Dunja, a participant in the cultural exchange program, shares her story from Spain—and it’s one filled with warmth, laughter, and life-changing connections.
As someone active in volunteer work, I had the chance to meet many people from Spain through various projects. Their cheerful spirit and contagious optimism left such a lasting impression on me that I couldn’t shake the idea of spending more time in their country. One night, a friend sent me a link to the Center for Affirmation and Development—and I swear, that moment brought me the most beautiful experience of my life. Stepping out of your comfort zone is never easy, but I decided to go for it and start my adventure. First of all, I’m endlessly grateful to the amazing women at the Center who made me feel completely confident in my decision.
It’s been almost two months since I arrived in Manresa, a small town not far from Barcelona, and I have to say—it hasn’t just met my expectations, it has gone way beyond them. The host family couldn’t have been a better fit. I live with a mother who’s only two years older than me and her sweet little one-and-a-half-year-old child. They greeted me at the airport with huge smiles and a warm hug like we’d known each other for years. That’s exactly how it’s felt from day one.
In our little household, everything runs on mutual understanding. We’ve grown so close that we do nearly everything together—weekend trips, day-to-day chores, even housework turns into a dance party with music and laughter. Taking care of the baby is a shared joy, and teaching a toddler English is unexpectedly hilarious (turns out “REALLY?!” is better pronounced “LILI?!”).
I’ve met both the immediate and extended family, who live on Mallorca. We spent a weekend there and already have plans for another in December. They welcomed me as one of their own, and I truly feel the same about them. My Spanish host mom has become a lifelong friend. Besides sharing parenting duties, we share secrets, plans, ideas, and even future travel dreams. Whenever I felt down or missed my family, she was there to listen and lift me. She’s brought me into her social circle, introduced me to incredible people, and through that, my Spanish has improved so much.
What’s also important to me is that I have my own space and peace whenever I need it, and I even got to travel with a fellow Serbian girl I met through the program. This experience has not only helped me connect with a new culture but also connect with myself. I’ve learned how to adapt, how to grow, and how to let new possibilities in—because you never really know where the road will take you.
One thing’s for sure: I’m coming out of this experience richer in every sense—more fulfilled, more confident, and more open than ever before. I wish I could put into words just how incredible this journey has been, but I’ll just say this: I’d recommend it to anyone. You won’t regret it. And I’m pretty sure… this won’t be my last time joining this program.
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