Accommodation policy
Living with a family, learning in Seville
At Giralda In&Out we believe the most genuine immersion happens outside the classroom: over a shared table, in an after-lunch chat, in the Spanish you pick up without noticing. That's why host family accommodation has always been the only accommodation type we manage directly.
This document explains how we assign and manage host family accommodation, how to proceed with a change, and what happens when a student prefers a residence, a tourist apartment or a shared flat instead of a family.
Our accommodation model
Host family accommodation is the accommodation type we manage directly: we select the families, oversee the stays, and take responsibility for the quality of the experience.
Residences, tourist apartments and shared flats: these are not managed by us. We provide contact details of trusted providers in Seville — including shared flats, through a partner agency; from that point on, the booking, payment and terms are agreed directly between the student and the provider.
The accommodation policy that follows refers exclusively to host family accommodation. For residences or apartments, our role is limited to recommending and providing contact details.
Assigning host family accommodation
We assign the family based on the details and preferences the student provides at the time of booking (diet, allergies, pets, smokers, room type, etc.). We do our best to respect them, although we cannot guarantee them 100%.
Vegan diets and severe food intolerances or allergies (such as severe coeliac disease) carry a supplement of €50 per week, to compensate the family for preparing a specialised menu.
The room can be single or double; a double room is only available for students who are travelling together and enrolled in the Spanish course.
The host family's details — address, how to get there, and contact — are sent to the student between 1 and 2 weeks before the arrival date.
If, due to unforeseen circumstances, the assigned family is ultimately unable to host the student, we offer an alternative family of equivalent characteristics, at no extra cost to the student.
Our host families cannot guarantee the certified preparation and separate-utensil requirements that halal or kosher diets involve, as these are shared domestic kitchens. For students with these needs, we recommend residence or apartment accommodation, where they can manage their own food.
How to request an accommodation change
To process any change we need it in writing: we don't handle verbal requests, since it's the accommodation change request form that lets us look into what happened, contact the family, and give you a guaranteed response. You can pick it up at reception or ask the accommodation officer directly.
We recommend submitting the request as far in advance as possible and, whenever feasible, with several working days' notice.
Before processing any change, we try to mediate with the host family to resolve the issue without the need to move.
We reply in writing within a maximum of 48 hours of receiving the form, stating whether the change is possible and when.
Except in an emergency or serious problem, the change takes effect from the following week of the stay, never from one day to the next.
Transport costs between accommodations are the student's responsibility.
Changes for a justified reason
We consider a justified reason to include, among others: the family failing to meet agreed conditions, serious cohabitation problems, hygiene or safety issues, or any situation that compromises the student's wellbeing. In these cases, we look for a suitable alternative family at no extra cost, subject to actual availability at the time.
Changes without a justified reason
A change of taste or personal preference can also be requested, without there being a real cohabitation problem. In these cases the student pays in full for the current week of accommodation at the time of the change, plus the days of the new accommodation from that point on. If the new accommodation includes an en-suite room, the corresponding €60 supplement is added.
Students are expected to adapt to cultural differences, both in dealing with people and in the household's own routines and customs; on their own, these are not considered a justified reason for a change. Nor will a change be processed based solely on the fact that other students happen to be staying at the same accommodation. Our team is always available to support that adjustment process.
Cohabitation and student responsibilities
Living with a family is a real cohabitation experience, with its own rules and pace. We ask every student to:
Allow an adjustment period of at least 72 hours (3 days) from arrival before requesting a change for non-urgent reasons: first impressions are rarely the final word.
Host family accommodation is provided on a half-board or full-board basis; students are not permitted to use the kitchen during their stay.
Respect the household's schedules, mealtimes, noise levels and shared spaces, as explained on arrival.
Give advance notice if they won't be having lunch or dinner at home on a given day, and not invite anyone — to stay overnight, to visit, or for a meal — without the family's prior agreement.
Report any issue — however small it may seem — through the accommodation change request form, so we can act as soon as possible.
Damage and liability
The student is responsible for any damage caused to the property or to the family's belongings during their stay.
Any damage must be reported immediately through the form; the cost of repair or replacement is the student's responsibility.
Giralda In&Out is not responsible for the loss, theft or damage of the student's personal belongings.
Procedure for complaints or incidents
Any complaint related to host family accommodation is channelled through the accommodation change request form. Our team investigates each case, mediates with the host family whenever possible, and looks for a solution as quickly as possible. The final decision on any accommodation matter rests with Giralda In&Out.
Residences, apartments and shared flats
Some students prefer more independence. For them, we provide contact details of residences and tourist apartment providers in Seville that we have a good relationship with, as well as shared flats through a partner agency.
Our involvement is limited to the initial recommendation: we do not manage the booking, payment, or terms of stay.
Any change, incident or complaint regarding these accommodations must be handled directly with the relevant provider.
The accommodation change request form and this accommodation policy apply exclusively to host family accommodation managed by Giralda In&Out.
