Feel the Spirit of Spain, Where Dreams Become Reality – Cultural Exchange in Spain

Nevena, one of our cultural exchange participants in Spain, writes to us from La Antilla, a coastal town where she’s been living for the past month. Here’s what she had to say about her unforgettable experience:

I decided to apply for the cultural exchange program a few years ago, after stumbling upon the profile of the Center for Affirmation and Development. Ever since then, visiting Spain has been at the top of my wish list. At first, it was just a dream—something I hoped for one day. And honestly, I didn’t believe it was really happening until I was already on the plane.

Spain has exceeded all my expectations: the amazing people, the food, the music, the language, the cities… I’ve always been fascinated by Spanish culture, but I didn’t just want to visit—I wanted to truly live it. And that’s exactly what this program made possible.

I’m staying in La Antilla, a small coastal town near Seville, with a lovely family that has three little girls. They welcomed me with open arms, and we quickly connected. The parents are wonderful—always going out of their way to make things easy for me. My main role is to speak English with the girls during our daily activities, which often take place by the pool or at the beach with their extended family (who are just as kind and friendly).

What I love most is how warm, open, and communicative this family is. And the town itself? Peaceful, family-oriented, and refreshingly tourist-free—which means I get to experience everyday life in Spain as the locals do.

Weekends are my time to explore. I’ve been visiting beaches, strolling through the town, going to open-air cinemas, shopping, discovering nearby villages, and of course—trying out different bars and restaurants. What stood out the most to me is the Spanish spirit—people are always smiling, relaxed, and so approachable.

Sure, this might sound like a cliché, but this truly has been a step outside my comfort zone—and exactly the shift I needed. In the beginning, the biggest challenge was the language barrier—people here don’t speak English. But now I see it as a blessing. It pushed me to start learning Spanish quickly and confidently. Life by the ocean and constant sunshine? It doesn’t get better than this. 😊

Su mensaje a los futuros participantes:

If your desire is strong enough, don’t second-guess it. Go for it—there’s no room for hesitation when something this good is waiting for you.