Housing

Living with a host family is an integral part of the program and can be a very rewarding experience. Families not only provide full room, board and laundry services, but they also provide an opportunity to practice Spanish extensively outside of the classroom in addition to a unique insider's glimpse into Spanish culture not easily replicated by any other experience. Spanish host families are carefully screened and monitored by the on-site staff. During orientation and through orientation materials, students are given guidelines to help them successfully integrate with their host families.  

The best part of it all was getting to know my host family! They have been so gracious in teaching me about their city as well as putting up with all of my Spanish fumbles this semester. 

 

—Maecy, Spring 2023.

 

My favorite part of the experience so far besides getting to travel all around Europe has been cultivating a relationship with my host mom 

— Allison, Spring 2023.

 

They have incorporated me into their family and have made my time here something I will never forget. We have had movie nights, crafting nights and hang out together every evening after dinner. 

— Lisa, Spring 2023.

We are aware that living with a host family is intimidating at first, but it becomes one of the highlights for students during their time abroad.   

Most host families that work with the TTU Sevilla Center have worked as host families for over five years. Some of them have been working with TTU since it started back in 2001!  

Before housing students, the host families go through a thorough screening and interview process with the staff.  During the semester, students will periodically fill out housing evaluations making sure we have the best host families available.   
  
The TTU Sevilla Center housing coordinator does the job of pairing the student with a family that best accommodates their needs, prioritizing dietary requirements and roommate requests among other details that they provide in a pre-departure questionnaire.

What to expect from a Host family?   

The host family experience gives you a front row seat to their way of living and provides a deep understanding of the Spanish culture.   

In Spain, mealtimes are a bit different from the U.S. and even the rest of Europe:   

• Breakfast can be anywhere from 7:30 a.m. to around 12:00 p.m.  Most Spaniards usually have a small breakfast early, then go to a café later in the morning for a “café con leche” and toast.  
• Lunch goes from around 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and is typically the largest meal of the day. 
  Between lunch and dinner an afternoon snack is also common, this mini-meal is known as a “merienda”.   
• Dinner varies from house to house, but typically is served from around 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.  
• After a meal it’s common for families to sit and just chat about their day or anything current that is happening, this is known as a “sobremesa”.   
• Spoon meals like soups and stews are very popular in Spain. Mostly during the winter to help nourish while warming up.     
• Your host family will be informed of your schedule and they can pack you a to-go lunch for excursions or days that you are not able to eat at home due to scheduling conflicts.   

Some other common Spanish family characteristics:  

• It’s not uncommon for them to have the TV on in the background while eating. 
• If your host mom sees you with wet hair after showering, you will be given a hairdryer! It’s not common in winter to let your hair dry naturally.  
• It is not common to see families meeting up with friends inside the house due to the smaller house sizes. But there are times that they might for a birthday or something similar.   
• You might get hooked on Pasapalabra, El Cazador or whichever popular game show the host family may watch during the evening.   
• Host families are very energy conscious. They do not like to waste water or leave lights on upon leaving a room.