A Home Away from Home: My Experience with a Host Family

Living with a host family in the heart of Cuéllar, Segovia, was a transformative experience. Transitioning from the fast-paced, individualistic lifestyle of New York to a close-knit, community-oriented family was eye-opening. My host family was deeply involved in various activities, from sports to community events, and they prioritized spending quality time together.

One of the biggest challenges was the language barrier. Although I did not speak Spanish fluently, I made an effort to connect with my host family through shared activities like taking walks, watching TV together, and actively becoming part of their world. The Spanish spoken in Spain had a different accent and a faster pace compared to the Latino Spanish I was accustomed to hearing in New York, which required me to practice and adapt.

Adjusting to simple things like socializing and sharing meals around the table was initially challenging but ultimately rewarding. In Spain, we had our largest meal at 2:30 PM and a lighter dinner around 8:00 PM, which was a significant shift from my usual routine.

One of the most memorable moments was my host sister's 8th birthday during my first weekend in Spain. We celebrated with a paella party at Pinoccio Park, surrounded by community members. It was here that my host mom and I tried ziplining for the first time, an exhilarating experience that marked the beginning of many adventures to come.

Living with my host family in Castilla y Leon not only immersed me in Spanish culture but also taught me the value of community and togetherness, making it a truly unforgettable experience.