Being in a foreign country is exciting and overwhelming but the most complex part of studying abroad has been living with a host family. Living with complete strangers in their own home creates many layers to the relationships with each family member. At the beginning of the semester, everything is exciting, all parties are equally intrigued to get to know each other.

You, as the foreigner, are on your best behavior to make the best impression. You might accept meals with food that you don’t like just to be polite and they will let you get away with little things that they are not used to.

As the semester goes on your host family and you will have such a unique relationship, but just like everything else, you get what you give. I have had the privilege of being able to freely communicate with everyone in my family which has allowed me to create very close relationships with my host mom and host sister.

My three host nephews are the cutest kids I have ever met. They have so much energy and they are excited to have me around every day. When I walk through the door Bernardo is always ready to greet me with a big hug and lots of stories from school. Nicolas always has a new hobby or trick up his sleeve that he’s been practicing to show me. Finally, Benjamin now gives me hugs something I had accepted to never happen. Every once in a while, they call me “nina” a mix of kichwa and Castellano to say, sister.

My host mom is an esthetician which means she helps me get ready every weekend and has done miracles to my dry hair! During my makeover time, we get to have girl talk and I have found myself telling her about all my stressors, worries and exciting moments that I have experienced throughout the semester. Days when I come home crying or I’m not feeling 100% confident in myself I’ve found myself in my host mom’s room and getting genuine mother advice. Every once in a while my host dad joins girl talk and hypes both of us up.

Spending time with your host family can be difficult or at times exhausting. It took me a long time to feel comfortable with them. There were days that I wanted to simply be in a bad mood or be a bum around the house but I’d think, “I have to put on a good face for my family” and faking a smile can be tiring.

My family takes me to birthday parties, weekend lunches, and most family gatherings. I’ve been introduced to almost every family member. Grandma and I really hit it off from the beginning. However, sometimes being surrounded by so many people who are strangers can be overwhelming, so choosing to stay home on occasions has helped me continue to enjoy family time.

My time with my host family has had a huge impact on my experience here in Cuenca. They are the ones you will see every day and probably eat the most meals with. They will be there when you get sick, when you injure your knee and when you have to go to physical therapy. I will miss my host family but I am happy that I now have a family in Cuenca, Ecuador.