Living Arrangements
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GENERAL INFORMATION: There is a lot of variety in living arrangements on study abroad programs and whether you live in a dorm, apartment, or with a family, the accommodations are seldom exactly what you expect. It has been said of some programs, "The students simply weren't prepared for the general standard of student housing." This is particularly true of third world countries and the old cities of Florence and Paris. In Spain you will live with families.
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LIVING WITH A FAMILY: For many students, the family stay is considered the highlight of their study abroad experience. All families are carefully selected by International House housing departments and many of them have hosted students for International House for years. You will have a single room and the family will provide breakfast and one other meal daily. Some families live near the school, others are within 20-25 minutes away by public transportation. Although only one student from the Coast program will be placed with each family, the family may host one or more students from other programs. Living with a family is the best way to integrate into the culture and many students form lifelong attachments to their host families.
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MEALS: The program fee includes breakfast and one other meal each day with your family. Meals are nutritious and filling but may not be what you are accustomed to eating at home. If you have special dietary requirements, be sure to let International House know so they will take them into consideration when placing you with a family. The custom in Spain is to have dinner much later in the evening--9:00 or 10:00 pm or later. Remember also when traveling that dining out in Europe costs nearly twice as much as it does in California, so do it in moderation and budget carefully!
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