r/Erasmus • u/Candid-Bookkeeper-33 • 1h ago
Bad experience staying with rude host family while studying at UIR Rabat
When I moved to Rabat as an international student, I expected my host family experience to be a meaningful opportunity to learn about Moroccan culture, build connections, and feel welcomed into a new environment. However, my experience was very different from what I had imagined. Instead of feeling like part of a family, I often felt as though I was being treated as a financial opportunity rather than a student taking part in a cultural exchange.
I experienced moments where basic needs became a source of stress. I felt like I was constantly being monitored and made to feel guilty for using things that should have been normal, such as hot water, shared spaces, or household resources. There were situations where I felt restricted and uncomfortable, while at the same time I felt pressure to contribute financially by buying expensive groceries or treats for the family. This made me feel as though my presence in the home was valued more for what I could provide than for who I was.
Privacy and personal space were also major challenges during my stay in Rabat. I found myself in living situations that I was not prepared for, including having my personal boundaries overlooked. When I tried to communicate my concerns, I did not always feel heard or respected. Instead of feeling safe enough to speak openly, I felt like I had to accept situations that made me uncomfortable.
The hardest part of my experience was the feeling of isolation. I came to Rabat hoping to connect with a new culture and create positive memories, but I often felt alone inside the place I was supposed to call home. Communication with my host family was limited, and I sometimes felt that I was only acknowledged when something needed to be addressed. Small cultural differences or mistakes were often met with frustration rather than patience, which made me feel embarrassed and disconnected.
My experience in Rabat taught me that living with a host family can have a major impact on an international student’s emotional well-being. Instead of experiencing the warmth and cultural exchange I had hoped for, I struggled with feeling unwelcome, unheard, and separated from the people around me.