Spain Will Welcome You in Grand Style

Zorana, a participant in the Experience Spain cultural exchange program, shares her story from Madrid, where she’s already soaking up the sunshine, culture, and unforgettable moments.

I’d kick this little write-up off with a line from Balašević: “Ole, I think a lot about Spain today, I’ve lived there three times…” Okay, I haven’t lived in Spain three times—but after this experience, I just might!

Last September, I randomly came across the Facebook page of the Center for Affirmation and Development and spent a few minutes checking out what they offer. I saw that they run a cultural exchange program in Spain and thought to myself: That could be an amazing experience. Thought by thought, step by step—and here I am, writing to you from Madrid after three weeks of living in Spain! Jelena from the agency has been my guiding star throughout the process—she helped me gather all the paperwork and made everything smooth. I’m genuinely thankful for her support. She’s always quick to respond and even gets excited with me as I explore each new place.

To enjoy and succeed in a new environment like this, you’ve got to be confident in your decision to leave home for a bit, to embrace a new culture, and to take your role seriously. In my case, that means helping a child learn English.

The family I’m with is incredibly warm, open, and easy to talk to. The parents are thoughtful and make an effort to help me understand their culture, from the food and customs to the history of local towns. I’ve even met extended family members who welcomed me as if I were one of their own! I’ve built a great relationship with the parents, which honestly is one of the most important parts of this whole experience. If something isn’t working for anyone, a good conversation can solve a lot.

During the week, I spend mornings with a 12-year-old girl—we go to the park, hang out by the pool, work on English, and watch cartoons. Afternoons are for relaxing, and I have free time to do whatever I want. On weekends, we travel together—we’ve explored nearby parks and visited Segovia, a charming town just outside of Madrid. We even hiked to the top of Bola del Mundo, and this weekend we’re headed to Salamanca and Ávila.

Madrid itself is a vibrant blend of old and new—museums, monuments, and historic architecture on one hand, and lively parks, bars, and restaurants on the other. I’ve also met other international participants through the program, and we gather once a week to share stories, unwind, and just enjoy each other’s company.

If you’re thinking about applying, my advice is simple: go for it. Spain will welcome you in grand style—all you need to do is dive in and give it your best. 😊