Your Spanish Host Family

Welcome!

• All of the host families are excited to have you in their homes.
• When you arrive, make yourself at home and unpack your suitcase. You will receive a house key.

“Spain is different”

You may notice that in the Spanish home:

• Spaces are smaller.
• No clothes dryers.
• Air-conditioning not common.
• Smaller furniture.
• Smaller refrigerators.

Bedrooms

• Once a week the lady of the house will wash your sheets and towels.
• The cleanliness of the room is your responsibility.

Those Crazy Foreigners!

It may be odd for Spaniards that some foreigners:

• Sleep on top of the covers.
• Do not open windows or doors to air out their rooms.
• Spend a lot of time in their bedrooms.
• Go barefoot and do not wear slippers in the house.

Meals

• Breakfast and dinner are provided. Lunch is on your own.
• Speak with your host to set a time for dinner.
• If you are not going to be home, let your family know.
• Talk with your host about what you can and cannot eat.
• If you have to or want to eat special ingredients and food, you must buy them.

Communication

• Your host wants to know you! (don’t be shy or let your lack of Spanish get in the way. That’s why you are here).
• Mention your plans regularly (you are an adult, but they will worry about you).
• Ask before inviting guests over.
• Tell them if you are feeling ill (they can help get you to the doctor if you need to).

Norms

• You have your own set of keys to the house. Make sure to take care of them (if you lose, you are responsible to replace the keys and locks – and it might be expensive).
• The washing machine is included, so you can do your laundry once a week, but ask before using it.
• There is no curfew, but respect that there people sleeping. Please be quiet when you come home at late hours.

Last note

We hope you have a wonderful stay and experience with us at TANDEM. If you have any questions or comments, just talk to Reception when you come to class.