We heard from Meris, one of our cultural exchange participants, who spent a month enjoying the charm of Alfaro, a town in the La Rioja region of Spain. His experience was full of energy, discovery, and unforgettable moments—here’s what he shared with us:
I had a fantastic relationship with my host family—built on mutual respect and a shared effort to overcome language barriers through gestures and a genuine willingness to understand each other. Alfaro, the town where I stayed, is a small place with around 10,000 people, and most locals know each other. It’s a peaceful town where everything is close by and easily reachable on foot. It’s also home to historical landmarks and buildings that date back centuries.
Since I’m into sports, I spent a lot of my free time cycling around the outskirts of town and soaking in the beautiful scenery. I also joined a local futsal tournament, where teams from all over the region came together, competed in other sports, and partied on the weekends.While in northern Spain, I got to witness the famous running of the bulls through the streets. It’s an incredible cultural tradition—the entire town dresses in white, and the festivals move from city to city. It was such a beautiful and unique experience to be part of something so meaningful in their culture.
When it comes to working with our team, Meris says:
I have absolutely no complaints when it comes to the Center. The whole team was always professional and ready to help at any moment. They were available for anything I needed—information, advice, or support—from day one through to the end of the program.
And here’s his message for future participants:
To anyone who wants to discover a new culture, learn a new language, and exchange experiences with locals in a foreign country—don’t hesitate! Just go for it and make the most of your time in the best way possible.
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