months, then you can keep up with the language and be proficient while still there.