Veronica Dominguez

Once Upon a Time...

Name: Veronica Dominguez
Age: 25
Born: Heulva, Spain
Lived in Scotland: nearly 2 years

Spanish-born Veronica Dominguez feels like she’s living in a fairytale.

“I’m from a small village in Spain, so I expected Scotland to be industrial. I just didn’t expect it to be so beautiful!”

It’s not the first time Veronica has lived in the UK.

“I came the first time when I was 16,” she explains, “to Newport in Wales, on a scholarship. I stayed with a family. It was great.

“In Huelva, where I’m from, I did an honours degree in English Language and English Literature, and I really wanted to come back to the UK to improve my English.”

Good experiences

“When I was deciding where in the UK to go, it was a choice between Scotland and Dublin.

“But my friend was already in Scotland and she told me about her good experiences here, so I chose Scotland.”

Since arriving a year and nine months ago, Veronica has spoken English non-stop

“I have a job at the Whisky Heritage Centre on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, just next to the castle. I speak to people all day, from all over the world. So, yes, my English has improved…I think it has!

“I take visitors on a virtual guided tour of Scotland’s whisky industry. It’s really a great way to learn about whisky – all the regions that make whisky, the different tastes.”

Veronica has taken the opportunity to visit some of those regions in real life too.

Opportunities

“I went on a bus tour of the Highlands – to places like Loch Ness and Aviemore. It was really beautiful.”

But Veronica’s stay isn’t all about learning English and visiting beauty spots. She’s also keen to make the most of the opportunities Scotland has to offer.

“In September I’m going to Stevenson College to study for Celta, which means I can teach English as a foreign language all over the world. It’s a six month course and then I’m a fully qualified teacher.”

Hospitable

“I love teaching. I’ve been teaching some Scottish people to speak Spanish while I’m here. I love it!

“I’ve found Scottish people are really nice – hospitable.

“When I arrived, I worked in a fast food restaurant where most people were Scottish and everyone was really friendly to me. They made me feel at home.

“I’ve met so many great people and made some real friends.

“Absolutely, yes, I would definitely encourage people to come to Scotland. It’s a great place to live and absolutely somewhere everyone should visit and enjoy.”

Insider Info

Veronica says: “You can get a monthly cinema pass for Ł10 that lets you see as many films as you like. I go nearly every day – there’s always something on and it helps with my English.”

Information correct at April 2007