Anika first stumbled upon the cultural exchange program online, and what followed turned out to be one of the most rewarding leaps out of her comfort zone.
She didn’t expect it to, but everything about the experience felt right from the start. During her six-week stay in Spain, not once did she regret signing up or making the journey. Quite the opposite—she felt lucky to have done something just for herself, something a little bit brave.
Her time was spent in the lovely city of Guadalajara, near Madrid, where she lived with a warm and welcoming host family and helped their two children improve their English. With plenty of free time on her hands, she made the most of it—traveling, exploring nearby cities, and getting to know people from all over the world. Some of those connections turned into lasting friendships.
Food was another highlight. Her Spanish “parents” made sure she didn’t leave without sampling the best of the local cuisine, and let’s just say—her taste buds are forever grateful. Along the way, she picked up way more Spanish than she expected, especially considering she had only a basic grasp of the language when she arrived.
Now, looking back, it’s the combination of things that makes her heart ache a little with nostalgia: the kindness of her host family, the vibrant culture, the stunning places she got to visit, and the cheerful, down-to-earth people who made Spain feel like home. All of it has left her with one clear thought: she can’t wait to go back.
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