If you are my mother or an American friend you probably are very aware of the problems I have had in my previous living situation! This is not going to be a detailed post that complains about what WAS— I'm going to skip that. Just know that a study abroad experience is never 100% perfect for everybody, and that your living situation has a very important impact on your mental health, security, and overall experience of the trip.
On March 16th, while my program was in Morocco, I was in the process of loading my suitcases into the taxi to take me to my new host family!
I felt the adrenaline rushing through my veins during the moments in my old house, bags packed, and waiting for the taxi to arrive so I could sneak past my ex-roommate's room without her knowledge. I hopped into the taxi and jokingly told him I was escaping.
My new host mom got my text I was on the way, and she was in the middle of preparing for the chef contest the following morning. She owns a seafood restaurant in Granada and her family lives on the floor directly above it!! I need a map to navigate the house...
It was around 9pm when I arrived, and I was greeted by my three new siblings—one 12-year-old brother, and two sisters of 7 and 4-years-old! They were SO excited to see me. They hug me, love talking to me and want me to play with them. This family is VERY social and the mother loves to joke around and be sarcastic with me. Her husband also works at the restaurant and they are both very welcoming to me. I met her grandparents and at her grandparents' house, they have a family tree on their wall and let me tell you that my new host family is GIGANTIC.
I know I made a good and smart decision to speak up to CEA about my problems, because I couldn't be more thankful or happy with the changes that have been made. I still have two months to enjoy this new experience.
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