A One-of-a-Kind Adventure – Cultural Exchange in Spain

Maša, one of our cultural exchange participants in Spain, writes to us from Islantilla, a seaside resort town on the southern coast, nestled in the stunning Costa de la Luz region. Here’s what she had to say about her experience so far:

I’ve been living with a host family in Islantilla for about a month and a half now. It’s a charming holiday spot near the Portuguese border, famous for its long sandy beaches and a massive golf resort. My host family has shown me what summer life looks like for a typical Spanish household—think beach days, fresh seafood, and music that follows you everywhere.

In my free time, I mostly hang out at the beach or by the pool, take long walks, and spend time with the family. One of the highlights of my stay was going to a traditional flamenco show—a mesmerizing experience that I’ll never forget.

Thanks to this program, I’ve been able to explore some of the most beautiful cities in Andalusia like Seville, Malaga, and Cádiz, as well as venture into iconic capitals like Lisbon and Madrid. Every city had something unique to offer—a story, a rhythm, a special kind of magic.

Another bonus of being here? Learning Spanish in real life. While Andalusian Spanish is known to be one of the trickier accents to understand, I’ve still been able to improve my language skills and use Spanish in my everyday life—which is something you just can’t get from a classroom.

Il suo messaggio ai futuri partecipanti:

My cultural exchange experience so far has been nothing short of incredible. If you’re hesitating—don’t let fear stop you. Just go for it, and Spain will capture your heart before you know it. I truly encourage anyone craving adventure and new experiences to join the Discover Spain program. Not only will you explore new places and meet amazing people—but you’ll also discover new parts of yourself you didn’t even know existed.