So Much More Than You Expect – A Cultural Exchange in Spain

We heard from Olga, one of our cultural exchange participants in Spain, who’s been enjoying life in beautiful Marratxí, Mallorca. Her experience was full of memorable moments, and here’s what she had to share:

My first impressions of the program were overwhelmingly positive. The instructions and tips I received made it so much easier to adjust to this “new life” and all that came with it. The host family has been incredibly welcoming. Every single family member is kind and caring—which really matters when you’re far away from home. From the start, they made a real effort to plan activities that helped us bond. We connected quickly, and I soon felt like part of their daily life. Their honesty, openness, and willingness to help me adapt were truly priceless.The town I lived in is close to the island’s capital, Palma. Marratxí itself is a peaceful and charming place—just like its residents, who completely won me over with their warmth and friendliness.My time in Mallorca was packed with all sorts of fun activities.

Alongside the friends I made there and my host family, I explored almost every corner of the island—from dreamy beaches to authentic villages and picturesque little towns. And of course, sampling the traditional local food was an absolute must. On top of that, I enjoyed cultural events like music festivals, flamenco shows, museums, and traditional carnivals, which gave me a firsthand taste of Spanish culture. For a bit of adventure, I even dove into the underwater world of Mallorca through snorkeling and a visit to the island’s aquarium.What made the strongest impression on me during this program was the Spanish mindset. Their laid-back approach to life is truly contagious—everything flows at an easy pace, free of stress, creating such a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere.

When it comes to working with our team, Olga shared:

My experience with the Center for Affirmation and Development was amazing, and I wholeheartedly recommend this agency to anyone thinking about doing a cultural exchange abroad. From day one, the CAR team was incredibly supportive and always available to answer my questions or concerns. They guided me through every step of the process with so much patience. Their dedication immediately made me feel like I was in good hands.

Even after I arrived at the host family’s home, the CAR team didn’t stop checking in. They regularly reached out to see how I was doing and whether I needed any extra support. Knowing I had someone to rely on meant a lot during this kind of experience.

And here’s her message to future participants:

I understand that stepping into something like this brings lots of questions and uncertainties, but every moment in a new environment—whether challenging or joyful—helps you grow as a person. If you jump in with enthusiasm and a real curiosity to explore, I’m sure this program will give you so much more than you ever expected.