Genoa – A hidden pearl set between the mountains and the sea…

Genoa, the first thing to say about this city is that it’s just magic! I’m Elisa, I’ve studied in Genoa, worked there and I can tell that it’s one of those cities you never get tired of, since there’s always plenty of places to see, things to do and new friends to make!

If you have the chance to go there, I’m going to suggest you the best places I know where you can enjoy some of the most beautiful sceneries of this charming city, the best little shops where all Genovese go and buy food as well, and also where you can go to enjoy the real night life, as if you were born in Genoa!

I hope that, while reading this, you will feel like you are travelling virtually with me through the vicoli, you’ll taste with me the wonderful and incomparable focaccia and enjoy together its lively and amazing nightlife!

And… here we are in Genoa! What about starting our tour in one of the little pedestrian streets in Genoa, it’s called Via San Vincenzo and it’s just some minutes walk from both the station and the main square in Genoa. Walking up this street, you can find two of the best focaccerie where you can taste our special, amazing and absolutely unique focaccia! You can also have a slice of pizza or farinata another speciality of Genovese cuisine.

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Discovering Milan!

I have just come back from Milan, and I had a brilliant time there! There is so much to see and do, and it’s not all about the shopping (although that is excellent too!). I have been to Milan a couple of times now, and it is a city that I would love to continue visiting. I have no hesitation in recommending Milan as an excellent location in which to learn Italian, as for someone that is interested in Italian culture, history, art, music and shopping (like me), Milan is perfect! It is also an excellent location from which to visit other exciting locations in Northern Italy, such as the lakes, Turin, Verona and Genoa!

The first evening I arrived, I took a gentle stroll down to the Piazza del Duomo, which is in the heart of the city and very close to the school. In the evening light, the Duomo looked positively magical, glowing a bright ivory in the setting sun. Perched on the steps of the Duomo, I ate my gelato (the most delicious ice cream I have ever tasted!) and watched the Milanese heading through the piazza, on their way to aperitivo, and then dinner.

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You have to see Kiev!

What can I say about Kiev, except WOW! The city is simply full of beautiful churches, historic buildings, and really friendly people! I’ve been to Moscow and St Petersburg (which I loved), but Kiev is totally different, and feels really Russian, in the best of ways!

It’s clean, welcoming, and very easy to get around, whether on foot, or by bus.

It’s a great place in which to learn Russian, because people really are very happy to talk to you. Though Kiev is a large city, with great shopping and an excellent nightlife, the pace of life is much more relaxed than in Moscow and St Petersburg, so people have time to stop and chat. If you’re a foreigner, they’re keen to help, give directions and generally look after you – even if you’ve just met them on the street!

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Beautiful Lyon

After considering both Lyon and Paris, I chose to study in Lyon. This was because I was planning to spend several months in France, and I wanted to be in a big city, but I felt that in Lyon I would have more opportunity to speak French and experience real French culture than in Paris.

What I discovered was that Lyon has so much more to offer than this! Beautiful Lyon lies on three rivers. The masculine Rhône and the feminine Saône divide the city into distinct districts.

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Picturesque Heidelberg

The city has a great cultural programme. Every day over 50 different events ranging from festivals, music, theatre, dance and art exhibitions take place across the city.

The castle illuminations which take place each summer, the medieval autumn fair and Christmas market are particularly worth a look!

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Learn French in Paradise!

This photo tells you everything you need to know about Guadeloupe!

With white sandy beaches surrounded by palm trees, clear blue skies and warm turquoise sea – a true island paradise awaits!

During my visit, I loved speaking French with the friendly locals, eating great Caribbean food and working on my sun tan!

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My China Experience!

China is a country which has always fascinated me and the thought of visiting was truly a life long dream. My trip to Shanghai and Beijing was absolutely amazing. I loved the combination of ancient history and ultra-modern technology and architecture. I can honestly say that the reality of life in China far surpassed my expectations.

Travelling as a complete beginner in Chinese I was slightly concerned about what to expect when I arrived in China, but there was no need to worry! I was met at the airport by the school’s transfer driver Mr Wu who took me directly to my accommodation and after a long flight it was well worth booking this service.

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The Great Bilbao!

While you are in Bilbao you will hear for sure: “el Gran Bilbao”, as locals call their city. Its locals tend to think that their city is the best in the world, and you will always listen how they talk about the city in a very proud way! At the beginning I thought that my host family and the school were just exaggerating about the city, but then I realized they were talking seriously!!! After enjoying a month in the Great Bilbao I could understand why they talked in such a way about Bilbao.

First of all, the city has loads of things to do and see, as you could expect from a quite big city like this (don’t forget the Geggenheim museum). In addition to that, you can enjoy going to one of the nearby sandy beaches, going to the nearby green and fresh mountains or just going for a walk along the Ría of Bilbao. However, Bilbao is a city you really need to EXPERIENCE. I was there in August, in my opinion, a good time of the year for visiting this city.

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Time stands still in Cuba!

I absolutely loved my stay in Cuba and I came back home a passionate enthusiast about the Cuban way of life and culture!

I just couldn’t believe how friendly the people were! Please do contact us if you are considering a Spanish course in Cuba and have any questions about this wonderful location. I visited our school in Havana, and our team would also be happy to discuss our other Cuban courses in Trinidad and Santiago.

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Just arrived in Barcelona!

Despite feeling nervous this morning before leaving the UK, I am now in Barcelona and I am delighted to say that the journey went very smoothly. I found myself in the city centre after a short and comfortable 30 minute journey on the ‘Aerobus’ from outside the airport costing only €4.75!

Once I arrived into “Plaza Catalunya” it was a short walk to my apartment, which is located very centrally and is just on the edge of the stunning “El Barrio Gotico.” The apartment is very stylish, I have a large bedroom with a double bed and a desk, a bathroom with a bath and a shower and the walls are covered with beautiful paintings and traditional Spanish style rugs.

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