YOUR SPANISH HOST FAMILY

WELCOME!

• All of the host families are excited to have your in their homes

• When you arrive, make yourself at home and unpack your suitcase. You will receive a house key.

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Types of families and homes

• Single parent

• Traditional families with two parents and children

• Older women who live alone

• Retired couples

• All of the families in Madrid live in flats that are small to medium size. No one lives in a stand-alone house.

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"Spain is different"

You may notice that in the Spanish home:

• Spaces are smaller

• No clothes dryers

• Air-conditioning not common

• Smaller furniture

• Smaller refrigerators

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Bedrooms • Each bedroom is shared with another participant in your program

• The cleanliness of the room is your responsibility

• Once a week the lady of the house will wash your sheets and towels

• Its your responsibility to keep your room organized and put together.

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Those crazy Americans!

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It may be odd for Spaniards that some Americans: • Sleep on top of the covers

• Do not open windows or doors to air out their rooms

• Spend a lot of time in their bedrooms

• Go barefoot and do not wear slippers in the house.

Meals

• Breakfast and dinner are provided. Lunch is on your own

• Speak with your host to set a time for dinner.

• If you are not going to be home, let your family know

• Talk with your host about what you can and cannot eat. If you have to or want to eat special ingredients and food, you must buy them.

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Communication

• Your host wants to know you! (don’t be shy or let your lack of Spanish get in the way. It´s why you are here!)

• Mention your plans regularly (you are an adult, but they will worry about you!)

• Ask before inviting guests over

• Tell them if you are feeling ill (they can help get you to the doctor if need be)

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Norms

• You have your own set of keys to the house. Make sure to take care of them (if you lose, you are responsible to replace the keys and locks – this is very expensive!)

• The washing machine is included, so you can do your laundry once a week, but ask before using

• There is no curfew, but respect that there people sleeping. Please be quiet when you come home at late hours.

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Last note

• We hope you have a wonderful stay and experience with us at TANDEM. If you have any questions or comments, just talk to Reception when you come to class.

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visit www.tandemmadrid.com/studyabroad