Conversa Host Family Handbook

Conversa Host Family Handbook

BEFORE STUDENTS ARRIVE AT YOUR HOME

As a host family, you must know something about your guests. It’s important to open your mind and keep your expectations realistic. So:

  • Be patient! Give your guests some time to adjust to your family. The first few days, you should inform them of the rules in your home to avoid misunderstandings.
  • You can explain how to do some simple household chores or how the appliances in your home work.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask if they need help, and show them where they can find the nearest stores or bank.
  • Make sure your guest spends as much time as possible with your family participating in your activities.
THE ARRIVAL OF STUDENTS AT YOUR HOME

The following will help you feel more comfortable: 

  • Make it clear from the beginning what you want them to call you. 
  • Post a family schedule for lunch, dinner, etc., in a visible place for the student. 
  • Give your guest a copy of the house keys, as well as a sheet with phone numbers so that they can always carry it with them. 
  • Help them feel like a member of the family. 
  • Explain to them where you keep the things they might need.
PREPARE FOR THE ARRIVAL OF YOUR GUEST
  • Learn about the culture your guest comes from. This will help you understand them better.
  • Prepare their room. The little details are what will make them feel at ease.
  • Keep in mind that your family becomes an ambassador of our country, our culture and our customs.
  • Do not hesitate to call us at 611.58.75.47 if you have any questions or need us to clarify anything.
DURING THEIR STAY

 We’ll help you make the adjustment period go well and to make this experience unforgettable, both for your family and your guest. 

  • Your guest is here to get to know the Spanish way of life, so one way to integrate them would be to take them with you to your vacation spot, to your town, or to your casal fallero, if you belong to one.
  • Be alert for signs of fatigue, confusion or any disorder in your guest, as they may be experiencing “culture shock”.
  •  Habits vary from one country to another, so don’t be shy about explaining your family’s culture and habits, and when they will be immersed during their stay in our city.
COMMUNICATION
  • Keep in mind that your guest is learning our language. You might think they’re being harsh or rude, but rest assured, they aren’t trying to be.
  • It’s important that you speak to them smiling. If they don’t understand most of what you say, they might think you’re angry.
  • Try to speak slowly and clearly, without raising the tone of your voice. Have them repeat what you think is important to see if they have understood.
  • Most of the communication problems disappear after the first week of staying at your house.
  • A good piece of advice to make these problems disappear is not to laugh at the mistakes they make when expressing themself. Ask them from the beginning if they don’t mind if you correct them when they make mistakes.
WHAT TO DO IF THERE IS A PROBLEM
  • If something unfortunate happens and the student has serious problems, and there are also communication problems that cannot be solved, don’t hesitate to contact us by calling 611.587.547
  • If the problem is between you or someone in your family and the student, we will contact them. Many situations are just misunderstandings.
WHAT CONVERSA WANTS FROM THEIR FAMILIES
  • We hope that the family will provide our students with a warm family atmosphere, and help them by offering them all the information they need.
  • We advise that the student be accompanied for the first few days to transportation stops that they will use regularly.
  • Once at home, we hope that the student has a room with natural light and a study table, that the meals are quality and that their clothes are washed once a week.
  • That the student is treated like a member of the family. In addition, you shouldn’t host another foreign student in your home without notifying us in advance.
SUMMARY OF CONDITIONS AND SERVICES OF THE HOUSE
  • Half pension. The food will be varied and will consist of two meals and dessert.
  • Students will eat with families.
  • Every student is entitled to one weekly load of laundry managed by the family.
  • Once a week, the student’s bedroom and bathroom will be deep cleaned. You will leave them clean sheets and towels on the bed.
  • They have the right to a daily shower with hot water.
  • Heating in the bedroom during cold months.
  • A copy of the patio and house keys.
  • While hosting our students, you must not host anyone else. If you plan to host someone else, you must first consult with us.
  • You must deal with economic issues directly with us, and not with the students.
  • Once the student’s stay us over, if they want to stay a few more days, the economic deal must be with us, never directly with the family.
  • All students will have full knowledge of their rights and duties.
  • If the minimum coexistence requirements in a house are not met during the students’ stay, Conversa may change the students who are in said house without the obligation to reinstate any other student in that period.

 

CULTURE SHOCK

Culture shock is practically inevitable. The new culture, climate, food, bed, and, obviously, the language, seem like a huge mountain that can cause disorientation and confusion. The change in study environment and pace of work can also contribute to this. All of this is normal, and the “readjustment” period is quick if you know how to treat it. 

Symptoms to watch out for: 
  • Excessive nostalgia for your home or native country.
  • Isolation and frustration.
  • Hostility.
  • Dependencies
  • Dudas.

In this situation: 

  • Talk to them and spend some time with them.
  • Try to integrate them with Spanish people, or even other students from their country.
  • Remind them that many other students have ended this experience in a very positive way.
  • Give them time to adjust, and try to speak Spanish at home so they gain self-confidence.

We are available for families Monday to Friday from 09:30 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. In case of any emergency, you can call after hours at 611.587.547

Conversa Spanish Institute 
Av. del Marqués de Sotelo, 3, Planta 2 puerta 4, 46002 Valencia

 www.conversaspanishinstitute.com