Ever wondered what makes Spanish culture so vibrant? Hosting a student from Spain lets your family experience it every day, from delicious food and holiday traditions to friendships that last long after the school year. Today, we’re sharing five reasons why American host families loved welcoming a Spanish exchange student!
#1 Learn about Spain’s rich culture and cuisine
Learning about Aitana’s culture was amazing, and of course, having her share her favorite recipes to cook at home was fabulous. She fit in so quickly with our family that she has truly become part of us. Spain is filled with so much history, and Aitana helped me love her country as if it were my own. This has been such a wonderful experience for both of us as we continue building an extended family that no distance can ever separate.
– Host mom, Zulinet, from Nolanville, Texas
#2 Introduce them to American traditions and build connections that last a lifetime
We had the privilege of hosting Sergio from Spain during the 2022-2023 school year. We learned some amazing recipes and great facts about Spain, including that their national anthem has no words. For Thanksgiving 2025, Sergio came back to visit our family and spend the holiday with us. It was amazing to have such a connection.
– Host parents, Matt and Jessica, from Blair, Nebraska
#3 Gain a sibling from across the world
My daughter, Juliette, is the one whose life was most impacted by hosting students from Spain. I think sometimes the sibling relationships get overlooked. Juliette was very lonely in high school until Zoe from Spain joined our family. The two quickly became best friends and were inseparable. Juliette and Zoe have talked every day since Zoe went home in June 2024.
Juliette says she’s closer to Zoe than her biological sisters, who are 9 and 7 years older than she is. It was an incredible blessing for Juliette to finally have a sister she could trade clothes with, stay up late giggling, and share boy stories. When Zoe kisses a boy for the first time, Juliette is the first to hear about it. When Juliette needs a pick-me-up after a breakup, Zoe helps her laugh again. Juliette travels back to Spain every six months to stay with Zoe and her family, and they love her so intensely she can’t wait to return each time.
– Host mom, Becky, from Highland, Utah
#4 Be inspired by their positivity and curiosity
Jacobo is our son for life! We have enjoyed every minute with him. His kindness, sense of humor, and willingness to get everything he can from his American exchange experience made every minute a joy for all of us!
– Host mom, Deana, from Omaha, Nebraska
#5 Explore Spain and experience your student’s culture up close
Diego came to us in August 2019 as our first exchange student. In December 2023, we planned a two-week trip to Spain with the help of Diego’s parents. When we told them we were going to Spain, they offered to help and made most of the travel arrangements for us. We flew into Madrid, and when we landed, our luggage did not. They brought us clothes to wear and sent my husband and me off to enjoy some alone time in the city while they took the boys home with them.
Right image: Sharon (second from left) and her husband (left) smiling with Diego’s parents in Spain, 2023
They planned our tour itinerary so we could see the best of Madrid, Segovia, and Sevilla. Best of all, we spent New Year’s Eve at their home, celebrating with their family. The following day, we visited their family farm and enjoyed horseback riding and the beautiful countryside. The familial bond we have formed with our Spanish family goes far beyond the days Diego spent in our home, and we will forever be connected to him and his family. Click here to learn more about Sharon’s experience hosting Diego.
– Host mom, Sharon, from Crossroads, Texas
Are you interested in making a student a part of your family? We are looking for American host families to welcome a student for the upcoming 2026-27 school year. Check out the profiles of our wonderful students. New student profiles go online every Thursday!
