She Chose the Road Less Traveled – and It Paid Off

Our cultural exchange participant Marija is currently staying in Meañe, a small town in the Pontevedra province in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula. She’s been living there for a month, and here’s what she has to say about her experience so far.

This program is truly one-of-a-kind and incredibly exciting because it offers something you simply can’t get from a traditional tourist trip. If you’re curious about getting to know a country’s culture, way of life, and language—and if you want to mentally and physically immerse yourself in something entirely different—this is the way to do it. I was placed in a village, which has its perks. The area is idyllic, filled with woods and vineyards, which it’s known for. It’s also been interesting interacting with the locals. What’s great is that it’s close to the touristy town of Sanxenxo and some absolutely beautiful beaches. My host family is lovely and kind, but they also take the exchange seriously, which I think is important.

In my free time, I go on walks, explore beaches, and visit nearby villages. When I crave a bit more action, I head to Sanxenxo to hang out at cafés, bars, or do some shopping. I usually meet up there with another girl from the program—she’s from Germany and also a Spanish language enthusiast, so we chat in Spanish to practice. There are a few other participants from Serbia in the nearby town of Pontevedra, so we often plan activities together. On weekends, I like to visit larger cities in the area. One of the best things about Spain in the summer is the sheer number of festivals in different towns. You can easily connect with exchange students from other places, too—they already know the area and can show you around.

What I love most about this program is how integrated you become in the family’s daily life. You speak their language constantly, which helps you improve. I often go to the beach with my host family, we eat out, do things together, and I’ve met their extended family as well. You’re not just living in Spain—you’re living as a part of a Spanish family. And in return, they learn a lot about my culture and traditions. You get to represent your home country in the best possible way. It’s truly enriching, and it opens your eyes to new perspectives. You might even take home some new habits that improve your lifestyle. Plus, the program is quite flexible—you have a good amount of free time to explore and make the most of everything Spain has to offer.

To anyone considering this program, I say go for it! One of the advantages is that you can take part even after you’ve finished your studies, like I did, which gives you more freedom to enjoy it fully. My advice would be to keep an open mind and choose a host family not based on location, but on how well you connect with them, whether their interests match yours, and whether the kids’ personalities suit you. That way, your stay will feel relaxed and enjoyable. Be ready to collaborate and live closely with the family. Don’t be afraid to pick a destination that’s unfamiliar or wasn’t your first choice. You just might be pleasantly surprised 😉