Living with a local family is something very interesting for those who travel the world and want to have an authentic experience with the culture of a certain place. The way of dressing, eating, habits, daily life, what they see and that human warmth are things that are difficult to experience when you sleep in a hotel or hostel. I have had experiences that have been mostly satisfactory, I have received advice on which places to visit, I have even received instructions on how to save money on my trips from locals, I have also tried homemade food that tastes very different from that of a restaurant and is cooked with great dedication. In conclusion, I consider that if you travel the world it is a good idea to live with a local family and if you are going to learn a language like spanish is the most recommended.

For more than 15 years Nueva Lengua has offered its students a hosting service through host families. These families have been carefully selected and offer a quality service. The Spanish student will have a comfortable room with a shared bathroom or a private bathroom if they wish, paying a small additional supplement. You will not have to worry about the breakfast that is included, nor will you worry about dinner as it is also included and cooked with great dedication by the mothers of the families. Most of our families have been working with us for years and apart from being an economic help for them, it is a pleasure to receive people from other countries for a cultural exchange that ranges from culinary knowledge, professional knowledge and friendships that remain for life.

This is the case of our dear Carmen Cecilia González, born in Medellín and who has been working with us since 2008. She has 3 children, 2 of whom live outside the country. Her grandchildren are her adoration and although some live in Australia and Canada she maintains contact with them almost daily. Today I share with you an interview that I have had with her where she tells us about her experience as a host family. She affectionately calls her guests "my adopted children".

About how many students have you received in the last 10 years of working with the school?

In these years of work I have received more than 150 students from many countries of the world. I remember, for example, my children from Germany, Switzerland, the United States, Japan, Holland, Austria, Australia, Canada, France among some of the nationalities.

What do your guests like to eat the most?

I think what they like most about my house are the arepas, the patacones with hogao They are very country things and whenever I cook for them they are happy. Sometimes they try to make it in their countries although it is a little difficult because the ingredients are not the same or are not available every month of the year.

Do you think they improve their level of Spanish at school and by staying with a host family?

Yes, your level Spanish It improves a lot, especially with family contact, because there are moments where we share, like at meals, with television programs and day-to-day conversations. Many like to ask about the situation in the country and our perception as Colombians, which triggers very long and interesting talks.

Is there any contact left after a student returns to their country?

I still have a connection with most of them and I continue to write to them because they are really grateful for the attention and the experience in general. They send me greetings and videos on my birthday, Mother's Day, also at Christmas and on special dates.

What is the perception of your foreign children about a city like Medellín?

 They love it and say that it is a modern city, with very friendly people, transportation facilities, a very pleasant climate and where people always want to help you when they see that you are not from here, even if you do not speak Spanish. All my adopted children from abroad are delighted with the city and say they want to return, some have done so and have visited me.

Would you recommend a family member of yours who wants to do a language immersion in another country to stay with a family?

Of course, I recommend to anyone who is going to travel abroad to stay in family homes because the information and attention provided by a local person is something that goes further and you cannot find it in a hotel or in a tourist guide. The simple contact with a human being makes it unique and special.

Send a greeting to your adopted children who have stayed at your house and finally an invitation to those who want to come to Colombia and have not yet decided.

I want to send a warm hug and a very special greeting to each and every one of my children from all over the world because I remember them all, they have left a mark and a very special anecdote in my heart. I have thousands of funny anecdotes, of many feelings with them that I am glad to have lived with them. For those who have not decided to come to Colombia, cheer up! We are very warm people, full of spirit, attentive to serve you so that you can have a pleasant experience from us Colombians.

We thank Cecilia for this interview and for having shared the photos that feed this article as they are all from her personal album.

If you dare to live an immersion and cultural exchange experience, we recommend one of our Spanish classes with homestay accommodation. A family that will be like your family in Colombia and with whom you can practice your spanish.

For more information write to us at info@nuevalengua.com and we will give you a prompt reply.

Anderson Mejía - Spanish teacher.