Spanish Learning Community and Resources

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¡BUENAS! ✊

With the series ❝ My Language Learning Journey, ❞ we want to share stories of people who have participated in a mobility programme in Spain or Latin America. Through informal chats, they will tell us about their Erasmus+ experience, their language learning process, and curiosities about their host city. 

Today's protagonist is Laura Picchi. Let's read! 

Hola, Laura :-) Could you please introduce yourself to the community?  

Hello everyone! I’m Laura, I’m 22 years old, and I’m Italian. I attended the Conservatory of Music of Frosinone (near Rome), where I studied classical guitar in particular. 

Where and when did you complete your mobility programme, and how long were you there? 

I started my mobility at the Conservatorio Superior de Música de Navarra, in Pamplona, on 1st November 2022, and I finished it on 21st June 2023. I studied there for 8 months. 

Why did you choose Pamplona? 

I decided to carry out my mobility in Pamplona because a friend of mine recommended the Conservatorio Superior de Música de Navarra (he also did the Erasmus there). Additionally, he described the city positively, so I launched myself into this experience, even though I personally knew nothing about this city. 

Do you recommend Pamplona/Navarra as an Erasmus+ destination? Why? 

I absolutely recommend Pamplona, and Navarre in general, as an Erasmus destination. Personally, I fell in love with this city and would go back! (even if it rains a lot! ☔). It’s a very liveable city, quiet and safe, yet vibrant and full of cultural activities and entertainment! There are places to relax, have fun, and make great friends. Additionally, you can visit many nearby places like San Sebastián, Getaria, Zarautz, Bilbao, Olite, etc. Most places are reachable on foot and safely, even at night. In general, Pamplona is not a very expensive city. 

What is the one thing we should know about Pamplona, and what is the one thing you liked most about Pamplona? 

One thing I didn’t know about Pamplona is the custom of Thursday's "el jueves de pinchos". On this day, everyone goes to cafes/restaurants to eat super tasty pinchos! The one thing that I liked the most is Parque Yamaguchi, a beautiful Japanese park. 

Did you have the opportunity to travel to other parts of Spain? Is there a place you fell in love with? Any recommendations? 

Yes, I had the opportunity to travel, alone and with company, and I visited places near Pamplona (approximately 30 minutes away), such as San Sebastián, Getaria, Zarautz, Bilbao, Olite, Aia, and also more distant places like Barcelona, Madrid, and Zaragoza. Additionally, thanks to the Erasmus group of students from Pamplona, which I recommend for making trips and meeting new people, I had the opportunity to visit Bordeaux in France. The huge cathedral of Zaragoza and the landscapes of Zarautz made me fall in love! 

Have you tried any Spanish food? Is there a dish you think people need to try? 

Yes! I've tried all kinds of pinchos and many typical Basque dishes! I highly recommend "Torrija," a fantastic dessert. 

Was it challenging to adapt to the new language when you arrived? 

Yes. I already knew the language because I studied it at school, but the accent and the speed of speaking in every part of Spain are different. However, people are very helpful, and there have never been any problems. 

Which language did you use on a daily basis? 

Spanish. 

What was your Spanish proficiency level before and after the mobility? 

My Spanish level was B1 before, and C1 after. 

What do you think of OLS, and would you recommend it to anyone going on Erasmus+ to Spain or Latin America? 

The platform was useful, even though I encountered technical problems. 

Did OLS help you improve your language skills? 

It helped, but I believe my language skills improved more through listening and daily speaking. 

What would you say to someone who is a bit worried because he/she is going to do an Erasmus+ in Spain and doesn't have a good command of Spanish? Any tricks or advice that proved helpful for you? 

I think it's absolutely normal to be concerned about speaking a new language in many everyday contexts, but Spanish people are very kind and will help you in every situation. What I recommend is to make new friends to practise the language and learn to write, for example, through messages. It's a great exercise! Personally, I practised listening thanks to "TED Talks", which are useful because you learn many interesting things besides the language. 

Is there anything culturally about Spain that has surprised you? 

Certainly, the warmth and hospitality are wonderful features of Spanish culture. 

What do you think of the Erasmus+ programme? 

I think it’s an incredible experience for personal growth and for your career.   

Reflecting on your Erasmus+ experience, what is the most valuable lesson you've gained? 

Being completely alone in a foreign country, I learned to solve problems on my own. It certainly gave me more confidence. 

Any tips on how to make the most of the mobility programme?  

Make sure to participate in all the experiences that your school offers and engage in activities outside of it. For example, I had the opportunity to play ancient instruments in an orchestra in Pamplona, and I also took part in many concerts. 

Has taking part in the Erasmus+ programme made you feel more European? 

Yes. 

What are your plans for the future? 

This experience made me think a lot. Thanks to the study experiences I had, I got to know a different way of performing, and I understood that I want to expand my knowledge to other arts besides music! 

Finally, how would you define your Erasmus+ experience in one word? Why? 

"Growth." It was an experience of personal, linguistic, and professional growth. I got to think and open my mind to new opportunities. 

That's all, friends. We thank Laura for being willing to chat with all of us. Would you like to share your experience and inspire others? Click HERE. Saludos :-) 

Bernat, OLS Community Manager – Spanish 

Source: Laura Picchi