@Cassuspainandtrips – my exchange year in Spain 

1. What does an exchange year mean? 
An exchange year is a time when you can go to another country to live and study. I am in Spain and live here with a host family. I go to school and live a completely new life in another country. 

2. What are your first emotions and experiences like?  
The first week I was at a camp where we met people and received preliminary training on what to do if something happens and who to inform if help is needed. There was also a Spanish language lesson. On the last day, everyone met with their family, but my family was at a wedding, so I met them the next day instead. I had to manage somehow, and the person I stayed with didn't speak English, so we communicated little and with gestures. I flew on a plane for the first time and alone, and I was afraid I wouldn't find the right places or understand, but it was actually very easy. 

3. What advice would you give to a young person considering applying for the next exchange year? 
Don't be afraid, everything will be fine. At first it's scary and feels unfamiliar, but it quickly becomes normal. Even if you don't know the language, you'll manage; Spanish will come gradually, and at some point, you'll understand and start speaking. 

4. What does your daily life in Spain look like? 
I am very proud that I chose Spain and not America, which is every child's dream to be in a movie; initially, I actually thought about going there too. 
Food: In Estonia, I was a very picky eater, but here I'm willing to try and eat many new things I wouldn't have tried in Estonia. Prices here are cheaper, and some things are the same. It's sometimes hard to go shopping because they don't have certain items or they come in too large packages, like ice cream – there are no single-serving ice creams here. 
Culture: It's so beautiful here. People are the same yet different; they know how to live and are very close. They are big huggers and kissers. You find friends quickly here, even if you don't speak Spanish. 
I got the best family – I have a sister, brother, mom, and dad, and I have a wonderful home. I've been here for a month now, and the language is such that I sometimes understand but can't speak it myself yet, but it will surely come in 2 months, if not sooner 😉 

At school, my favorite teachers are English, computer science, and geography, because they are so kind and help in every way they can. 
You can't use your phone at school, and if you get caught, you have to take it to the reception, and your parents will come to school, and you might only get it back from them. You have to ask to go to the toilet, and there's a person with a paper in front of the toilet where you have to put information, and you get toilet paper from the reception. 
I sometimes use Google Translate at school to understand, but it's not easy. 

Sep/Oct here it's even cold in the morning, not as cold as in Estonia, but chilly nonetheless. I should have brought more clothes that aren't just for winter, but I sometimes borrow my sister's clothes when needed. 

5. Open mic – first impressions, food, culture, people, music, etc. 
Spaniards like Estonian chocolate! 
My favorite foods are chanquetes, croquetas, torta de chocolate, crema de calabacín