Independence and Adaptability—Come Experience It for Yourself!

Katarina, one of our program participants, sends warm greetings from vibrant Spain, where she still has a month left to enjoy her stay. With a background in Spanish language and literature, she saw this cultural exchange as the perfect chance to experience Spanish culture firsthand, and she hasn’t looked back.

The program is incredibly well-organized. The coordinators are supportive, approachable, and present throughout your entire stay. Everything is clearly explained, making the process smooth and stress-free. Signing up for this program truly gives you an unforgettable experience. I’m staying with the Inglada family in Calafell, a small coastal town in Catalonia. The family includes a mother, her parents, and two little boys. We spend every afternoon together—playing at the park, visiting the library, or building sandcastles. The family speaks Catalan at home, so I’m learning bits of that too, in addition to practicing Spanish. And since it’s a seaside town, I get to try all kinds of seafood dishes! The house overlooks the sea, and the town itself is really charming—there’s always something happening, some local activity to discover.

In my free time, I try to travel as much as possible and soak up everything around me.

Since my host mom works in Barcelona, I’ve had plenty of chances to tag along. I’ve explored museums and famous cultural sites like Casa Vicens, Casa Batlló, Park Güell, the cathedral, and Barceloneta. I’ve also been to Tarragona, which is nearby, and I enjoy cycling through the surrounding towns. Right now, I’m actually with my host family on a short trip to Narbonne, France. We visited a big boat fair in a town called Sète—absolutely amazing. When I’m not out exploring, I love spending time sunbathing and reading on the beach.

The first few days weren’t the easiest—it took a little time to adjust to the new surroundings—but thanks to the support and warmth of my host family, I settled in quickly.

To anyone thinking about it: this is your opportunity to grow, explore, and gain a whole new sense of independence. Don’t hesitate!