Milica, one of our cultural exchange participants in Spain, writes to us from Altafulla, a charming town near Tarragona. Here’s what she shared about her experience:
The program has met all of my expectations. The family I live with has three children, and while it can be a bit chaotic at times, I’ve quickly adapted, and now everything runs smoothly. The town I’m staying in is called Altafulla. It’s small, but very well connected to the rest of Spain—I can get to Barcelona in about an hour by train.
During the week, I enjoy walking around and exploring the town I currently call home. I often spend my days relaxing on the beach. On weekends, I’m free, so I use that time to travel and explore nearby cities. So far, I’ve visited Barcelona, L’Ametlla de Mar, Tarragona, Reus, and Lleida—and I’ve got more destinations planned. This is my first solo trip, and I’m carrying nothing but positive experiences with me.
The chance to experience Spanish culture not as a tourist but as a part of everyday life has been truly eye-opening. Being on your own in a foreign country, and genuinely enjoying every single bit of it—it’s a surreal and beautiful feeling.
Her message to future participants:
Don’t overthink it. This is the perfect opportunity to truly get to know a culture you’ve always wanted to experience. Trust me—it’s completely different from visiting a country as a tourist. I had been to Spain before as a traveler, and it doesn’t even come close to what I’m experiencing now.