I Felt Right at Home – A Cultural Exchange Experience in Spain

Katarina, one of our amazing cultural exchange participants, sent us her impressions from the beautiful region of Galicia, where she stayed in the town of Viveiro—a place bursting with culture, breathtaking landscapes, and incredibly kind people. Read on to discover what made her time in Spain so special:

I couldn’t be happier. The people were wonderful, and the family I stayed with truly treated me like one of their own. When I first arrived, I missed my connection from Madrid to A Coruña due to a delayed flight. But thanks to the support of both the Center and my host family, I was able to stay with one of their relatives in Madrid—which gave me the unexpected opportunity to explore the city for two days. That gesture really touched me, and even before officially meeting them, I already had a feeling I’d feel right at home. And I absolutely did.Two days later, I arrived in Viveiro and was immediately enchanted by the landscapes and natural beauty around me.In my opinion, small towns are the heart of a culture, and I was thrilled to see that belief confirmed. In my free time, I studied Spanish, explored the town and its surroundings, learned about Galician language and customs, and even picked up a few traditional Spanish recipes. I met some incredible people—including other participants in the program from Australia and Switzerland—formed lasting friendships, and learned so much about northern Spain’s art, architecture, food, and traditions.I spent lots of time with the host family cheering on both Serbia and Spain during sports competitions. My time with the young boy I looked after was filled with laughter, jokes, life lessons, and fun little games we used to learn English together. By the end of my stay, I genuinely felt like an equal member of the family—and they even confirmed that I’d become one of them.

When it comes to working with our team, Katarina says:

The collaboration with the Center was truly excellent.

And her message to future participants:

I’d recommend this program to absolutely everyone. I believe it’s a unique opportunity for young people, even those without big budgets, to independently step into a new world and experience a different culture. Don’t hesitate—this adventure is worth every single moment!