Sea valiente y pruebe algo nuevo

Asja spent two and a half months in Galicia, a stunning region in the northwest of Spain. Here’s what she had to say about her experience.

This program is perfect for anyone who wants to visit a country, travel around, and create unforgettable memories. My host family was great, and I quickly learned how important open communication is. The beginning wasn’t easy—I had to adjust to the fact that the family was quite large and that they didn’t live in a city, but about 15 minutes away by car. Adapting takes time, and it’s different for everyone. I didn’t give up. The town is beautiful, although it’s true what they say—Galicia is known for its frequent rain (definitely research your destination so you know what to expect)! 🙂

In my free time, I usually stay at home during the week and go out with the family or organize short trips on the weekends.

Some of the most meaningful parts of this experience have been the bond I formed with the little boy I take care of and his mom, our trip together as a family, visiting a friend in Seville, and meeting five amazing girls who are also in the program.

To future participants, I want to say this: you’re incredibly brave. Every step into the unknown takes courage. The most important thing you can do is relax and be honest with your host family. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s better to talk about it early on than let it grow into something bigger. Reach out to other participants near you as soon as you arrive—it helps so much! Before traveling to your host country, talk to the family several times, get to know them as much as possible, and understand what they expect from you.

Be prepared for ups and downs with the kids. One day may be wonderful, the next a bit shaky. That’s normal. The beginning is usually the hardest part—getting used to the family, the environment, the language, and the town. But then things get easier. And you start to enjoy it. Honestly, my first three to four weeks were rough. I struggled to understand the family dynamic, and communication was hard. There were moments I wanted to go home. But after some honest talks with the agency and the host mom, things got better.

You are a new member of the family, and your needs matter. Now that my stay is coming to an end, I can say that all 70 days I spent here were truly unforgettable. I hope you enjoy every minute of your time abroad and make the absolute most of it!