Ana, one of our cultural exchange participants, writes to us from Gorliz, a coastal town in the Basque region of Spain, where she’s been living for nearly two months. Here’s a glimpse into her experience so far:
When I first arrived, it took me some time to adjust to the local mindset and the distinctive Basque climate. But overall, I think things are going well with my host family—we’ve found a good rhythm and managed to get along nicely. Gorliz is a small town, but it’s super charming and clean, surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
Given that the Basque region is known for its rainy winters and limited sunny days, Ana is making the most of every ray of sunshine, whether that means strolling through town, exploring nearby places, hiking along the coast, or spending time with her host family. She’s also planning some longer trips to bigger touristy cities shortly and continues to study and practice Spanish on her own.
What surprised me is how different the Basque culture, language, and traditions are from the rest of Spain. I’m genuinely glad I got to experience this part of the country through the exchange program—it’s probably not a place I would’ve thought to visit otherwise.
Her advice to future participants?
Do your research! Learn about the town, the region, the climate, and the cultural nuances before you go. It helps to have a clear idea of how you want to spend your free time once you’re there.
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