To My AHN Host Family…
Sheema and Troy,
Prior to coming to my homestay, I was honestly a bit nervous. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to communicate well with my host family or if I would adjust to living with them. But the moment I arrived, those worries quickly faded. The atmosphere was so warm and welcoming that it instantly put me at ease and made me feel like I could settle in without stress.
I bonded quickly with my host family and with Koharu, another student staying with us. Day by day, I learned more about our different cultures and discovered how similar they actually are. One of my favourite parts of the day was dinner time, when we would all sit down, share stories, talk about our day, and just connect. Dinners were more than just eating. They were opportunities to bond, laugh, and create special memories.
I also learned many little life lessons along the way. Sheema, my host, is an incredible cook and taught me several cooking and baking tips. She often made us multicultural dishes, themed dinners, and fun taste-testing challenges where we had to guess the ingredients. One memorable activity was an “adventure dinner” where Sheema, Koharu, and I each had to create a dish using only limited ingredients. It was both challenging and fun. I also loved baking cakes with Sheema and learning how to look after plants, including which soils and environments suit them best. These moments were not only fun but also meaningful bonding experiences that taught me things I would never have learned otherwise.
Outside the house, we shared many fun experiences. One was visiting Cockington Green Gardens with Sheema, Troy, and Koharu, where we explored the miniature displays, took lots of photos, and ended the day with a stop at the lolly shop. Another memorable time was going to an escape room with Sheema, Koharu, and Nanno. It was such a fun challenge that had us laughing the entire time and made for an unforgettable day.
Overall, my homestay experience has been amazing. It has been filled with valuable life lessons, new skills, and wonderful moments that I will always treasure. I feel grateful to have shared this time with such kind and hospitable people, and I will cherish these memories as I move forward.
Zainab
