Our cultural exchange participant Anja is writing to us from Madrid, where she’s been living for the past month and a half. Here’s more about her experience so far.
Even though I felt nervous before starting the program, all those worries disappeared the moment I met my Spanish host family. They’ve been hosting au pairs for several years now and welcomed me with open arms. Any differences in customs or house rules were always resolved through open conversations. The family has three daughters, and I spend the most time with the youngest, who is nine years old. Since she attends a bilingual school, we communicate pretty easily, and when we get stuck, we just turn to Google Translate. It’s great because we both end up learning more of each other’s language. She’s so well-mannered that spending time with her doesn’t feel like a chore—it’s just playtime.
Beyond the family, I’m really happy about the friendships I’ve made during this experience. The agency connected me with other participants, and from there, I got to meet even more people living in Madrid.
Aside from the stunning architecture and delicious food, what makes Madrid special is the energy of the people and the joy of hanging out in beautiful parks. Just when I think I’ve gotten used to the city, I stumble upon another charming street, a cozy café, or a peaceful green space, and I’m amazed all over again. As my return home gets closer, I’m already thinking about coming back—maybe for another visit or even a longer stay.
In my free time, I explore Madrid. The city is huge, and every outing offers something completely new. I haven’t gone out even once without discovering a new person or place. When I’m home, I like to spend time with the family by the pool or playing with their pets. I also make time to study Spanish. Once my stay with the host family ends, I plan to visit Valencia and Palma de Mallorca.
What I’ve loved most about this program is the way it shook up my routine from back home. New friendships, new places, new food—this exchange has been unforgettable. I never thought I’d form such strong bonds with so many people in such a short time, and I truly hope we’ll stay in touch after the program ends.
To anyone thinking about applying—I say go for it. This is a one-of-a-kind chance to explore a new place and build meaningful connections. It’s also a great way to get to know yourself better. I’ve realized what I appreciate about
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