Time to Discover Spain from a Whole New Angle

Jovana checks in from Spain, filled with excitement and new impressions. Here’s what she had to say about her experience with the “Discover Spain” program:

Whenever someone asked me to tell them a bit about myself, I’d always throw in this line:

I’m an adventurer—someone who loves to travel, meet new people, and explore different cultures.

Spain has always had a special place in my heart. I love the cheerful, laid-back spirit of the people, the musical sound of the language, and the architecture, which I think is among the most beautiful in Europe. And of course, there’s that Spanish sunshine that lights up the country year-round, something I miss during cold Serbian winters.

I used to get so excited whenever I got the chance to visit, but it was always short-lived and just as a tourist.

That’s what got me searching—how could I spend a few months in Spain without being tied down by some grueling job? I wanted to live here, but also have plenty of free time to enjoy it all. While browsing online, I stumbled upon the exchange program run by the Center for Affirmation and Development, and it immediately caught my attention.

Now, the time has come to truly experience this beautiful country from a whole new perspective.

For the past few weeks, I’ve been living in Manresa, a charming little town in Catalonia, just about an hour away from my favorite place—Barcelona. So far, I’m loving it. The host family I live with is wonderful and already has experience with the program, which made everything smoother. They welcomed me with open arms—both the parents and their two daughters, Lucy and Kristina, with whom I spent most of my time.

During the week, my schedule is pretty relaxed. I drop the girls off at school and kindergarten around 9 a.m., and then I’m free for the best part of the day. In the afternoon, I pick them up and we play together for a few hours, which, honestly, I enjoy as much as they do.

My weekends are completely free, which gives me the perfect chance to head to Barcelona or explore other interesting spots nearby. I haven’t had a chance to do much traveling yet, but weekend trips are definitely on my list.

In just a short time, I’ve already picked up a bunch of Spanish words and phrases, and I’m sure I’ll learn even more in the weeks to come, especially since Spanish is often the only way I can communicate.

All in all, this has already turned out to be such a fun and unforgettable experience—and I know the best is yet to come!