HOMESTAY OR DORM…WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Residence Hall

As with any housing situation, there are particular benefits to staying in the Residence Hall:

  • The lack of a meal plan allows complete control over what you eat and when, making this option particularly suited for students with dietary restrictions or preferences. I also allows students ample opportunities to sample the local cuisine and freedom to travel on the weekends and not miss any meals
  • The residential facility is very suitable for students who are at the beginning level of Spanish.
  • There are laundry facilities with coin-operated washing and drying machines available.
  • The University of Oviedo sports facilities, athletic track and indoor pool are located very close to the residence. Please note that the pool and indoor facilities close in August.
  • There is DSL broadband Wi-Fi Internet service in the rooms and common areas.
  • This type of accommodation allows more independence and privacy than living with a host family.
  • Bus passes are provided for getting to class. The city center and Old Quarters is within a comfortable 10 minute walk from the residence halls.
  • The University of Oviedo excursion bus will pick up and drop off students at the Residence hall during the scheduled Saturday fieldtrips.
  • The Residence offers linguistic and cultural immersion opportunities through engagement with other Spanish speaking residents.
  • It is important to know that the Residence has policies and expectations for its residents regarding appropriate behavior, especially with respect to visitors, and alcohol and drug use on the premises. Residents are expected to follow these rules at all times.

Homestay with a Spanish Family

 The homestays are very popular and are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so students interested in this option should submit their deposit as well as the housing questionnaire as soon as possible in order to be considered.

Living in a homestay ideal way to be immersed in Spanish culture and language but requires more adaptation on the part of the student and can afford less independence and privacy. It is important to know that each homestay situation is unique, and the program cannot guarantee any particular configurations, such as a mother and father with young children, or a family with university-aged children. In fact, it is common for homestay families to consist of an older single host mother who enjoys hosting students in her home, but any arrangement is possible.

As with any housing situation, there are particular benefits to staying with a homestay family:

  • Homestays are located throughout Oviedo within walking distance or a short bus ride of the course classrooms and city center.
  • Generally, students are placed singly in a home. In some cases, two students may be placed together in a home, but each will have their own private room.
  • Homestays include 3 meals a day, taken with the family, and light laundry. A meal supplement may be required for this type of accommodation There is no refund for missed meals.
  • Because meals are prepared by and shared with the family, it may not always be possible for them to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences.
  • Living with a host family requires adaptation to living with members of another culture and sharing close quarters with them.
  • Living with a host family can facilitate your linguistic and cultural immersion if you are willing to be flexible and step outside your comfort zone.
  • It is important to know that Spanish homes are generally smaller than American homes and may afford less privacy and independence than American students may be used to.
  • Remember that living with a host family will not segregate you from the other students in the program. You will be with other students in class, during the scheduled extracurricular activities and as you choose during your free time.
  • Homestays are especially suited for students at the intermediate and advanced levels of Spanish.
  • Please be aware that it is not always possible to guarantee placement with a family who does not smoke and/or does not have pets.
  • Most host families have internet, though not necessarily wireless (Ethernet cable and adapter may be required). We cannot guarantee placement with a family who has internet access in their home.
  • It is important to know that homestay families have policies and expectations for students regarding appropriate behavior, especially with respect to visitors, and alcohol and drug use. Students are expected to follow these rules at all times.