A Magical Summer in Central Spain

Anastasija, a participant of the “Discover Spain” cultural exchange program, chose to spend her summer in the charming town of Talavera de la Reina. Here’s what she had to say about her experience:

Talavera de la Reina is a mid-sized city where you don’t need a car to get around. You can walk from one end to the other in about 45 minutes, which I personally love because exploring on foot is one of my favorite ways to get to know a place. The city has several lovely parks, a small shopping center, and for history lovers, there’s the old part of town filled with ruins, churches, and basilicas. It’s also famous for its blue-and-white ceramic tiles with intricate designs—you see them everywhere, and they’re truly beautiful.

I couldn’t have asked for a better host family! The parents go out of their way to include me in their day-to-day lives, making me feel like part of the family. They’re always willing to help if I need anything, and they even share interesting events or workshops they find online, so I can explore the city, meet new people, and practice the language in a fun and engaging way. The kids are amazing too—they fully warmed up to me within just two weeks, and I’ve had no trouble getting along with them.

What I love most about this experience is simply the opportunity to be here in Spain, a place I’ve always wanted to visit. Being able to stay for a longer period allows me to live the daily life, learn the language more naturally, and meet so many wonderful people. I’m usually quite introverted, but I’ve been pushing myself to be more open here, and I’m enjoying that change. I’m learning so many new things that I can’t wait to share with my loved ones back home.

My advice? If you’ve ever dreamed of living abroad—even just for a short while—this is your chance. It’s a great way to become more independent, discover new cultures, and make meaningful connections. And if your goal is to improve your language skills, you’ll have the perfect environment to do so by hearing and using the language every single day. It’s a challenge, but one that leads to real growth.

We wish Anastasija all the best as she continues her stay in Spain—and if you’re considering an adventure of your own, maybe this is your sign to go for it.