Report from Johanna Mattes

Photo is taken by Johanna

My semester abroad in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, was a very exciting and enriching experience, both academically and personally. I attended courses in primary education and early childhood pedagogy at the Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which gave me new insights into the Spanish education system. Additionally, I took part in a Spanish language course that helped me improve my language skills and communicate a bit better with locals.

I lived in a shared apartment with six other Erasmus students, who became good friends during our time together. Living with people from different countries was a unique experience that allowed me to learn about different cultures and traditions, but also to improve my english skills. We spent a lot of time together, exploring the island and taking part in various activities organized by the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), such as trips, cultural events, and social gatherings.

Photo is taken by Johanna

Gran Canaria itself is a beautiful and diverse island. The inland is very green and perfect for hiking, with stunning mountains and forests. The coast has some beautiful and different-looking beaches. I spent a lot of time at the beach relaxing. The city Las Palmas has a beautiful beach right in the city center, so about 10 minutes from our flat. I also took a weekly surf course there, which was a great way to stay active and learn a new skill. Las Palmas is a lively city, with a vibrant nightlife, plenty of bars, clubs, and local festivals that gave me a taste of Spanish culture. Apart from that, the ESN organized various excursions, including trips to the south of the island, which is a little bit more touristy.

Another great thing about living in Gran Canaria is that it’s part of the Canaray Islands. It’s easy to take a ferry or a short flight to nearby islands like Tenerife, Lanzarote, or Fuerteventura. Also, Gran Canaria’s location off the coast of Africa means that destinations like Morocco are also just a short flight away, making it a perfect base for exploring other parts of the world.

Photo is taken by Johanna

Photo is taken by Johanna

The experience has been really valuable for my personal and professional growth. I learned new teaching methods and gained practical knowledge. Seeing how the education system works in Spain has opened my mind and will definitely benefit my future career as a teacher. I now feel more prepared to include new ideas and techniques in my teaching.

Living abroad also changed me as a person. I became more independent, flexible, and open-minded. It was sometimes challenging to adapt to a new culture and improve my Spanish, but it made me more confident and capable of dealing with new situations.

In conclusion, my time in Gran Canaria was not only an amazing academic experience but also an adventure that shaped me personally. I developed new skills, built lifelong friendships, and discovered a new part of the world. This experience will definitely have a lasting impact on both my personal life and my future as a teacher.

Photo is taken by Johanna

Photo is taken by Johanna

Photo is taken by Johanna