Learning Patience: A Host Family Experience

Michaela Nee studied abroad in Diourbel, Senegal

Here are some tips based on her experience:

- It’s okay to be nervous or hesitant when starting out your experience with a host family.
- Use this host family experience as a way to learn the language outside of the classroom setting. You will be able to learn many terms and expressions that aren’t always provided in the typical textbook.
- It can be challenging to get your alone time in this busy family environment. This can be a benefit in that it pushes you to embrace the family and the culture, but it can also be a challenge. Don’t be afraid to set boundaries if you need to go to bed at a particular hour or take some time to be by yourself.
- Put time and energy into the relationships you can have with the different members of your host family.