A Movie-Like Life in Sicily

Andiamo in Italia! Sara picked Italy for her adventure—and after her first month there, she knew she’d made the right choice. She signed up for the full three months without overthinking it, not knowing which city she’d end up in. Not long after applying, she received her first offer and took it right away: Palermo, way down south.

I hesitated a little when I saw it was Palermo—just because it’s so far south, not exactly where I pictured myself at first. But it was the first offer I got, so I accepted it, bought my ticket, and headed off to Palermo. A real adventure!

From the moment she arrived, Sara felt at home.

Italians are exactly how everyone describes them—warm, friendly, easygoing. From the start, the family made me feel like I truly belonged. And it’s the same out on the streets—every day as I walk around Palermo, strangers greet me with smiles and friendly words.

Sara landed in Palermo on January 9th, expecting chilly weather—but was instead welcomed by warm, sunny days with the occasional breeze. It was nothing like the winters back home.

She spends her free time soaking in the city’s beauty.

My favorite part of the day is finding a sunny spot in the city to sit with a book and enjoy the sound of music floating through the streets. Palermo is a big city, and I still haven’t explored it all—not to mention the nearby areas. It’s full of culture, art, and amazing food.

One of the biggest advantages of the program, she says, is how quickly you pick up the language just by being surrounded by it.

In such a short time, I’ve already learned so much Italian just by hearing it every day. The family I’m staying with speaks some English—some better than others—so we often find ourselves explaining things to each other, which means we’re all learning together. They’re improving their English, and I’m getting better at Italian. It’s been such a meaningful and fun experience.

And for anyone thinking about signing up?

I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone who sees themselves doing something like this. It’s a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking for a new experience or an adventure. You gain so much—from learning about a new culture and language to meeting new people and discovering a new way of life. It’s something you’ll never forget.