Types of Accommodation
Host family
Shared flat
Student residence
Selecting the right type of accommodation for your language course
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After selecting your Spanish course the next step is to select the accommodation that will suit you best. Understanding that each person has their own preferences the Spanish schools we collaborate with offer a selection of accommodation to suit individual needs. Some students like to be fully immersed in Spanish culture and opt for a host family, others prefer to live with other students in a shared flat and still others prefer to stay in a student residence where they can meet people from a wide variety of cultures. |
Host family
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Advantages
Staying with a host family gives you the opportunity to learn both the Spanish language and culture in a relaxed family atmosphere. This type of accommodation is ideal for those who have set high targets for themselves and want to immerse themselves in Spanish, it is also ideal for those that are coming to Spain for the first time and are a little nervous staying in a foreign country. With a host family you will achieve a more rounded out Spanish, as well experiencing various aspects of Spanish daily life, culture, traditions and cuisine. You will have the chance to practice the Spanish learnt in school at home with your host family and pick up the everyday phrases and expressions used by Spanish people.
Points to keep in mind...
When choosing this type of accommodation you should keep in mind that you will be living with a Spanish family. This means that they will most likely have different customs, timetable and eating habits to yours. Choosing this type of accommodation can be very beneficial for a student who wants to learn the language, culture and customs but it does mean being adaptable.
The host families are selected with great care by the Spanish schools and are normally located within a short distance to the school premises. Normally the same families work with the schools year after year and are quite used to having foreign visitors staying in their homes. If you make any specific requirements on your application form, i.e. Non smokers, no pets, no small children, the schools will do their utmost to match your requests to a family.
A typical host family ?
There isn't really a typical host family as there is a wide variety of families that receive foreign students; some are young couples, who might have children at home, others could be middle aged couples without children, etc ... Lunch ( la comida de medio dia) is in general quite late around 14.30hrs and it normally consists of a big meal, dinner (ceña) is usually around 21.00hrs and is a lighter meal.
Our Spanish Schools select host families with the greatest care to ensure our students feel welcomed and get the best out of their stay.
Options
Students may choose between a single or a double room as well as half board (breakfast and dinner) or full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
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Shared flat
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Advantages
For the more independent traveler who enjoys his own freedom but with the chance to meet new people, a shared flat will be your ideal accommodation. This type of accommodation allows you to have maximum independence and at the same time the opportunity to make friends with other students. Usually shared flats house between four and six language students. The communal areas such as the bathroom, kitchen and living room are to be shared and you have your own bedroom. The shared flats are normally located within easy walking distance to the school or in the town/city center.
Points to keep in mind...
This kind of accommodation offers you the chance to meet new people and maintain your independence but on the other hand it can be difficult to practice your Spanish as people are more inclined to revert to their native tongue.
Options
You can choose between a single or double room though this may vary depending on availability.
No meals are offered in shared flats but all have fully equipped kitchens, laundry rooms, TV's and common rooms.
A typical shared flat ?
If you have never experienced living in a shared flat before it will be a great experience. Living with 3 or 5 other students from different countries is a learning and enriching experience as you will learn a lot from your house mates, have fun with them, and you will learn to live in a community!
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Student residence
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Advantages
The chance to live with Spanish and/or foreign students may be found if you select a student residence as your preferred accommodation. You will have access to university facilities such as the cafeteria, study areas etc. You will also have the chance to meet new people in a university environment. Some of the residences are a little further from the schools than the other types of accommodation mentioned, if this is the case the school will normally advise you on the different public transport options you have to get to and from the school.
Points to keep in mind...
You're going to live with lots of students from diverse origins, foreigners from numerous countries of the world, but also people from your own country. This means that living in a student residence can be a really good opportunity but it's also easier to revert to your native language... Don't forget your objective !!
Options
Students can choose between a single, double or even triple room as well as half board (breakfast and dinner) or full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) plans.
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