The homestays thus far have been unbelievable, but the contrast of
different people’s experiences with such is very notable. Since my
host parents do not have children, I knew from the start that my
experience would be different from the average. Upon my arrival, my
host parents took me outside and told me that today was their
anniversary (in a very serious manner.) I responded by saying
congratulations, but then they explained that it was not their
anniversary of marriage, rather the birthday of their new, first
child. Since then I think I have had slight PTSD, but my host parents
are unbelievably kind, considerate and generous.
Everyone’s Spanish has become exponentially better in the short time
we’ve been here, and it has been a great experience for all to say the
least.
— Alex Brown-Whalen
