What if I don’t speak much Spanish?
Don’t worry too much about the language. Families have a lot of experience and are very patient. They will slow down and use the dictionary or a translation app when needed. Using nonverbal cues and body language can help, too.
Should I bring a gift for my host family?
Students normally like to bring their host families a small gift from their hometown. This is not mandatory, but it’s always appreciated. Alternatively, some students purchase small gifts such as sweets or flowers during the first days of the semester.
What if I lose the keys?
You are responsible for communicating to Syracuse and to your host family that the keys given to you were lost or stolen. You are also responsible for the costs of replacing the lock and keys. You must avoid carrying a physical copy of your home address along with your keys.
I heard that Spaniards can be loud and direct. What does this mean for me?
Many Spaniards are very direct and honest. They love to debate just about anything and can sound very passionate in conversation. Sometimes, students perceive that their host family members are yelling at them; however, it may simply be their way of communicating. Many Spaniards believe that it’s better to talk right away about problems that surface rather than letting them snowball.
Who will I share the home with?
Spaniards are family-oriented. It’s not unusual to find a grandmother and 30-year-old host siblings living under the same roof. Families can vary from a single working professional to a family with several generations living together.
Can I close my bedroom door?
If you close the door to your bedroom when you are at home, this may send a message to the other family member(s) that you’d rather be left alone. Students are encouraged to communicate and build a relationship as part of their homestay experience abroad. Joining them in the living room or the kitchen is always a nice way of participating in family life; however, due to COVID-19 restrictions, we strongly encourage you to use face masks in common areas.
Will I share a bedroom with my roommate?
Yes, some students will share a double bedroom with a roommate. This is especially likely for those whose request to be together was mutual.
Will people come into my bedroom?
Your room will be cleaned at least once a week. That means someone will go into your room to clean, sweep, and dust. You’re expected to keep your bedroom tidy.
Can I walk around the house barefoot?
You’re expected to use house slippers or flip flops, as in Spain it’s considered rude to walk around the house barefoot.
Can I have a friend over/spend the night?
No. Students should know that Syracuse Madrid prohibits daytime visitors and overnight guests in the host family home. When this is reported by the host family, it could result in expulsion from the host family’s home at the student’s expense, among other consequences.
Will I have a curfew?
There is no curfew at your homestay so you’re asked to exercise common sense. Take off your high heels when coming back late, don’t slam doors, and try not to be noisy. Most Spaniards live in apartment buildings with thin walls. Be respectful of family members and neighbors. After 11pm, be sure not to speak loudly and disturb others.
At what time should I stop playing music or talking (loudly) with my roommate?
Quiet hours are strictly observed after 11pm. Furthermore, students staying in individual rooms in the same homestay are asked to respect their roommate’s quiet hours from 11pm to 8am.
What will the neighbors of my host family be like?
It’s hard to say for sure, but do know that neighbors will greet each other in the stairwells of the building. Saying good morning or good afternoon is a common courtesy at the building entrance or elevator.
What is a typical Spanish breakfast like?
It is common that you will be served a continental-style breakfast, which could include: coffee, milk, juice, toast, small cookies, or fruit. Sometimes, you will find that your host family may prepare your breakfast ahead of time and may not be present at the table.
What should I expect at the dinner table?
Spanish families will show good manners at the dinner table. For example, eating with fingers or stretching or yawning at the dinner table are not acceptable. At the beginning, it could be shocking for you to see how the members of the family peel their apples or pears before eating. You don’t need to do the same, but don’t be surprised.
Should I help the host family to cook or clean?
It’s nice to offer help to clear the table, but the kitchen is usually considered the host’s space so you should ask in advance if you’d like to prepare a special meal. Generally, however, you won’t be allowed to cook.
What if I don’t like what they cook?
In Spain, it’s not considered rude or offensive to tell the host mom that you don’t like what you’re eating. In fact, it’s better to be upfront about it. If you pretend to like something, your host is probably going to continue preparing it for you.
Is it true they eat a lot of fish and olive oil in Spain?
Host families are very proud of their cooking and believe that the Mediterranean diet is a very healthy one. Spaniards do eat a lot of fresh fish and use olive oil with almost absolutely everything. Your host families will respect your preferences, but don’t be surprised if you see more seafood than you’re used to.
Will I be forced to eat red meat and fish?
Your host family will respect your dietary choices and restrictions.
Should I notify anyone in advance if I’m not going home for dinner?
Students have to consider that the host family has been cooking dinner, and it could be considered rude not to show up without informing anyone. Be sure to notify your host family as soon as you suspect you won’t be able to make it.
What time will we eat dinner?
Spaniards tend to have dinner late, around 8:30-10:30pm. A usual lunchtime is 2–3pm, and bedtime is often as late as midnight. You can negotiate dinner time with your host family at the beginning of the semester.
How long will dinner be?
Spanish families take mealtime seriously, and they sit down to relax and enjoy it. A normal dinner can take over an hour, and it will probably be followed by a sobremesa, a conversation around the dinner table. The TV will often be on in the background, but that doesn’t necessarily mean anyone is watching.
What if I am hungry in between mealtimes?
For students in homestays, it is important to ask when it is best to enter the kitchen or common areas for snacking. By asking if it is okay to use their kitchen utensils, plates, cups, or napkins, you are respecting their space and property. Typically, fruit will be offered as a snack, but any other food for snacking should be purchased and cleaned up by the student. Delivery items cannot be ordered to your homestay location.
Will my host family take out the trash and recycling?
As mentioned in the Housing Guidelines, your family will be responsible for depositing the general family waste created from regular meal times. However, please keep in mind that any waste related to snacking is your responsibility. You will notice that your host family will likely separate plastics, organic waste, glass, and paper waste apart from general waste or “desechos en general.”
To what extent do I need to monitor my electricity use?
It is important to keep in mind that electric bills in Spain are expensive, especially if utilities are not monitored well. Turning off the lights when you exit a room and go to bed is considered the norm. Unplugging electronics that are not in use is also considerate.
Can I take a shower every day?
Due to Spain’s very dry climate, students are asked to limit their showers to one per day and prior to 11pm. Spaniards are very conscious of water consumption so they’ll often shower instead of taking a bath, and they’ll turn the water on and off as needed. Observe and imitate this mindful use of water as your host family will expect this. Most students will join a gym and take advantage of the facilities to take a second shower.
How often will my clothes be washed?
One of the host family’s responsibilities is to do your laundry once a week. All the host family homes are equipped with a washing machine. You may be surprised to learn that most of them don’t use dryers. The climate is very dry in central Spain, and clothes are line-dried. Keep your clean clothes inside the closet. It’s understandably frustrating for your hosts to find the clothes that they have washed and ironed balled up on the floor. Keep dirty clothes off the floor and in a hamper.
Will I have Internet access at home?
Yes, you will. Don’t necessarily expect the same speed as in the U.S. Internet access at home may be limited to the host family’s criteria. After 11pm, it is not permitted to play videos out loud or make phone calls (apart from emergencies).
Where should I study?
You can study at your host family’s home if you choose. Discuss where is the best place to study with your host family; this will most likely be your room. You can also study at the library in our building, and there are many cafes and coworking spaces all around the city. Alternatively, visit the beautiful parks in the city! Wherever you study, just be cautious; never leave your computer or belongings unattended at any time.