Teodora, one of our cultural exchange participants in Spain, spent a month in Narón, a beautiful gateway to Galicia. Here’s what she had to say about her unforgettable experience:
The host family welcomed me with open arms and has been so thoughtful throughout my stay! Galicia has completely won me over—with its crystal-clear ocean, refreshingly mild temperatures, and surfing that quickly became my favorite thing about northern Spain!
In her free time, Teodora took every chance to explore nearby towns and soak up their rich culture and history:
I’ve visited Ferrol, a city uniquely shaped like a guitar; Vigo, home to some of the world’s most stunning beaches; Santiago de Compostela, the birthplace of the famous ‘tapas’ tradition; the charming fishing village of Mugardos; the modest yet grand town of Ares; and A Coruña, known as ‘The Glass City’ and the birthplace of the fashion brand Zara. She tried surfing for the first time and saw the Atlantic Ocean with her own eyes—both life-changing moments for her. Just being near the Atlantic is something that fascinates me deeply.
Her message to future participants:
To every future participant: don’t let fear hold you back. This program gave me a truly priceless experience. After just two weeks, I was already speaking Spanish, making meaningful connections with people from around the world, attending incredible cultural events, and truly immersing myself in the spirit of Spanish life. I’d do another exchange in a heartbeat!