Embrace a New Experience and Discover the World

Nevena shares her story from Spain—find out what she enjoys most during her stay and what makes this journey so unforgettable.

Before starting university, I wanted to improve my Spanish, and when a friend told me about the “Discover Spain” program, it felt like the perfect opportunity. Now, after two and a half months in the beautiful city of Madrid, I can honestly say I made the right choice.

Trying to fit all the new people, impressions, and places into a few paragraphs is a tough task… but what I want to highlight is the support I received from CAR from the very beginning. This was my first time doing something like this, and I had a million questions. I was nervous about whether I’d get along with the host family, whether being away from home for three months would be too hard… but they were always there to encourage me, answer every question, and calm every doubt.

Madrid itself is such a unique blend of old and new. Sure, there aren’t many skyscrapers—aside from the famous four towers—but the city has one of the most advanced metro systems and road networks I’ve ever seen. I recently visited the first-ever Academy of Fine Arts in Spain, where legends like Picasso, Goya, and Velázquez studied. But what charmed me the most were the people, so kind and open. It’s normal here for a stranger to greet you in the park or for a cashier to genuinely wish you a great day. Art is everywhere—in street performances, operas, and even in the metro, where young musicians bring joy to commuters underground.

I live right in the heart of Madrid with the Ugarte Ortega family, and I couldn’t have wished for a better match. They welcomed me with open arms and we get along so well. We travel constantly—nearly every weekend we explore a new little town, mountain village, or go for a picnic. We even took a trip to the seaside town of Alicante, which was breathtaking.

I’ve fallen for Spanish food—paella is delicious, and churros might just be my new favorite treat!

So, if you’re reading this and still on the fence, here’s my advice: just go for it. There’s so little to lose, and a whole world to gain.