I received news from my host family, they always sound happy and excited, my host sister especially. I can't wait to meet them all, hopefully by the time I arrive there I'll be able to communicate well enough in Spanish. Honestly I don't believe that any amount of studying will prepare me completely, however I am at least trying to learn. A great way of learning is watching children's movies in Spanish, you can find several on youtube (I enjoyed Sunny with a Chance of Meatballs), another way is listening to music, my favorite way is simply talking to my friend who speaks fluent Spanish and is quick to correct me.