I'm about to go pick up our exchange student from Spain...ask or advise...

[fleabert]

meaning, ask me anything, or tell me anything that you think might help.

She will be here for three weeks on a summer english program.

[NoSheep]

1. They have a different schedule than we do. I think they eat very late

compared to many families in the US. It would be interesting to have the student describe a typical week's activity and what the meals are like in Spain for someone her age vs an adult.

[fleabert]

4. I have been to spain, so I remember that...some restaurants didn't open

until 11pm! Luckily we eat late anyway, so it should be too much of a transition for her. I plan on taking her to the grocery store with me tomorrow to get some things that she might like, and I think it will be interesting for her to see our version of grocery stores.

she's 17, so i am hoping we can relate a little bit.

[NoSheep]

7. Sounds really exciting. Keep us posted on the events as they unfold!

Seventeen is such a cool age!

[fleabert]

9. will do! maybe I can have her post here, if she's the outgoing type!

and a liberal...?

[deadparrot]

11. There's a good bet...

Spain is among the most anti-** countries.

[NoSheep]

15. What a great experience that would be for me (if I were her-knowing

what I know now!):D

[barb162]

8. I was in Spain and couldn't believe the late hours they kept

I remmeber that 11pm stuff!

I hope her stay is a lot of fun

[fleabert]

10. me too! did you like spain?

I'd move there in a heartbeat.

[barb162]

18. I Loved It!

We went to Madrid, Granada, Toledo, Segovia, the Med. Coast, Seville, El Escorial, etc. Didn't get to Barcelona as I think that city is a trip unto itself. We drove, stayed in some of the state owned hotels, can't think of the name of them right now. There were many other places I wanted to go, especially the north and eastern areas. What an astounding country.

[CottonBear]

2. Do you speak Spanish?

Having an exchange student should be quite an experience! Have fun!

[fleabert]

5. poquito! sp?

My husband is fluent. And she is an advanced english speaker, her info sheet sounded like she is fluent in English. I hope it's a blast!

[CottonBear]

12. Yo hablo Espanol un poquito solamente!

I had 4 years of (Cuban) spanish in high school but I've forgotten lots. :(

[Midlodemocrat]

3. I had an exchange student from France here about four years ago

He was only 10, but the best thing I did was take him to the grocery store with me so that he could pick out things he liked.

The child would have starved without McDonald's. Can you imagine? We went to a really nice restaurant in Williamsburg and they had delicious burgers, but because they weren't flat, he wouldn't eat it.

It was, all in all, a wonderful experience.

[fleabert]

6. lol!

I hope she is more adventurous...she's 17. I plan on going to the grocery store tomorrow with her. Hope she can find stuff she likes. I know of two Spanish restaurants within walking distance if she gets homesick, and they are very good, and authentic, imo.

[gmoney]

13. Does she know how to use a digital camera?

That might be a valuable skill for an exchange student to learn... how to take photos, post them to the internet, PM them to people, things like that. If only there was something or someone she could photograph... oh well, I'm sure you'll think of something!

Have a great time with her... will she be attending classes, or are you just going to be hanging out all day? Do try to find good kids about her age for her to hang with, too, if possible.

Casa de Pepe!
G

[flvegan]

17. heh heh heh...I agree.

Sometimes it takes lots of picture-taking to really get the hang of it too. DU would be a great place to post them for feedback.

[SKKY]

14. I live in Spain and I doubt seriously you'll have anything but...

...great times with her. Although much depends on what part of Spain she's from. If she's from the south (Andalucia) she'll be very warm, receptive, and gracious. If she's from Madrid or any place north, you'll find them not as "nice" as southerners, but much more so than Americans typically are. Where ever she's from, you're no doubt going to learn a great deal from her just as she will from her stay here.

[evlbstrd]

16. Be careful driving across the Atlantic.

There are sharks and stuff out there.

[RedCloud]

19. Just say, "Qué tanto me dices?"

I would suggest you have your house rules. Let her know what you expect; otherwise, you may rarely see her.

Also have her stomp your grapes in the backyard or throw tomatoes at her to recreate La Tomatina.


G I N V U

[Arugula Latte]

20. Make sure she gets to see San Francisco!

I mean, Sacramento's nice and all, but, um, well, you know ... it ain't SF!

Speak English slowly so she doesn't get overwhelmed.

Give her options of things she might like to do and let her choose.

Most importantly, make sure she's nice to the kittens! :hi:

[Taverner]

21. Dont be surprised if she asks for wine with dinner

A neighbor of mine had a spanish exchange student and was surprised that he asked for wine with dinners. After talking with the representative, they were assured it was a cultural thing - not that he wanted to get drunk.

He had wine with dinner, and he ended up teaching them how to make sangria one night.