People Who Studied Abroad, What Was Your Wildest Experience With Your Host Family?

Ajani Bazile-Dutes
·1 min read

If you've ever done a study abroad program where you lived with a host family, you know how beneficial it is because the experience provides you with a deeper understanding of local culture.

People are gathered around a table sharing a meal and passing dishes, creating a warm communal atmosphere
People are gathered around a table sharing a meal and passing dishes, creating a warm communal atmosphere

But living with total strangers is a risk, and a host family doesn't always go as planned. So I want to know, if you've lived with a host family OR if you've hosted a student from abroad, what's your horror story?

Two people greet someone at an airport. One holds a bouquet, and the other wears a blouse with a scarf and a blue cardigan
Two people greet someone at an airport. One holds a bouquet, and the other wears a blouse with a scarf and a blue cardigan

For example, maybe you studied abroad for a semester and your host family gave you a curfew, despite you being an adult, and would lock you out if you missed it.

Person with braided hair peers intently through a frosted window, slightly puzzled expression, wearing a casual top
Person with braided hair peers intently through a frosted window, slightly puzzled expression, wearing a casual top

Or maybe you hosted a student from abroad for a few months, and one day, you caught them in your room trying to steal jewelry.

Person in a stylish closet with a variety of clothes and bags, wearing a cropped top and jeans
Person in a stylish closet with a variety of clothes and bags, wearing a cropped top and jeans

Perhaps while studying abroad, you were hosted by a young couple, and you had to witness their very messy breakup in the middle of your stay.

A person stands indoors mid-conversation, wearing a cardigan and a blouse. A table and chairs are in the background
A person stands indoors mid-conversation, wearing a cardigan and a blouse. A table and chairs are in the background

Or maybe you hosted a college senior who was seemingly the perfect house guest until you discovered they were having an affair with your spouse.

Two people lie on a bed under soft lighting, one shirtless and sleeping, the other wearing underwear, resting on their side
Two people lie on a bed under soft lighting, one shirtless and sleeping, the other wearing underwear, resting on their side

Tell us your horror stories about living with a host family or hosting a student from abroad. And make sure to tell us where you're from, where you were studying, or where the student you were hosting was from. Tell us your stories in the comments (or use this Google Form if you want to be anonymous).

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