5 Essential Tips for Living with a Host Family in Spain

By: Abigail Walz

Living with a host family is one of the most unique and rewarding aspects of studying abroad. It offers an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, improve your language skills, and build lasting relationships. However, it’s not always easy, and there are a few challenges that can come with the experience. To help you make the most of your time living with a host family in Spain, here are five essential tips to keep in mind!

1. Bring Thoughtful Gifts from Home

It's natural to feel a bit nervous before arriving in Spain, wondering whether you'll click with your host family or feel at ease in their home. One great way to break the ice and show appreciation right from the start is by bringing a small gift from your home country. This gesture doesn’t need to be expensive, but it’s a meaningful way to share a bit of your background and start a conversation.

For example, when I arrived in Spain, I brought my host family a Wisconsin license plate keychain and a bag of Door County coffee—something local and meaningful to my hometown. I also gifted them a handmade cutting board, which not only felt personal but was also practical. It’s a great way to introduce a piece of your culture while making your host family feel special.

2. Show Gratitude (It Goes a Long Way!)

It may seem obvious, but expressing gratitude consistently is key to building strong, positive relationships with your host family. They’re welcoming you into their home, providing meals, and helping you adjust to life in Spain, so showing appreciation for their hospitality will go a long way.

Simple acts like saying "please" and "thank you" are essential. But it’s also important to be proactive and offer to help around the house. For instance, you can clean dishes after meals, help with laundry, or sweep the floor. In Spanish culture, food is especially important, so make sure to compliment their cooking and show appreciation for the effort they put into preparing meals.

These small, thoughtful actions can go a long way in making your stay more enjoyable and showing that you truly value their hospitality.

3. Be Patient – With Yourself and Your Host Family

Living with a host family is a learning experience for everyone, and it’s important to be patient with yourself as you navigate language barriers and cultural differences. Even if you already speak Spanish, conversations with your host family may feel challenging at first, especially when you encounter regional dialects and local slang.

Don’t be afraid to ask them to repeat themselves or explain unfamiliar terms. Your host family knows you’re learning, so they’ll be patient with you. Likewise, Spanish conversation topics may feel different from what you're used to in the U.S. What may seem awkward in an American context could be totally normal in Spain—so approach these conversations with an open mind.

And remember, it's perfectly fine if your Spanish isn’t perfect. The goal of your homestay is to improve your language skills and fully experience the culture, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself.

4. Keep Your Advisors in the Loop

Staying with a host family is a unique experience, and it’s common to have questions or even face challenges. If anything seems unusual or you’re unsure about certain cultural practices or behaviors, don't hesitate to reach out to your study abroad advisors.

Your advisors can offer guidance if you're dealing with misunderstandings or if something doesn’t seem quite right. Sometimes cultural differences can cause minor issues, but it’s always better to talk things through and get some perspective. If you’re feeling uncomfortable or have concerns, talking to your advisors is a great way to resolve issues before they escalate.

5. Avoid Comparing Your Experience to Others

Every homestay experience is different, and each family has its own dynamic. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing your time with your host family to others, but this often leads to unnecessary stress and disappointment. Keep in mind that what works for one student may not work for you, and vice versa.

Sharing funny stories or discussing challenges with fellow exchange students can be helpful, but avoid comparing your experience directly to theirs. Every host family is unique, and your experience is yours to shape. Embrace your own journey without comparing it to someone else’s and allow yourself to enjoy the experience for what it is.         

Final Thoughts

Living with a host family in Spain is an amazing opportunity to grow personally, academically, and culturally. By following these tips—bringing thoughtful gifts, showing consistent gratitude, practicing patience, keeping your advisors informed, and avoiding comparisons—you’ll create lasting memories and build meaningful connections with your host family.

Overall, I feel incredibly lucky to have had such a positive experience with my Spanish family. I've been able to save money on food, try delicious local dishes, improve my Spanish skills, and make lifelong friends. I hope these tips will help you have an unforgettable study abroad experience with your host family as well!

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