For many who study abroad, there is generally a decision (amongst many) that has to be made. You must make that crucial decision as to whether or not you want to live with a host family. Oftentimes, this choice is overlooked because living with a family abroad presents its fair share of challenges. There’s the idea that a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living room will need to be shared with people with whom you are unfamiliar. There’s the thought that night time will need to be spent politely and quietly, so as not to disturb those who live in the house. Then, of course, there’s that idea that you will live with people who do not speak your native language. While I agree that these challenges are valid, and most likely will occur, I do not agree that they should deter anyone from gaining the experience of living with a host family.
Last semester, Fall 2015, I was lucky enough to study abroad in Madrid, Spain. While there, I lived with a host family and five roommates. Your initial thought may be, wow five roommates, but that is hardly the most surprising. My host family itself consisted of my host mother, father, grandmother, two teenage brothers, a baby girl and a dog. While there were certainly moments that were rather… hectic, to say the least, I wouldn’t have traded my experience for the world.
My host family allowed me to be a part of the Spanish culture.
There are many cultural differences between Europe and the United States. I had been prepared for a few, but I couldn’t have been prepared for all of them. With my host family, I learned some crucial things about the Spanish culture:
- No bare feet! Slippers are a must
- Forget about 6:30 dinner, Spanish dinner is strictly after 8 pm
- Dinner and lunchtimes are family times – everyone comes home and sits together… no matter what
- It doesn’t matter how poorly or well you speak Spanish, they just want to hear you try
My host family provided me with the most authentic experiences.
You know when you go somewhere new, and you just don’t know where to go or what to do? Your host family can help. On Columbus Day, or Fiesta Nacional de España, we were given the day off of school. One of my friends’ host moms had told her about a parade in the city –- apparently we were about to experience one of the biggest days of the year in Spain. We couldn’t find any results or information about this parade online, but we went because her host mom had suggested it. The parade wasn’t advertised on the Internet because it didn’t need to be. There were hundreds of natives cheering “Viva España!” and waving their flags. I was actually part of a completely authentic experience. That parade ended up being my favorite day of my entire study abroad experience. Thanks Host Mom!
My host family gave me opportunities to speak Spanish.
Let’s face it, even when most people speak English, it is still important to know at least some of the native language of the country in which you are studying. My host mother was always so patient, and had no problem repeating herself to help me better understand. One time, I had to ask my host mom for toilet paper, and awkwardly “uh… uh… uh… papel de… uh” for five minutes before we finally understood each other.
My host family provided with me a home.
When homesickness hits, it can often come on very strong. Although my host family couldn’t completely heal the pain of missing my own family, it made an incredible difference just being with people who love and cared about me. Practicing speaking with the boys, or listening to the two-year-old babble in baby Spanish provided just enough happiness for some of the worst days.
So, next time you’re faced with the decision of whether or not to live with a host family, take my word…. SAY YES. I would argue that my study abroad experience wouldn’t have been as special if I hadn’t lived with my host family. I learned a lot, laughed a lot, and cried a lot (when I had to say goodbye). So here’s a special thanks to my Spanish home for making Spain just a little bit better.
