The Right Choice for Me – A Cultural Exchange Experience in Spain

Dajana, one of our cultural exchange participants, sent us her reflections from the picturesque city of A Coruña. Her time in Spain, especially in the heart of Galicia, was filled with beauty, discovery, and unforgettable moments. Read on to see why this program turned out to be the perfect choice for her:

Naturally, when you move to a new country, city, and family, everything feels unfamiliar at first—and the adjustment period can be a bit challenging. But the warmth and positivity of both the host family and the city itself made settling in feel surprisingly easy. I stayed in Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Galicia—a city that’s a major destination for pilgrims, yet still small and cozy enough to feel like home almost instantly. Thanks to its historic old town and countless landmarks, I had the chance to immerse myself in Spanish history and culture. In Santiago, every little street seems to tell its own story. At the same time, the city’s size and its friendly locals create such a welcoming atmosphere that making new friends comes naturally. One of Santiago’s biggest perks is how walkable it is—you can get anywhere on foot, and the scenery makes every walk feel special. Long strolls through different parts of the city became part of my daily routine, along with visiting its many cultural sites. Since my weekends were free, I made it a point to explore other nearby cities. Some of my weekend getaways included Vigo, A Coruña, Porto, and Boiro. Another huge plus was being introduced—through the Spanish agency—to other exchange participants from all over the world. I was lucky enough to spend a lot of my free time with an amazing group of international friends, which made the whole experience even better. But above all, what truly made this experience so special was my relationship with the host family. They welcomed me completely, took me everywhere with them, and went out of their way to make sure I had the best possible time. I believe we built a bond that will last a lifetime, and I’m deeply grateful for that. In the end, that kind of connection is what makes this type of cultural exchange truly meaningful.

When it comes to working with our team, Dajana says:

All of the mentors from the Center were incredibly responsive—I always received answers to my questions quickly, along with advice, approvals, or any kind of support I needed! The whole application and host family matching process went smoothly and efficiently, with no delays or complications. That’s one of the things I appreciated the most about our collaboration. I think the constant communication with the Center is what ultimately helped me decide to take the leap and join the program.

And her advice to future participants:

Do it! This was my first time doing something like this, and even up to the moment of departure (and the first few days after arrival), I kept asking myself if I’d made the right choice. But once everything settled, it turned into one of the most amazing experiences of my life—something very few people ever get the chance to do. I truly believe no one would regret signing up for this program. It’s 100% worth it!