Create the Opportunity – and Take It

For Jelena, one of our cultural exchange participants, going to Italy had been a long-time dream—one that had to wait just a little longer than expected. She was originally supposed to leave in 2020, but with the pandemic hitting hard that year, her plans were put on hold until the summer of 2021. This is how her story unfolded:

As summer 2021 approached, I kept going back and forth on whether I should go or postpone again. Then I received an email with the contact information of my potential host family—if I decided to go. I thought it over… and then decided to do it. Italy has always been my dream, and I would’ve been selfish not to give myself that chance. So within a few days, I packed a small suitcase, grabbed all the necessary documents, sorted out my tickets—and I was on my way.

Looking back on the experience now, she calls it unforgettable, filled with memories—especially her first time flying.

It was my first time on a plane, and it was an amazing experience. The program made that happen, and I was thrilled to be flying solo toward a new adventure. When I landed, my host ‘mom’ was there waiting for me. We had already talked over video, so we recognized each other right away. We got in the car and headed to my new home. Honestly, I was so happy I didn’t even stop to think about what was happening—it just felt right.

Jelena lived with a family and helped take care of their two little girls. From the start, she felt fully welcomed and accepted as part of the family.

I would spend time with the girls until the parents came home from work, usually around noon. I also got to know their extended family, and we traveled to beautiful places together. We went swimming in gorgeous lakes, and I finally got to see some of the places that had always been on my travel bucket list—and I got to experience it all with a real Italian family. I walked along Lake Como, drank strong espresso overlooking the Duomo in Milan, ate the most incredible gelato, and indulged in homemade pastas and pizzas. We cooked traditional dishes together, tried local specialties, and enjoyed their delicious desserts… there’s so much more, but it’s something you truly have to experience.

This trip was deeply meaningful to Jelena—she gained not just memories, but perspective.

I’ll share as much as I can with words, but the happiness I felt… that’s something I’ll always carry with me. It was hard to leave, but I was also full of joy because I was coming home with new memories and new experiences. Now I have new friends and a whole new outlook on life. It expands your mind in the best possible way. And if I got the chance to do it all over again—I would, in a heartbeat. The world has so much to offer. Don’t limit yourself to what’s right in front of you. You won’t regret it. Ciao ragazzi!