What to (and not to) talk about
• Whether in your homestay or in casual meetings, you should be conversant about current events—especially in the U.S. Given the last few years, you are apt to be asked about why our country is so violent and why we don’t enact laws, like those in Europe, that make gun ownership either illegal or very difficult. Assault rifles are banned across the continent. You may also be asked about why the US does not have healthcare for all. Think carefully how you will address this topic; acknowledge the varieties of responses in the American public and articulate your own thoughts. You will almost certainly be asked about the president and U.S. policies. Be prepared to say what you think, but you should always do so respectfully.
• Whether talking about the U.S. or about Spain, there is the danger of “a single story.” That is, you will have heard stereotypes about Spanish people or about Latinos. Put them aside. Be open-minded, curious, welcoming of ways of life that may be different from yours.