Mi Casa es Tu Casa

On Friday night, the CGE house was packed to the brim with Social Work students and their new host-families. Everyone gathered together to meet and greet each other, play getting-to-know-you games and eat the most delicious tinga tostadas in Cuernavaca lovingly made by our cook, Don Victor. The students served the families coffee and tea, mingled and practiced their Spanish while they tried to "Find someone who likes waking up early" or "Find someone who is involved in their community." As a larger group, families gave advice to the students on how to enjoy and feel at home in their new environment while students gave advice to the host-families about how to be patient with their language skills and to help them learn cultural norms and traditions so as not to be unintentionally offensive. Both groups seemed pleased to learn from each other and excited to begin the next step in their CGE experience.

By the end of the night, students and families happily left together to start their four-week long intercultural adventure together. Now, after a weekend full of quality time in their new homes, the students seem relaxed and content to spend a month with their Mexican families. Here are some of their initial thoughts:

There could be no better saying than "mi casa es tu casa" to describe the welcome I received from my host family. I have gone to the market with them, attended their local church, and watched my host brothers' soccer game; I already feel like part of the family and feel right at home. I can't wait to continue to spend time with each member of the family.


My host mom is very friendly and willing to share valuable time with me. I love it!

The weekend was just like returning home. Saturday was a day of getting settled and reuniting with my host-mom, Doña Irene. She is famous for her tortillas and other specialties.  I, unfortunately, have a long way to go in the department of tortillas.


I have had a great weekend! It has been so fun to practice my Spanish and get to know my new family through wonderful conversations about life, faith, family, and Mexico. I was nervous to start the month long homestay but now that it has started, I am so happy to be here.


I returned to Amatlán de Quetzalcóatl for my month long homestay. I enjoy smelling the fresh air, looking at the stars in the night, and reflecting on my Mexico experience this far. I'm excited to help work on the farm, ride horses, hike up the mountains, and start teaching ESL classes!


Have you stayed with one of our host-families here in Cuernavaca? If so, tell us about your experience!