Tips on Living with your Mexican Family!

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LIVING WITH YOUR MEXICAN FAMILY

One of the most important elements of your experience in Mexico is the homestay. Living with a Mexican family not only allows you constant practice with Spanish, but the family will also be a window into Mexican culture. This is an exciting, but also sometimes trying experience which will be more comfortable for you if you keep in mind a few things.

1. Please realize that some cultural adjustment is necessary. As you are the visitor, the burden of the adjustment is mostly upon you. You are also an ambassador and representative of your own country and, as such, your behavior should be above reproach. When in doubt, do as the locals do or simply ask!

2. You need to be aware that Mexico is less developed than the U.S. and many things that you take for granted may not be common in Mexico. For example, your Mexican home may be less plush and have fewer amenities that you are accustomed to. There may be electrical failures, low water pressure, less hot water, more noise, less variety of food. It will be easier for you to adjust if you accept these differences and take them in stride rather than complaining or wondering why things can’t be like they are in the U.S.

3. Your body will need to adjust to things as well. You may feel sleepy or out of sorts for the first few days. You are adjusting to a different altitude, different foods, and perhaps a different schedule. Be kind to your body. Rest!

4. Good manners are of great importance. A cultural faux pas will generally be overlooked or gently pointed out if your attitude is one of genuine courtesy. “Ud.” will probably be the preferred form of address except with children. Be very liberal with “gracias” and “por favor.” When you leave the table, say “con permiso.” Greet and say goodbye to people you know with handshakes, embraces or cheek kisses. When you are unsure about social mores, ask your family or teachers. They will gladly explain things.

5. Communication and consideration are of great importance. Let your family know your needs, likes, dislikes, doubts, schedule changes. Let your family, especially the mamá, know your plans if you are going to miss a meal, go out in the evening, go on an excursion, etc. When you arrive home, check in. Chat with the family for a few minutes before disappearing into your room or the bathroom. Likewise, before you leave the house, say goodbye and let the family know where you are going. Be considerate of the home and its furnishings. Treat everything as if it were your mother’s best! Be considerate about the bathroom time if you are sharing with others. Incorporate yourself into family life by spending time with the family members and participating in their activities. Bring home special treats on occasion, or take the family out to dinner or for ice cream. The ball is in your court. If you are standoffish, the family will be reserved with you, and you will likely miss out on the best opportunities to learn.

6. If you feel uncomfortable with your family or feel you cannot adjust to something, please discuss the difficulty with me or the school administrators before it becomes a serious problem. On occasion the best solution is a change of host family and you should not be hesitant to request a change when it is appropriate.

LEAVE THE SCHOOL ADDRESS/PHONE NUMBER/FAX/E-MAIL WITH ANYONE WHO MAY NEED TO REACH YOU.

Spanish Language Institute
Bajada de la Pradera No. 208, Col. Pradera
Cuernavaca, Morelos 62170, Mexico
E-mail: sli@infosel.net.mx
Tel: 011-52-777-311-00-63
Fax: 011-52-777-317-52-94

UTA Foreign Language Department
Telephone: 817-272-3161

Prof. A. Raymond Elliott
Email: Elliott@uta.edu
Office Ph: 817-272-3161