Housing & Classmates

My host family is so sweet. Of course there was a little adjustment period and there still are times where I feel uncomfortable because I’m living in a stranger’s home but my host mom Gracia couldn’t be more friendly and understanding. She is a single mother who lives with her daughter Virginia. She designs clothes as a job and had a fashion show the first week I was there. She is amazing and makes me feel so welcome in an unfamiliar setting.

My classmates are also very sweet. Of course that took time as well. I didn’t know anyone before this trip and I felt like many of them had friends even before going on the trip. Honestly I felt a little lonely in the beginning like I was an outsider. But as it turns out I think everyone was in the same boat but just really good at hiding it! For anyone who feels the way I did in the beginning, my one piece of advice is to be friendly to everyone. Don’t judge someone by first impressions because those impressions are usually wrong. You don’t know a person until you actually talk to them and even then they might surprise you. Just be friendly, open, and kind to everyone and I guarantee you will feel closer to your classmates by the end of your first week.