Maša, one of our cultural exchange participants, spent three months in the charming town of Almenara, near Valencia. Here’s what she shared about her journey:
I truly believe the core idea of this program is a meaningful little adventure—for both the participants and the host families—if the pieces just happen to fall into place. I was lucky enough to be welcomed into a family that embraced me as one of their own, and thanks to their kindness, plus the quick support and guidance from my program coordinators, the whole experience felt complete—especially on a social level.
Moving away from everything familiar and starting over in a small, peaceful town like Almenara, with people I didn’t know, was a big change. But it allowed me to connect with other au pairs in the area, and we’ve started friendships I fully intend to keep long after this summer.”
Working closely with her host family, I arranged a flexible schedule that suited them both—leaving my weekends free for travel. I managed to string together long weekends and used them to visit Palma de Mallorca, Madrid, and Seville. On shorter day trips, I explored Sagunto, Port de Sagunto, Castellón de la Plana, and Gandía—each one felt like discovering a second home.
She didn’t stop there:
I cooked and learned to prepare traditional Valencian and Spanish meals, learned about lesser-known customs and holidays, met solo travelers and fellow au pairs, and even got close to the extended family of my host family. I finally watched a few films that had been on my list forever, gathered some recipes I plan to try back home, and—after spending entire days with a little girl named Violeta—I might even feel more ready for having kids of my own someday!
Maša says her high expectations were not just met—they were exceeded.
Even after the program ended, I’m still in touch with the family. We’re planning to reunite in Montenegro, and I’ll always remember the warmth and generosity I felt in their home. During holidays and special moments, I truly felt part of the family. They made sure I knew that I’ll always have a home in Spain, and I gave that love right back.
Il suo messaggio ai futuri partecipanti:
What you get from this experience depends on what you’re willing to give. Take the time to put effort into your application—it’s the host family’s first impression of who you are. Then follow up with calls or emails. Be proactive, because that’s how you end up with a family that suits you.
And most importantly: flexibility. It sounds simple, but remember—you’re entering someone else’s home, and maybe even a country you’ve never visited. If you’re not ready to adapt to different routines, habits, sleeping schedules, food, or even small daily rituals, this might not be the program for you. But if you are—this experience can be incredibly beautiful. That’s what makes it so special.
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