Creating a Home When You Study Abroad, Wherever You Go

My initial worries

The nerves did not hit me until I was driving to the airport. Just days before, I was texting in the WhatsApp group chat how excited I was to see everyone in Houston. About half the group had a layover in my hometown, and I was ready to take advantage of those moments to start getting to know the people I would spend my semester with. But after rushing through security and reaching my gate, I froze, nerves washing over me.

What if I don’t make friends? What if no one likes me? What if this is too hard?

I quietly sat away from the group to avoid being forced into an awkward conversation. Established at my home university, I almost forgot what it was like to be where I knew no one. We boarded and I fell asleep almost immediately.

The first sights my a new home

When I woke up, I saw the Progreso coastline and the city lights of my home for the next four and a half months, Mérida. Seeing this turned anxiety into excitement. I could not believe that after all this time, I actually made study abroad possible.

I decided that nerves or not, I needed to push myself out of my comfort zone to make the most of my time here. I began chatting with other IFSA students and became excited about all that was to come.

Connecting with family and friends

Once I had my luggage, I reached my host family, who were waiting for me at the airport. My host sister helped me take my things to her car, reassuring me that the semester was going to be unforgettable (she was right). My host mom and I started chismeando (gossiping), sharing stories, and laughing right away. I felt at home even in those first few moments, with my host mom sure to let me know that I was family.

The first few weeks were a blur. I met so many new people, having those awkward conversations, and feeling that I was truly connecting with those around me. I pushed myself to be vulnerable and open, and made an awesome set of close friends. I also knew that to truly make Mérida my home, I needed to focus on making connections outside of the IFSA program. I met so many amazing people that I am honored to call friends.

Looking back, there was nothing stopping me from making the experience my own. IFSA Mérida was life-changing and gave me the opportunity to create a new home that will never disappear, even after the program’s end.

Joshua D. | Grinnell College | IFSA Mérida Universities Program | Spring 2025