Mila is sending us her impression from Spain.
“This summer, I decided to get out of my comfort zone for a little longer than usual. It turned out that cultural exchange was a great idea. I am in a village called Plencia, near the city of Bilbao in northern Spain. I have been here for a little over a month, and unfortunately my stay is coming to an end. The family I am in is really wonderful. I take care of a boy who is ten years old and who is very obedient and wonderful. I made friends with the whole family who really try to make me feel at home, and the boy’s mom taught me how to prepare some typical dishes such as potato and squid tortillas. We also traveled together to a village called Oña to visit grandparents who were also kind and hospitable. I perfected my knowledge of the Spanish language, which was quite good even before my trip, but is now incomparably better. I made a lot of Spanish friends who took me to village parties, a paella competition and places that locals go to, which are not touristy. 
I also visited other cities in Spain and France such as San Sebastian, Biarritz and Pamplona. I was especially impressed by the event called Sanfermines in Pamplona, which I definitely recommend to everyone who is in Spain at the time of its holding. People from all over the world come to the event dressed in white with red scarves around their necks, drink wine and dance on the city streets.
Staying in Spain in this way is really invaluable and cannot be compared to any trip through travel agencies. I was convinced of the spontaneity and hospitality of the Spanish people, who are very similar in mentality to ours. I feel at home and I am sure that I will repeat this wonderful experience next year. I sincerely and wholeheartedly recommend the cultural exchange program with Spain to everyone. “