How we select our host families
In the entry “OUR FAMILIES, GUARANTEE OF SUCCESS”, we gave you the keys to selecting the best Spanish families: being exceptional people and meeting the requirements of the program. We will not discuss here the bureaucracy or the steps we take (if you are interested in this information feel free to contact our Head of International Projects and Sales), but we will highlight the values that the families need to share: tolerance and respect, discipline and the willingness to teach/share a language and culture.
As previously mentioned, our cultural differences may cause confusion and misunderstandings. From day one, both the family and the student will need to establish some ground rules of respect and tolerance in order to guarantee a pleasant coexistence for all. Greetings, displays of affection, personal space within the room, spare time… are some of the issues to discuss here and compromise. In addition, the student must feel like part of the family, participating in group activities and outings, meetings or field trips that a family may decide to host.
Discipline and the rules of the house also need to be clear from the start. The student must know and respect the meal times, the order for cleaning and laundry, shower times, curfew… An inappropriate conduct cannot be justified by a misunderstanding or a cultural difference. Manners are a universal rule which we all must share.
Another key factor that we take into account when we select a host family is their willingness to teach their native language, English or Spanish. The family members need to be patient with the foreign student and have a positive attitude towards the difficulties of learning a new language. Language immersion is the most effective way to learn a new language, as it is learned through its customs and culture. If we love that new culture, we will also love its language and it will take no effort to learn it.
If you need further information, feel free to download our Manual for Host Families. We will be delighted to answer any of your questions.