Worth Every Moment – Simply, Spain!

Curious what life in a smaller Spanish town feels like and what you can expect? Nevena shares her impressions from sunny Spain as a participant in the cultural exchange program.

One day, while aimlessly scrolling through Facebook, I stumbled across a post from the Center for Affirmation and Development—a name I had never heard before. As soon as I realized it had something to do with Spain (a country I adore), I clicked to learn more.

Reading through it, I had that moment of clarity—I was the perfect candidate for this program. Without giving it too much thought, I applied. Not long after, I had my interview, and when I got the message that I’d been accepted, I was over the moon!

What followed was the paperwork and the search for the right host family. Let me just say—don’t feel pressured to accept the first family they offer. If something doesn’t sit right with you, if any of their expectations feel off, or you’re simply unsure, keep looking. It’s so important to feel good about where you’re going.

Right now, I’m with a wonderful family, and I can honestly say that who you live with will make or break your experience. If you love kids, this job isn’t hard. Sure, children can be a handful, but if you genuinely care for them and know how to connect, they’ll recognize that and respond. My only “issue,” if you can call it that, is that I speak Spanish fluently—so pretending I don’t for the sake of English practice with the kids is tricky! Luckily, they speak English well (I’m not their first au pair), so communication is smooth, and we get along great. I’ve already grown fond of them, and it seems like they feel the same.

Their parents are lovely people and treat me like part of the family. There’s always a good, relaxed atmosphere at home. As for pocket money, I receive €70 per week, which is more than enough for my day-to-day needs, especially since I have food and housing covered. I honestly wouldn’t change a thing! I’ve been living in Pontevedra, in the north of Spain, for almost a month now. The town is beautiful, peaceful, and has everything I need.

I’ve also met a great group of other au pair girls—we’ve already gone on our first trip together! We often grab coffee, have dinner, go out, and support each other like we’ve known one another for years. It’s an amazing feeling to meet people from all over the world, with different habits and cultures, but who are all here for the same reason. You never feel alone. We’ve truly become one big family.

To anyone feeling hesitant or unsure about diving into an au pair adventure, I say—go for it. It’s worth the leap. You’ll return home not richer in money, but infinitely richer in memories, friendships, and experiences you’ll treasure for a lifetime.