Tamara, one of our cultural exchange participants in Spain, shares her experience from the heart of the country – Madrid – where she’s been living for the past month.
I’ve been here for a month now, and despite a few small bumps in the road, I’ve managed to adapt and settle into my new environment. Humans are built to adapt, and I truly believe this program is made to help you push your limits! I’m staying in Madrid, and saying I’m impressed with the city would be an understatement.
During the week, Tamara spends her free time strolling through the city, exploring its corners, reading, and sharing stories with friends she’s met through the program. Weekends are perfect for quick getaways, and during the holidays, she took advantage of the time off to visit Alicante-Elche, famous for its gorgeous palm trees, and Cartagena, known for its rich history. She still has a few nearby towns on her must-visit list and can’t wait to explore more.
When we asked her to name her favorite thing about her experience so far, she said:
It’s hard to pick just one. Madrid is a city that’s alive 24 hours a day. It’s artistic, full of beautiful parks, delicious food, and amazing people. What’s also really valuable is being constantly surrounded by the Spanish language—and many others! You’ll be surprised by the diversity here. One thing I can guarantee: you’ll make lots of friends, and everything feels easier when you’re surrounded by good people, right?
Her message to future participants:
Don’t overthink it! If your first instinct was, ‘this sounds like a great idea,’ then trust that feeling—it is! I’m sure you’ll agree with me that you have nothing to lose. I wish you all the best—go for it, because I truly believe everyone deserves an experience like this!
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