Our Au Pair in America host families give young people from across the globe a second home. Magdalena, an au pair from Poland, lived with her host family in Houston, Texas. Though intimidated by the move at first – with new traditions, a different climate, and unfamiliar food – she quickly fell in love with the Lone Star State. Now, she proudly advises everyone back home to take a trip there. Here is her story.
“I remember the day when I fell in love with Texas like it was yesterday.
In March 2016 I decided to fill out the application and go to America as an au pair. I decided to match with a family from Houston, Texas.
I came to Houston on September 9th, 2016. That was a very, very hot day and I was wondering how I was going to get used to this heat. But, it didn’t take me long to do it – I definitely am a person who prefers when it is hotter than when it is cold! I also remember what I read on different Facebook profiles about Houston and Texas. That it is a very flat and boring state. That everyone wears cowboy boots and they only listen to country music. After one week in Houston I started to think, ‘Am I really in Texas? Because I do not hear country music all the time and I do not see people in cowboy boots except when I go to pubs or clubs which all are in country style.’ Pretty soon I realized that was only a myth.
I fell in love with Houston and Texas very soon after I arrived there. People used to say Texas is just about Texmex and lots of Mexican food. I couldn’t agree…less! You can find here delicious food from all over the world! There is no better place to find the best steaks and barbecue food than in Texas! I loved it and I miss it so very badly. But what I loved the most during my au pair years were the people.
I have been to 20 different states, I have met tons of people and I have left a piece of my heart in many, many places. But, I can say that you won’t find nicer, more open, helpful and positive people as in Texas! Houston became my second home. My host family became my second family.
I was lucky enough to meet amazing people there who have changed me and who have become a part of my life. Every time when I was coming back to Houston from all my trips I felt like I was at home. Could it be a better feeling than feeling safe and at home thousand miles away from your ‘real’ home? I don’t think so.
It has been over a month since I came back to Poland after my program and I miss Houston, even the heat, very, very badly! I also have started planning my trip there to visit my host family and my friends! Texas, especially Houston, will always be deep in my heart and I will recommend to everyone this place to live!
Miss y’all!
-Magdalena”
Interested in giving a young person like Magdalena a second home in the USA? Learn more about hosting with Au Pair in America.
