Tips for Living with a Host Family in Spain

Living with a host family is the absolute best way to make the most out of travels abroad because it allows you to get a firsthand view of local culture and get involved with it yourself. But that doesn’t mean that living with a host family in a foreign country can’t have it’s challenges. After living with two host families in Argentina for five weeks and a family in Spain for four months, here are some of my tips. Some can apply to staying with a host family in any country, but some are more specific to Spain.

1. Always do your best to communicate and ask questions if something’s unclear.

If you’re planning to travel one weekend, let the family know. If you’re going to meet up with friends, especially for a meal, let the family know with advanced notice so they’re not cooking for you. Communication is key, and if you’re ever unsure of something, it’s good to ask. Language barriers can certainly make things confusing sometimes, so it’s always better to try to over communicate to prevent misunderstandings.

2. If the family doesn’t go over any house rules with you, ask.

Luckily, my study abroad program had the families sit us down on the first day to go over house rules. That way we knew right off the bat what was expected of us. If your host family doesn’t go over any house rules, then you should ask so you don’t unknowingly break any later!

 3. Don’t ask to invite any friends over.

Spanish culture revolves so much around being outside, that people really only invite family and extremely close friends over to their homes. This might be frustrating in some ways, but I think it helps to force you outside and into the city where you’re living. Have a picnic with friends in the park, pregame the discoteca with drinks by the river. There are plenty of things to do with friends outside of the home.

4. Keep energy use to a minimum.

At night, my host mom’s apartment would always be pitch black because she only kept lights on in the room she was currently in. Do the same with your host family. Make sure to turn off lights, fans, power strips, etc. Limit showers to less than 10 minutes (less than 5 is even better!). Utility costs in Spain can be very high, so that’s why Spaniards are so mindful of this and will expect you to be too.

5. Don’t waste food.

My host mom would always give us huge meals for both lunch and dinner. I did get into the habit of eating it all, but I would get so stuffed. If you can’t eat it all, it’s important to let the family know and ask if you can save the rest for your next meal.

Have you stayed with a host family abroad? What are your tips?

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