Staying with a host family is one of the best ways to experience everyday life in Spain and to practise Spanish every day. A few simple tips help students and families get off to a good start.

Before arrival

Share allergies, dietary needs and medical information in advance, so the family can prepare.
Send a short message to introduce yourself, if the family’s contact details are shared before departure.
A small gift from your home country is a nice way to say thank you on the first day.

Meal times

Spanish meal times may take some getting used to. Lunch is often the main meal and is eaten later than in many other countries, and dinner rarely starts before 21:00. Let the family know in good time if you will not be home for a meal.

House rules

Every family has its own habits. On the first day, ask about keys, times to be home, the use of the kitchen and washing machine, and showers. Water and energy are precious in Valencia’s warm climate, so short showers and switching off the air conditioning when leaving the room are appreciated.

Communication

Talk to the family: about your day, your internship and your plans. Do not worry about mistakes; most host families are used to students and are happy to help with Spanish. If something is not clear or does not feel right, say so politely and early.

Respect and independence

Keep your room tidy and help with small tasks, like clearing the table.
Ask before inviting friends to the house.
Tell the family if you will be late or stay overnight elsewhere, in line with the rules agreed with your school.

Who to contact

If a problem comes up that cannot be solved with the family, students contact their local coordinator. Our team selects and visits host families ourselves and stays reachable during the whole stay. Read more about how we look after students.