¡Viva una experiencia que nunca olvidará!

Milica, a participant in the “Experience Spain” cultural exchange program, writes to us from a quiet village near the royal city of Madrid.

For years, I’d dreamed of visiting Spain—its culture, its way of life, and, of course, the beautiful Spanish language I wanted to improve. But the opportunity never really presented itself. Then one day, while scrolling on Facebook, I came across a post about a cultural exchange program. I didn’t hesitate. I applied immediately, had my interview just days later, and started gathering all the necessary documents. A few weeks later, my profile was complete, and all I had to do was wait to be matched with a family. While waiting, I didn’t read up on other people’s experiences—I figured, as the saying goes, to each their own. I wanted to arrive with no expectations, ready for life to surprise me.

I’ve now been living in a small village called Villanueva de Perales for a month, about 40 kilometers outside Madrid. During the week, I enjoy the peace of the countryside, and on weekends, I’m just an hour away from all the excitement of the capital thanks to excellent public transport. As for the family, let me tell you, I couldn’t be happier! Eva and Pablo are warm, hardworking, open, and easygoing people. We can talk about anything, and they’re always ready to help or offer advice. Their sons, Mauro and Bruno, are 14 and 8—two different personalities: one quiet and introspective, the other an energetic extrovert. It’s a real challenge figuring out how to connect with each of them, but that’s part of the fun. They’re good, well-raised kids, always up for a laugh or a game. Of course, it’s not always easy—convincing two boys that homework is more important than cartoons can be a full-time job. But they always come around. My weekdays fly by, and I often collapse into bed completely exhausted—yet smiling.

Spanish people truly know how to enjoy life. They eat and drink without guilt and are the very definition of hedonism. They’re also incredibly friendly and open. Even if you’re a shy person, don’t worry—they’ll come up and start a conversation with you.

Weekends are my time to travel or relax. Madrid has so much to offer—I honestly don’t think two months is enough to take it all in. It deserves its reputation as a royal city. I was especially surprised by how green it is. For a city of its size, the number of parks and green spaces is amazing. They make an effort to plant and preserve nature wherever they can. And when it comes to nightlife, Madrid’s got something for everyone, from cozy lounges to lively clubs. Nearby cities like Toledo and Segovia are also stunning—I highly recommend visiting them if you’re in the area. I even managed to take a five-day trip to Portugal during the May holiday. Porto and Lisbon both swept me off my feet in completely different ways. It was a solo trip, and I’m so glad I did it that way. It forced me to meet people, and I ended up forming incredible connections with people from all over the world.

Next up is Seville—my number one wish-list destination! From what I’ve heard, it’s magical, and my expectations are sky-high.

If you’re considering applying to this program, I wholeheartedly recommend it. You’ll learn so much—not just about Spain, its people, and its culture, but also about yourself. And if I can give you just one piece of advice: let go. Let yourself grow day by day and dive into this unforgettable experience.