Milena, one of our cultural exchange participants, spent a short but meaningful time in Palencia, Spain. Here’s what she had to say about her experience:
My impressions of the program are very positive. The city I stayed in was peaceful and charming, and it was well-connected to nearby bigger cities, so I had the chance to travel a bit. It was the first time both the host family and I were participating in a program like this, so neither of us knew exactly what to expect, but we clicked quickly. Even though I was only there for two weeks, we grew close, and I know I’ll remember them forever.
The family’s schedule was very relaxed—I mostly spent just an hour or two in the evenings with their child, which gave me plenty of time for walking around and taking day trips. I visited three larger cities during my stay. There weren’t other participants in Palencia at the time, so I traveled alone, but that didn’t stop me from exploring and getting to know Spain.
Milena also got the chance to ring in the New Year in Spain and experience local holiday traditions firsthand.
I think this program is well thought-out. I loved that I got the opportunity to spend two weeks in Spain during the holidays—it gave me the chance to improve my Spanish, soak up the culture, and see how people there celebrate the season. I visited Valladolid, which is beautiful, clean, and safe—especially magical with all the holiday lights and activities. I also made day trips to León and Santander, which were a bit farther but well worth the journey.
Her advice to future participants:
I’d recommend this experience to everyone. Just make sure to get to know your host family during your initial calls, so you know what to expect. And be patient when you arrive—it’s normal for the beginning to feel a little uncertain while everyone is still getting used to each other. But once you settle in, it’s truly an unforgettable experience.
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