Amazing homestay experience in Cádiz, Spain

Athena (was Summerfuel) Cádiz was the first time I traveled abroad without my family. I was 15-years old and it was the first summer I did not return to the sleep away summer camp I had gone to for many years. In Cádiz, I got to stay with a local family and one other student from America. My roommate and I developed such a strong bond with our host family that we have actually gone back to Cádiz a handful of times since the end of our program to visit them. We also still call our host parents "mama" and "papa". One of my favorite memories was our Sunday family beach day. Each Sunday, we packed up the car and drove across the city to my "parents'" favorite beach and had a little picnic while we enjoyed the beautiful coastline of Andalusia. I also enjoyed the activities built into our summer calendars such as flamenco classes, the tapas tour, and World Cup watch parties that Summerfuel organized for us so we could take part in cheering on the Spanish National team. I came out of this summer (summer 2010) with numerous new friendships, a new sense of independence and interest in adventure, and a fervent love for Spain. I can't recommend this program enough. Homestay is the way to go!!