How will I stay Vegan (or i suppose vegetarian) while I am living with a French host family?

Question

I don't want to seem high matinance or needy, and i wasn't vegan when the program asked me about my eating beliefs and whatnot, so i'm stuck in a situation where i may be offered meat...what do i do?

Answer 1

I think you should "unstick" yourself immediately and let your hosts know of your wants before you get there.  I certainly would not want someone showing up on my doorstep and saying "Oh. by the way.  I need a certain diet."

Answer 2

Simple just say sorry i don't eat meat.

They're not gonna hurt you. You'l be fine.

Answer 3

you dont have to be vegan. you can just be a plain vegetarian.

Answer 4

How soon are you going abroad? Maybe you could speak with the program coordinator and explain the situation. He/she could then talk to the host family in advance so your veganism doesn't come as a shock to them.

Ask the host parents to show you where the grocery stores / health food stores are so you can buy your own food and cook your meals. Or if they insist on cooking for you, make a list of very simple meals you could eat.

Check out this veg study abroad guide for more ideas:

http://www.exploreveg.org/resources/veg-...

"If your host family is completely unable to accommodate your diet, talk to your program director about finding another host family. Try to discern your fit with the host family before you arrive by contacting them as early as possible."

Good luck!

Answer 5

The French are great cooks and could show you a whole new world of vegetarian cooking experiences. Be honest and true to yourself. If you feel alright about eating meat once in a while, then go ahead and don't feel guilty, but don't punish yourself about your beliefs. Be honest and it's just possible that they may learn something. Think about it, if you were inviting someone into your home who's dietary requirements, for what ever reasons, such as religion or health required them to eat a special way would you feel bad or want to help them fulfill there needs. Be healthy.