Many of our students choose to stay with a host family because, what better way to fully immerse in the Spanish culture rather than living with real locals! Whilst it could be exciting and helpful in terms of improving your language, there are many things to look out for. Here we have 4 biggest tips from our students for what to do and not do in a Spanish host family.
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Be respectful
Whilst Spanish families are open (that’s why they chose to host students), be mindful that they also have their space and that it is their house you are staying at. Especially if you come from a different continent like Asia or America, you should pay even more attention as Spaniards might have a very different culture, hence might do things very differently! Respect their culture and routines as much as you would like them to respect you.
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Be open-minded
Be adaptable as not everything will be done in the way that you want. New food, new language, new routines – don’t be like a typical person from where you come from, but try to be a Spanish or wherever from where you are staying! You will learn how one problem could be solved in different ways – which might prove useful to you in the future!
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Communicate
Host families want to connect with students from different cultures, therefore, they will welcome it when you speak to them! It could be anything – your day, your school, your experience, where have you travelled, etc. Spaniards are all about making relationships, and what you can do is show that you are interested in getting to know them too!
“In my first day, I couldn’t speak a Spanish word to my host family. Yesterday evening, I spent 20 minutes talking to my host mother entirely in Spanish. She has helped me so much in improving my Spanish – so don’t be shy and just speak loads!” – Antonia
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Don’t be shy to say something was wrong
In stead of trying to solve it yourself, speak up and ask for help when you feel you need it. There is no shame in asking for help. A host family is not only just a place to sleep and eat your three meals a day, but it could well be your second home if you make it be. Be honest if you don’t like the food, for example. Your host family definitely wants to make your experience the best it could be, therefore if anything happens to you, they will want to help. Your host family is there for you and you should make the most out of it!
When you study a Spanish course with Spark, you have an opportunity to stay with a host family. Make the most out of it by communicating, getting to know your host, be polite and overall enjoy your time living like a Spaniard. I am sure you will miss it when you come home after the summer!
