Kira in Spain: My Experience in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Why did you choose to go to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain?

Because I wanted to learn Spanish and enjoy the sun and the beaches.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

The Erasmus grant lasted 5 months and I got around 1000€. I also got around 500€ a month from the Finnish government, the same amount I get when I'm in Finland.

What is the student lifestyle like in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria?

It's really good, everyone is motivated and very welcoming. If you speak Spanish you won't have any problems.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to other students?

Yes, it's an especially good place for anyone studying Physical Education.

What is the food like?

Delicious! The fruit and veg is cheap and really good.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria?

No, it was easy. There are loads of Facebook groups where you can find ads for accommodation.

How much does it cost to live in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria?

It depends. I paid 600€ a month but I lived on my own in a big apartment.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

The language isn't too difficult to learn. If you want to learn, you will.

But yes, I did a B1 course at the university but what helped that most was speaking to my friends local to the city as well as other exchange students.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria from your city?

I live in Helsinki, Finland, so I had to fly over. The flights were about 300€.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria?

Urban in Las Canteras on Wednesdays, tapas and the Paper Club in Vegueta on Thursdays and la Plaza de la Música and Marea Baja on Saturdays.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria?

Max Pomodoro, an Italian buffet near Mesa and Lopez, behind the Corte Inglés. Great food and excellent service, the owner is such a nice guy!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

I'd recommend you at least go to the archaeological museum in Gáldar for its 'Cueva Pintada', the Santa Ana Catherdral and visit Vegueta's surrounding neighbourhoods and El Jardín Canario. The Teror and Agüimes villages are also really pretty.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in the future?

Gran Canaria has loads of beautiful places to see.

Don't just stay in Las Palmas, get out and discover the whole island!