Staying with a Host Family – Scary or Sensational?
For some volunteers, the host family stay during the optional seven day Spanish Language Program
in Costa Rica or the Dominican Republic is the most sensational part, while for others, it’s the
scariest part! That is, until they meet their wonderful host family and get immersed in the local
culture! Read some reasons below as to why you should feel more excited than scared about staying
with a host family….
Note - ISV’s optional one week Spanish Language Program takes place prior to the Volunteer Project
in our Latin American host countries. The language and cultural immersion program involves staying
with a host family, and about 60% of all volunteers during the May to September season (mostly
North America and UK volunteers), and a staggering 80+% of our Nov-Feb season (AUS/NZ
volunteers) take part.
So why do some volunteers initially feel that it’s scary to stay with a host family?
1. You’ve never met your host family before. Sure, it’s natural that this will probably make you
a bit nervous! However, don’t worry as ISV staff and our Spanish Language Schools have
met your host family, and we’ve developed great, longstanding relationships with our
professional Spanish program partners for about 10 years now. Our Spanish schools are
responsible for selecting, training and preparing each host family to take special care of ISV’s
volunteers. Chances are, you’d be staying with a family that’s had lots of ISV volunteers
before.
2. You’re worried that they might not speak English. Ok, that’s understandable and a fair
assumption to make; your host family might only speak Spanish. Just remember, the reason
you are here is to learn Spanish, so you’re expected to practice! Chances are your host mom
or family members will understand a few words in English, and never forget the power of
charades! You will be amazed what you can communicate with smiles and hand gestures
alone. Also, before you arrive, pick up a Spanish/English pocket dictionary or download an
App and learn a few basic words to get you started, e.g. hola, gracias, etc.
3. You’re worried about staying on your own. Here’s why we try and place volunteers singly
in homes rather than together on the Spanish Program. First, it spreads the income across
numerous host families (instead of one family getting multiple incomes from multiple
volunteers at the same time). Second, if you stay with your English speaking buddy, you’ll
speak ENGLISH to them, not Spanish. The whole reason you’re there is to learn Spanish,
right? However, sometimes we do need to place volunteers together. You can communicate
your preference to ISV either way if you feel strongly about it. Just remember that you are
only really at the homestay in the morning and at night, so you’ll still have plenty of time to
spend with other English-speaking volunteers at school and during free time so you’ll never
feel really isolated.
4. You are worried about your personal space. It’s customary to get your own room, or to
share a room with a young host family member of the same gender. At all times in the
homestay your personal belongings and space will also be respected.
5. You’re concerned about not liking the food. I promise you, your “mama tica” or madre
Dominicana is way more worried that you’ll like her food than you are! Generally you’ll be
fed LOTS and if you are full, it’s ok to say “delicioso, gracias, pero estoy satisfecho”.
(Delicious, thank you, however I am satisfied). Seriously. As per all ISV programs, if you are
vegetarian that’s no problem, although remember that diets in the DR and Costa Rica are
typically high in carbohydrates (rice and beans, bread, pasta, patacones, etc.) but there will
be fruit, salads and lots of things you will enjoy for breakfast and dinner. Lunch is provided at
the school in the DR, and on your own in Costa Rica. If you have dietary restrictions you need
to be prepared to bring or shop for additional /special items at local shops at your own
expense – your host mom will help you find a store to shop at. This is your first taste
(literally) of local culture, and while the food may be different to what you are used to, that’s
part of the experience. You may even get to help and learn to prepare typical dishes of the
country!
6. What if you just really aren’t happy with your host family? Contact ISV right away. We’ll
immediately work with you to identify what needs to change to make you feel safe and
comfortable, even if that means changing to a new host family. The important thing is that
you communicate your concerns with us right away.
Based on the feedback from all previous ISV groups, your host family stay should be a highlight of
the one-week Spanish Program. The host families are warm, welcoming, experienced and provide
you with a safe, enjoyable and comfortable in which to stay every night. They are also eager to learn
about you and your family back home. Keep in mind that volunteers are guests in their homestay,
and it is essential that volunteers are respectful to their host families and follow the code of ethics
and guidelines that are explained at the orientation meeting by the School. But as mentioned, if at
any time you feel unsafe or unhappy with the arrangement, let ISV and your Spanish School know
immediately and we will help you.
There is no other better way to learn about the real culture of countries but by living with them,
experiencing their everyday life, schedule, diet, activities and time together. This is your chance to
be immersed into the local culture of your host country.
Here’s a few testimonies from our most recent Spanish programs: