On February 16, 2025, I took part in the Erasmus+ programme. Together with my classmate Bára Chaloupková, we flew that evening to Málaga, Spain, where we were picked up by our host families. Berja, the town where we stayed, is about a two-hour drive from Málaga.
For the entire following week, we attended the local high school, IES Sierra de Gádor. The classes there are completely different from what we’re used to in the Czech Republic. Students are free to engage in lessons at their own pace. Interestingly, one lesson in Spain lasts 60 minutes. Instead of a regular bell, a song plays to mark the end of each class. During the song, students must move to their next classroom. They are not allowed to use the bathrooms during these short breaks, as they are locked. That means they can only go during lessons. After the first three periods, there’s a 30-minute break for a snack and a quick walk around the school grounds with friends.
During the second week, we went on several trips. First, students from other countries—Italy, Ireland, and France—arrived. We gave a short presentation about our country and took part in an icebreaker game to get to know each other. We visited the Tabernas Desert (where Indiana Jones was filmed), the Cabo de Gata National Park, the Alhambra, and the city of Granada. Every single place was absolutely magical—each more beautiful than the last. I also went on trips with my host family, for example to Almería and Almerimar.
I bonded with my host family incredibly well. They were kind, generous, helpful, and very talkative—which was perfect for me. My host girl, named Mía, and I hit it off immediately, and we became great friends. Spaniards in general are very kind and friendly, and I’m extremely grateful for this amazing experience. It definitely wasn’t my last time in Spain, and it wasn’t the last time I saw Mía and her family either. I would absolutely recommend the Erasmus programme to everyone—it really broadened my horizons, and the experience was simply unforgettable.
We asked...
01
Why would you recommend your classmates to participate in the Erasmus+ programme and what advice would you have for them?
It’s a great way to see how families live in a completely different culture. It also helps you become more independent and gain many new experiences. You’ll meet new people and make friends from all over the world. My best advice is—don’t be afraid and dive in headfirst. Have fun, meet people, and don’t be shy!
02
How would you describe your typical day?
I woke up around 7 a.m., followed by my morning routine, breakfast, and heading to the bus stop. The bus took us to school. Since classes didn’t start until 8:10, we would usually meet up with friends before that. Then we had a regular school day that ended at 2:40 p.m. After that, the bus took us back to a stop near my host home. We had lunch with the whole family, and then I had a little free time. Usually, Mía and I would go out in the afternoon—whether for a walk, a chat, or even a longer trip. We usually came home around 8 or 9 in the evening. Dinner was typically served at 10 or even 11 p.m. Then came the evening routine and bedtime!
03
What experiences and highlights from your stay are worth mentioning?
I was absolutely enchanted by the Cabo de Gata National Park—it was simply stunning. Every trip we took is worth mentioning. But I also really enjoyed just hanging out with the girls after school, going out or grabbing coffee. I had very little alone time, only right before bed—but I didn’t mind that at all. Probably the biggest highlight was the carnival. Everyone wore crazy costumes and there was singing, dancing, and laughing in the town square. I’ll remember that evening for a very long time.