In Spain, there are 17 comunidades autonomas (autonomous communities) that function basically like the different states in the United States. Like the different states in the United States, each comunidad has its own characteristics and culture, but the differences between comunidades is more noticable than between states. For example, several of the comunidades speak a language different from Spanish (or castellano, as it is referred to in Spain). In Cataluña, many people speak catalán. In País Vasco, many people speak euskera. Where I live, Galicia, many people speak gallego.
One of the ways I hoped to integrate myself into my community was to take gallego classes, but unfortunately, due to the class start times and the date of my arrival in Spain, I wasn't able to. Fortunately, everyone also speaks Spanish or castellano, which I speak as well, so communication hasn't been an issue.
Another way that I have integrated myself into the community is by living with students attending the university here in Ferrol. They are all from Galicia, so they have been able to help me with both castellano and gallego. My roommates and my fellow teachers have been my main link to Galician culture.
