Language exchange

Ever since my first week in Valencia, I have seen language exchange events on Facebook. However as I was very busy with other things, I didn't have time to go until the end of October. There are many bars which organise language exchanges every week - we went to Seven which is in Plaza Honduras and thus, very close to where we lived. I went with Athanasia, our Italian friend, Francesco and our French friend, Alexandre. On this particular night there was a 'flag party'. On arrival, we were told to pick some little flags which would show our native language to people and what’s more, the languages we speak.

The person who had organised the exchange was very glad that we were Greek and began to say Greek words to us. Later on, we met a Spanish group who wanted to practice their English but in the end, we were speaking in Spanish because it was easier.

I haven't been to the exchange many times (they were on every Thursday and Sunday and we went one more time) but I believe it is a good option for those who want to practice their Spanish or learn new languages. I believe that each time they organise something new - such as a quiz on songs, flags or food where there is a very big screen and a series of questions; the answer always being a country. There is also a tandem page on Facebook, where each person can advertise themselves in order to meet native speakers of the language they want to learn and practice. It's a good way to learn without spending any money and getting to know people at the same time.

Knowledge of the Spanish language was an important part of Erasmus for me. I went to Spain after a whole semester of Spanish classes. I could get to know the language in many ways and it is now a language which I love - although I am still lacking classes to improve my level. I saw people who only spoke in English and didn't want to try to speak in Spanish. However the majority of the Erasmus that I knew wanted to improve their Spanish and tried a bit harder every day - Like me. The language shows you many things about the culture of a country and helps you to feel closer to it. For me, being able to read a book or a newspaper article in Spanish is very important and I already know that the only thing necessary is effort and a bit of time... Whether it be a language exchange, whether it be with the help of your native friends then most certainly when your Erasmus comes to an end, you will speak the language much better than you did before. And that, for me, is valuable!