A Journey Through Culture and Tradition – Cultural Exchange in Spain

Dunja, one of our cultural exchange participants in Spain, writes to us from Azuqueca de Henares, a town in the province of Guadalajara, just outside of Madrid. Here’s what she had to say about her experience:

I spent a month living with a warm and welcoming five-member family in Azuqueca de Henares. From day one, they treated me like one of their own—answering all my questions, helping me get a youth transport card (which saved me quite a bit of money), and simply taking great care of me.

Most of Dunja’s free time was spent exploring Madrid on her own. One of her favorite outings with the host family was a visit to Alcalá de Henares, a charming university town and the birthplace of Cervantes.:

It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its unique architecture. The terracotta-colored facades give the town such a warm, inviting feel.

When she wasn’t out with the family, Dunja was on a mission to soak in the rich cultural life of Madrid. Thanks to her international student ID, she was able to enjoy many of the city’s top museums either for free or at a significantly reduced price.

I visited the Prado Museum and the Reina Sofía Museum for free and saw works by some of the greatest painters in history. But my favorite was the Sorolla Museum—it’s located in the painter’s former home, which gives it a personal and intimate vibe. It’s smaller than the others, so you can take your time with each piece. Plus, the garden is just lovely.

Aside from museums, she highlights Madrid’s botanical gardens and parks as perfect places to cool off during the hot summer days.

Ihre Botschaft an zukünftige Teilnehmer:

To anyone thinking about joining the program, just remember that it takes a bit of preparation. From filling out paperwork and setting up your profile to video calls with host families—there’s some effort involved. And don’t forget the emotional prep that comes with leaving home for a longer period. Be patient—working with kids can be challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. You become a part of their lives, and their growth, and leave a mark on them, just as they leave one on you.