A Beautiful, Life-Changing Experience – Cultural Exchange in Spain

Milica, one of our cultural exchange participants in Spain, writes to us from Córdoba, a historic gem in the heart of Andalusia. Here’s what she had to share about her journey so far:

At first, everything felt strange. The place, the people, the daily rhythm—it was all so unfamiliar. I later spoke to a few other girls in the program, and once they told me they’d felt the same way, I realized it was normal. After all, we’ve moved to a completely new country, on our own, with everything around us feeling foreign.

But after just a few days, I began to slowly adjust to the family, the language, and the surroundings. Now, a little over a month in, I can honestly say I’m so glad I signed up for this program. It’s been such a unique and enriching experience. The host family has been incredibly kind and welcoming (though I’ll admit the kids can be a bit of a handful at times—but there are three of them, so it’s understandable!), and Córdoba is breathtaking, packed with history and charm.

During the weekdays, I usually stay at home with the family. The buses to the city center don’t run too frequently, and the heat makes it hard to go out until the evening. Still, I’ve made a few trips into town to grab a coffee, stroll around, or visit a monument or two. On weekends, I travel to different cities across Andalusia—trying to see as much as I can while I’m here.

What I love most is discovering all these beautiful places and embracing the sense of independence that comes after those first few weeks of adjustment. Getting to know local customs and traditions—both through my host family and the people I meet on my travels—has been truly eye-opening.

Her message to future participants:

Leap—this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss. It’s a priceless experience that will enrich your life most uniquely. For me, it’s been a major step toward independence, and I think that’s so important for young people. Yes, there will be challenges. The beginning is tough, especially while you’re still getting used to the family and vice versa, and the kids might not always behave like angels. But all in all, I wholeheartedly recommend it. If you choose a family that you genuinely click with, this could turn into one of the most beautiful and memorable experiences of your life.