Having been in Peru for several years and spending a lot of time on university campuses, I’ve realized you can’t just lump all Spaniards here into one category. It feels like they’re characters in a video game, each with their own ‘levels’ and ‘attributes.’ Today, I’m just going to chat casually about my personal observations, so feel free to add your own thoughts or correct me!
Level one: The ‘Short-Term Experience’ Exchange Students. This is probably the most common type you’ll encounter. They’re usually young, full of energy, and here in Peru for one or two semesters. While they need to sort out practical matters like the official recognition of Peruvian university degrees in Spain, their true mission seems to be experiencing the South American vibe, taking weekend trips to Cusco and Machu Picchu, and attending every fiesta possible. Their go-to phrase is pretty much, ‘¿Esta noche hay fiesta?’ (Is there a party tonight?), and their social media is a constant stream of travel photos.
Level two: The ‘Deep-Dive’ Researchers. This group is much more serious. They might be here for a master’s, a PhD, or as researchers on a specific project. They’re usually elusive, spotted only in the library, the lab, or in deep discussion with their professors. When you talk to them, they can hardly go three sentences without bringing up their thesis topic. Their understanding of Peru, particularly nuances like the Spanish spoken at Peruvian universities, is likely deeper than a tourist’s, but it’s often confined to academic circles. Their interest in clubbing is close to zero.
Level three: The ‘Seasoned Veteran’ Professors. These Spaniards are practically ‘Peruvianized.’ They hold official teaching positions at Peruvian universities and have often been here for several years, or even a decade or more. Their Spanish might even have a hint of a Peruvian accent. They have a profound understanding of Peruvian society and culture, are extremely well-connected, and can chat with you about anything from cutting-edge research to which restaurant has the best local cuisine. They’re the true ‘insiders,’ though they’re not the easiest people to get to know.
A Quick Summary of the Types of Spaniards
To make it easier to understand, here’s a simple summary table:
| Type | Main Goal | Defining Behavior |
|---|
| Exchange Student | Travel, experiences, socializing | Constantly updating their travel Instagram |
| Researcher/Scholar | Advanced studies, academic achievements | Carrying a heavy backpack between libraries |
| University Professor | Teaching, long-term career | Sharing stories in class starting with ‘Back when I was in Spain…’ |
Of course, all of this is based on fun stereotypes. Everyone is a unique individual, and I’ve met many wonderful, kind, and interesting Spanish friends in Peru who fall somewhere between these categories. What about you? Have you met any other interesting types of Spaniards in Peruvian universities or daily life? Feel free to share your stories in the comments below!
