Housing with local residents Testimonials

Steven Etchegaray, Fall 2003
Santa Clara University
Major: Accounting
Minor: Economics

I have had nothing but a positive experience with my housing situation. There is one other IES student living with me and we each have our own room. My Señora is a great cook, very nice, and is a second mom to the both of us; I refer to her as my Grandma Teresa. She does our laundry AND cleans our rooms EVERYDAY.

In my homestay, I have complete freedom to do what I choose. One of the things that I was worried about most before I got to Barcelona was the possibility of having a curfew or restrictions. I quickly found out that these two issues were absolutely not a problem.

Anna Price, Fall 2003
Wake Forest University
Major: Biology

I am so glad I decided to live with a family during my stay in Barcelona. Not only have I been given a glimpse into the Spanish family culture, but I have also been able to form a great relationship with my Señora. It is so much nicer to come home to a family everyday than to come home to a loud or empty apartment.

Also, not only is it less expensive to stay with a family, but the experiences and relationships are unforgettable.

Erin McGann
Santa Clara University
Major: History

The most important aspect of my time abroad has been living in a homestay. Though I was at first apprehensive, now I am not able to imagine having spent time in Spain without my host family. The family has helped me to adjust and to integrate into Spanish life and culture.

They are always there for me and have invested themselves in making my stay as educational and enjoyable as possible. By allowing me to pull up a chair at their table, and to take part in their daily lives, the members of my host family have given me a clearer picture of life and culture in Spain; one I will never, ever forget.