Jovana, one of our cultural exchange participants in Spain, writes to us from the charming town of Sa Pobla, nestled on the island of Mallorca. Here’s what she had to share about her experience so far:
It had always been my dream to travel alone to another country—something that felt like a big personal challenge. A new country, a new language, unfamiliar food, meeting new people… But thanks to the Center for Affirmation and Development, I got to make that dream come true in a truly special way. And honestly, there’s no better way to learn about a country’s culture and language than to live in it for a while.
Why Spain?
I’ve always been drawn to the Spanish spirit—they’re such joyful, laid-back, and friendly people. I’m currently taking care of a sweet 8-year-old boy named Marco, who surprises me every day with his independence and kindness. We spend our days going to the beach, swimming at the pool, or playing basketball outside. When it comes to English, we dedicate about 15–20 minutes a day, and I try to come up with fun and creative ways to make learning interesting for him.
One of the best things about this program?
All the amazing people you get to meet from around the world—Italy, Germany, England, Argentina, Morocco… it’s truly a global community! Of course, it’s not all sunshine and roses—there are surprises and challenges, too. When I first arrived, I was surprised to find that my Spanish host family doesn’t really cook! Most of their meals are pre-made, so I’m expected to prepare food daily. They’re also super particular about keeping the house spotless, and everything has to be in its place—which can be a bit tricky sometimes. But even with all that, it’s been a wonderful experience!
Her message to future participants:
Don’t expect everything to go smoothly from the start—but stay positive and keep an open mind. That mindset makes all the difference. Greetings from sunny Mallorca!
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