What is a host family and 6 tips for living with one
Finally decided to come to Spain to to study Spanish?
That's brilliant news! You've overcome the hardest part of the challenge: taking the leap and deciding to travel abroad.
Now it's time to get the rest of your trip in order, starting with finding accommodation.
But there's no need to worry!
If you decide to study at a school, the centers usually offer the possibility of accessing different types of accommodation:
- Shared flats with other students.
- Individual flats.
- Host family stay.
If you opt for the third option, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a very enriching experience by sharing your stay in Spain with an authentic spanish family.
Keep reading because in this article we'll tell you everything you need to know about Spanish host families .
Let's begin! 😉
What is a host family
First of all, let’s make sure we are all clear about what the word "host" or “anfitriona”?
A host is someone who welcomes guests into their home.
Thus, a host family is a family that welcomes foreign students, studying in the city, into their home.
Our school is in Valenciaa wonderful city to learn Spanish in which is extremely popular and loved among foreigners.
Do you dare to visit?
Who can be a host family
You might be wondering what you need to become a host family for foreign students.
Well you're in luck because it's easy peasy!
We’ll summarise it for you in just 5 points:
- Any family it can be. You can have oneacan become a host family. It’s okay if you have children or if you have none at all. It’s okay if you are a single mother or father. It doesn’t matter what neighbourhood you live in, if your family is young or old…
- All you need to be able to offer students is a room with its own bed, a wardrobe, and a study space like at a table or desk. The room can be individual or shared.
- You’ll need to offer basic services: food, kitchen utensils, shower, maintenance, etc.
- From time to time you'll need to try and involve students in Spanish culture such as: make some typically Valencian food, take a walk through the city center, strike up conversations... The most important thing is that students feel as if they are part of the family.
- Hosts must always respect the culture of the guest and the country from which they come.
La Tolerance and the desire to live alongside other cultures is very important.
As you can see, it’s very simple! All you need is to be polite y offer basic household services .😊
Volunteer Families
Volunteer families do not receive economic interest for hosting students.
They can however receive help for living expenses.
These families host students because they simply love cultural exchange with people from other countries.
They usually get very involved, love to talk with students, take them to activities or show them around the city or to nearby towns.
The stays with the volunteer families are usually short.
Paid Families
paid families in Spain they do receive money and usually welcome studentsiantes throughout the academic year, which can last up to a year or even longer.
Benefits of becoming a host family
Coming to live in Spain with a host family is a very nice and enriching experience for students.
There is no better way to learn and understand a foreign culture than living with people who are native to that country, right?
Both students and families find living together a rewarding experience:
- You'll have the chance to meet people from other countries.
Living with a host family will give you the opportunity to open your mind and experience things in a new light, in ways you've never seen before.
- You will have the chance to develop your social skills.
Living with people from other countries requires a little more effort when communication than if you were living with people from your own country.
- You can make friendships that will last a lifetime and later visit new friends in their home countries.
- Best of all, you will learn a new language!
How to become a host family in Spain
Generally, there are a series of protocols in Spain for families who wish to become a host family .
There are different agencies and schools that carefully select host families.
Usually, host families will need to fill out a form with data about their house: the location of the house, the number of rooms, how many can stay, the distance from the house to the school where the student will study, etc.
Additionally, an agency or school worker will come to the home to ensure that the information is correct and interview each family member.
If the assessment goes well, the family will be accepted as a host family.
El center or agency are in contact at all times with the family to guide it, just as they also help the studentianyou in any doubt or problem you may have.
How much do they pay to host students?ianforeigners at home is information that we cannot really specify, because in each agency or center the price is different.
6 Tips for Living with a Host Family
Now you have all the information you need to know about hosting, you’re ready to start your adventure and begin your stay in Spain with a native family.
Next, we're going to give you 6 tips for living with a familythat will make your stay here phenomenal, you'll be like another member of the family.
1. Creating a positive relationship at home
Tu family abroad they will host you in their house without knowing you, even many will do it voluntarily without receiving an economic benefit.
Show them your gratitude by being kind: strike up conversations with your new family, get involved in their daily activities, take an interest in their lives, tell them about your classes, your teachers, your classmates, what you have done that day...
By making these small initial conversations you will become more confident.
So that later you'll be able to talk about anything with your Spanish family.
Don't worry if your Spanish level isn't very advanced, smiling is a universal language and will help you start conversing in Spanish... poco a poco.
Incorporating basic words like “buenos días”, “hasta luego”, “que aproveche” o “gracias” will help your Spanish family feel comfortable around you.
If you feel like studying a bit of Spanish before arriving in Spain, take a look at this article, The most useful phrases in Spanish, to travel around Spain where you can learn how to greet, say goodbye and thank in Spanish. All of which will be a great help around the home! 😉
2. Gifts for your host family
You'll need to spend lots of money on gifts... Just joking!! 😀
Un It's the thought that counts!Why not bring your family something typical from your home country, wine, ingredients to make a meal, clothes...
You don't need to spend a lot of money or buy something really original.
As we say in Spain, ‘lo importante es el detalle’.
3. Follow the rules
There is families that have stricter rules than others. We can't tell you what the rules will be in each household because each family is different.
Don't worry, the key is to be respectful. 😉
What we can give you is some general advice:
- Be clean and tidy.
- Don't leave your dishes in the sink for a long time.
- Do not play music at night or talk on the phone or video call late at night.
- Do not take anyone home without the consent of the family.
These movies are basic rulesfor living together harmoniously. Surely this is more than enough to ensure a happy living space in your new home.
Respecttime schedules and mealtimes
This point is closely linked to the previous one.
Here in Spain, we love eating together. If you always have your lunch or dinner at a different time to your host family, they will think that you're not interested in them.
Try to making your family some food or spending mealtimes with them from time to time and your relationship with your new family will improve a lot.
It is normal to eat out sometimes. No doubt you will make many friends and start to make lots of plans together.
In this case, keep your family up to date and let them know if you are going to be home late, let them know so they don't need to worry about you.
5. Communicate with your host family
Stereotypically Spaniards are known for being talkative. Right?
Well, it depends on the person, but the truth is thatin general we love to talk. 😀
We like people who express themselves and share their thoughts and stories with us.
Perhaps in your culture opening up takes a bit more time, but here you can do it practically from the get go.
A good time to make a connection with your host family is during mealtime.
Sharing memories around the table together brings people closer together and these little conversation are perfect for practicing Spanish and learning new words.
Tell them how your Spanish classes are going, the plans you have with your friends for the weekend, etc. Don't be embarrassed!
In addition, speaking at home you will hear many expressions and everyday phrases.ianso they are not in the books.
6. Cultural differences
Enjoy the cultural exchange. Don't be afraid to try new things.
The unknown is not better or worse, it is simply different.
Local food? Yes! Trynew things!
Knowing new cultures will help you learn and open your mind to new experiences.
Make the most of this experience! So that once it's over, you will be able to say that you learned, experienced and enjoyed it a lot!
We hope that these tips will help you during your stay.
En Hispania, escuela de español, we would be delighted to join you on you Spanish adventure by offering you the option to get to know Spanish culture with our Spanish courses as well as our host families.
Article written by Carlos Martínez for Hispania, escuela de español
More articles
