Isidora, one of our cultural exchange participants in Spain, writes to us from Sóller, a charming town nestled between the mountains and the sea on the island of Mallorca. Here’s what she had to say about her unforgettable adventure:
I had always dreamed of visiting magical Spain—of living there, breathing its culture, learning its language. Now that I’m here, I can honestly say that this past month has been one of the most beautiful experiences of my life—something I’ll carry in my heart forever.
Sóller, located in the ‘Valley of Oranges,’ is a postcard-perfect town lined with narrow streets and traditional stone houses. And Mallorca itself? An absolute dream. It’s the largest island in Spain, famous for its vibrant nightlife, cultural events, and stunning sandy beaches—262 of them, each one more beautiful than the last.
As for the program, I only have words of praise. The coordinators are always available—they’re there to help, listen, and guide you through any situation. I did have some struggles in the beginning with my host family, mostly due to the language barrier. They didn’t speak much English, and my Spanish was pretty basic. But now that I’ve improved my Spanish, our communication is so much better and we get along wonderfully.
Since I’m only about 30 minutes from Palma de Mallorca, I often spend my free time exploring the capital, as well as other beaches, towns, and villages across the island. My goal is to see all of Mallorca while I’m here. I also spend time working on my Spanish, hanging out with other exchange participants, going to the beach, biking, or just soaking up every moment.
One of the things that stood out to me the most is how warm, kind and open Spanish people are. Everyone’s so friendly and relaxed—it makes you feel at home. I’ve also met amazing people from different countries, and I hope we stay in touch long after this experience ends. Honestly, the longer I stay here, the more I feel like I could live here someday… who knows? I truly believe that if you want something enough, you can make it happen.
Su mensaje a los futuros participantes:
Before applying, ask yourself why you want to be part of a program like this. Don’t do it unless you genuinely enjoy working with children and are ready to dedicate your time and energy to them. Of course, you’ll have different habits and interests from your host family, but open communication is everything. Talk things through. Be honest. This program is an amazing opportunity to get to know yourself better, expand your vocabulary, and learn so much about the culture, customs, and lifestyle of your host country.
If you’ve ever dreamed of living in Spain, this is your first step toward making that dream come true—and I promise, it will be an experience you’ll never forget. 🤗