Impresiones desde Italia: Un lugar donde nadie te conoce es una oportunidad para encontrarse de verdad a uno mismo

Our cultural exchange participant Laura recently returned from Belgirate, a small town in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, where she spent two months. Here’s what she had to say about her experience.

I believe the program is well-structured, as it allows for personal growth and development through interaction with the host family—especially the children—while not being too demanding in terms of time or energy. There’s still plenty of room for rest, sightseeing, and other personal activities. The town I stayed in left a good impression on me. I was surrounded by beautiful nature, and it’s a perfect place for relaxation, which is why it’s such a popular tourist destination. At times, I did miss events geared toward young people and more opportunities to connect with people my age, but I knew in advance that I was going to a place more focused on quiet tourism, so I wouldn’t say I was disappointed. The family I stayed with was welcoming, understanding, and very kind.

In my free time, I kept up with my usual hobbies and visited most of the well-known tourist spots nearby. A few weeks before heading home, I met some local friends and we went camping together, had barbecues, and just hung out. That really gave me a glimpse into what life is like for young people in this area.

What I loved most was the chance to go somewhere where no one knows me—and in that space, reconnect with myself. I also really appreciated the opportunity to travel and explore the region, especially since there are so many interesting places nearby that are easy to reach by public transportation. Working with children taught me patience and discipline.

To future participants, I would definitely recommend taking a moment before applying to honestly ask yourself if you’re ready to spend a part of each day caring for and engaging with children. This program isn’t just a vacation in a foreign country. I’d also strongly suggest having several video calls with the host family before making your final decision—to make sure you’re truly compatible. And finally, as I mentioned before, be aware that this isn’t a holiday. There will be boring, tiring, even difficult days. But in the end, those days pale in comparison to the personal growth this program can bring. And that’s what really matters.