Today’s post comes to us from student blogger Tera Cafro, a Pacific University student who is studying at the Universidad de Sevilla this semester. She’s living with a host family and sharing what the day-to-day is like with her “host mom”!
I have been studying abroad at Universidad de Sevilla in Spain. I have only been here for three weeks and have already had an amazing experience with my host family (or in my case) my host mom. So far, she has blown me away with her cooking and hospitality.
Honestly, I expected the worst – to be fed unknown and unappetizing food.
However, I have been very impressed by the food that I have been fed here. The home-cooked meals have been absolutely delicious. She reminds me of my grandmothers cooking. All the meals have been so well crafted and her recipes are solid. Not only have I been impressed, I have been inspired! I will integrate Spanish cuisine when I return to the United States. My favorite food so far has been ensaladas which are basically tomatoes, lettuce, onion, and a variety of other mix-ins with olive oil and vinaigrette. This is such an easy yet college dish that I most certainly will make when I get home.
Besides feeding me, she has also helped me fix a dress that needed a hem and when I got homesick took me on a walk around the city. I have felt very safe and comforted by her. She is one of the sweetest people I have ever met, next to my grandma. I remember her reaction when she opened the present I brought her the first night. She almost cried and hugged me and kissed me on both cheeks.
Somedays I only pick up 50% of what she says to me but, we are still very much able to communicate.
The subtle hints I get from her facial expressions or the shrugs of my shoulder truly make it feel like there is no “barrier” at all. We laugh over jokes at the dinner table and piece together our conversations. It’s actually fun having to play charades every night at dinner.
I am so glad I chose to experience Spain by living with a host family.
While I have heard good reviews about the residencies, I love having a cozy decorated house to come home to everyday; it truly feels like home.
-Tera Cafro
Read more of Tera’s guest blogs for API Abroad here!
