Spanien während der Pandemie genießen? Ja, es ist möglich!

Isidora shares her story from Bilbao, where she’s currently participating in a cultural exchange program — and loving every minute of it.

When I first heard about the cultural exchange program with Spain earlier this year, I knew immediately that it was something I wanted to experience for myself. I’ve loved Spanish culture since I was little, and this felt like the perfect opportunity to fully immerse myself in it.

My departure ended up being delayed until summer due to the pandemic, and although the situation was still a bit uncertain, I was determined not to give up on my dream.

Arriving in Bilbao — a stunning city on Spain’s northern coast — I was blown away by its authenticity and charm. The Basque region is captivating with its mix of modern and traditional architecture, gorgeous scenery, and what I consider the perfect climate. One unique thing about this area is the Basque language, which is entirely different from the Castilian Spanish most of us are familiar with. Luckily, my knowledge of Castilian came in handy, not only with my host family but also around town. English isn’t widely spoken here, except in a few spots in the city center, so speaking Spanish has made life a lot easier.

I consider myself lucky to be placed with such a warm, welcoming family. From day one, they made me feel right at home. My time with the kids flies by — we play, chat, and laugh, always doing our best to speak English together.

Afternoons are usually spent at the beach or the pool, wandering through the city, or visiting famous local spots. Weekends are for day trips to nearby towns and villages — these places are wonderfully authentic and offer the best glimpse into Spanish culture. Wearing a mask as soon as we leave the house is standard (except at the beach or pool where we keep our distance), and while it took a little time to get used to, it’s not a big deal when you’re surrounded by such beauty.

These are my impressions halfway through my stay, and to say I’m happy would be an understatement. The entire program has been more than I hoped for, and the CAR team has been incredible — always available and ready to help with anything.

If you’ve ever dreamed of really getting to know a foreign country from the inside out, I can wholeheartedly recommend this cultural exchange. It’s truly one of the most enriching life experiences you can have.