Dunja, one of our cultural exchange participants, writes to us from the beautiful town of Talavera de la Reina, near Toledo. She’s been living there for several weeks now, and here’s a glimpse into her inspiring journey.
I truly believe this program is an incredible life experience. It teaches you skills you’ll carry with you forever and gives you a real chance to get to know yourself better. The host family I’m staying with is absolutely lovely. From the very beginning, they’ve treated me like one of their own — full of love, trust, and warmth. They’re the kind of people I hope to stay in touch with for the rest of my life.
The town itself is a small Spanish gem. The architecture and layout feel like something straight out of a fairytale. There’s something new and special around every corner. One downside of being in a smaller place is that not many people speak English — but even that has turned into a great opportunity for me to practice and improve my Spanish. Maybe a bigger city would’ve suited me a bit better, but I’m lucky that Madrid is close by, so I often head there to balance things out. At the end of the day, what matters most is that I’m surrounded by a family full of patience, kindness, and care — and that I feel completely at home.
I travel a lot, explore nearby towns, and continue getting to know the city I’m living in. I go for runs or spend time at the pool. I also spend a lot of time with my host family — we watch movies, go out for dinner, and hang out with their extended family and friends.
What’s been most meaningful for me is getting to feel what it’s like to live in a different environment — learning about a new culture, food, traditions, and way of life. Honestly, this whole program has felt like a personal challenge, one I gave myself — to step out of my comfort zone, try new things, and collect new experiences. And that’s probably what I love most about it.
When it comes to working with the team, Dunja shares:
The collaboration was excellent. They had all the patience in the world for every question I asked. They supported me from start to finish — and even now while I’m here. I’ve felt their support the entire way, and I would 100% recommend the Center to anyone.
E il suo messaggio ai futuri partecipanti:
Don’t be afraid. In the end, this could be one of the most important experiences of your life. Sure, it might not be for everyone, but I believe it will be a beautiful and unforgettable adventure either way.
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