Andre shared his experience of living in Spain during his exchange program this past school year, where he initially felt isolated but eventually formed close friendships with other exchange students from various countries. He described his experience playing on a basketball team that won their league and moved up to the first division, allowing them to travel around Spain. Andre explained that he was based in Galicia, a region that remained culturally unchanged over the centuries, and while he could communicate in Spanish, he felt there was still room for improvement in his language skills. He noted that while Galician is spoken by some elderly people, Spanish is the dominant language.

Andre shared his experience with Galician culture and cuisine where he encountered a different culinary culture than what he expected. He initially struggled with the lack of seasoning in the food but eventually learned to appreciate high-quality, unadorned ingredients. Andre also discussed his daily routine, which included small breakfasts, late lunches, and dinners, and he noted the influence of siesta culture on local business hours. He formed close friendships with other exchange students and spent time exploring Spanish festivals and landmarks, particularly in the northern regions.

Andre shared advice for a young person preparing for an exchange program, emphasizing the importance of being open-minded and adaptable.