Cultural Exchange Is One of the Best Things That Ever Happened to Me!

Mina, a participant in the “Experience Spain” program, writes to us from sunny Spain with a heartfelt message about her journey. Here’s how she’s been living her best life abroad.

Since I’m someone who doesn’t usually step out of my comfort zone, with a well-established daily routine and habits I rarely change, this year I finally decided to shake things up—and let me tell you, joining the Experience Spain program through the Center for Affirmation and Development was hands down one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

For a while, I had been considering pursuing a Master’s degree in Spain, and this program gave me a real taste of what it’s like to live there. I stayed for two magical months with a host family in Badalona, just outside Barcelona, in a house only 200 meters from a stunning beach that reminded me of Miami. The family welcomed me with open arms and truly went out of their way to make me feel like I belonged. One of the most unforgettable moments? They surprised me with a trip to Palma de Mallorca. I know it sounds unreal, but yes—it happened!

Aside from the agreed-upon responsibilities outlined by the program, I had my weekends free (which is typical, depending on what you agree on with the host family), and I made the most of them. Did you know that for less than 20 euros, you can fly round-trip to places like Ibiza or Palma de Mallorca? If you love travel and adventure, this program makes that possible.

During my free time, I joined a summer Spanish course in Barcelona where I met wonderful people from all over the world—Russia, Brazil, China, Turkey—and significantly improved my Spanish. I had visited Barcelona before, but there’s always something new to discover. It’s such a vibrant city, full of energy and beauty, and it helped me realize that this is the place where I want to continue my studies. The conversations I had with my classmates from the course played a big part in making that decision.

Looking back now, I honestly can’t believe I waited this long to apply. Every single day here has felt like a dream, and my heart is overflowing with joy and gratitude. Don’t let your fears or daily routines stop you from doing something you’ve always wanted to do. Time passes quickly, and opportunities like this won’t always be around.

This program gave me an experience beyond anything I imagined, and I’m so thankful for the team at the Center who supported me every step of the way. If you’re even slightly considering applying, do it. You won’t regret it.