Discover Italy, Discover Yourself – A Cultural Exchange Journey

Anja shared her story of cultural exchange in Italy—a transformative experience that didn’t just change the way she saw the world, but also how she saw herself.

In these strange times, when everyone is wrapped up in health measures and adapting to a new normal, I felt the need to revisit one of the most beautiful chapters of my life.

It might sound overly enthusiastic, she says, but her time in Italy truly changed her perspective. She considers herself lucky—not just for finding a wonderful host family, but for having gone in the summer of 2019, before the pandemic made everything feel a little more distant and grey.

Italy is still beautiful, of course, but it’s not the Italy I left behind. Still, telling this story lets me ‘return’ for a few moments.

That summer was a turning point for her. She had just graduated high school and, like many 18-year-olds, didn’t know what came next. The one thing she did know? She had to travel and as she recalls it was one of those inner urges you just can’t shake. With limited options at that age, she found her perfect fit in a cultural exchange program. After completing all the formalities, she was matched with a host family that welcomed her like one of their own.

But her adventure didn’t wait for her to settle in—it began the moment she left home. She found herself navigating confusing bus schedules, delayed transfers, and chaotic train stations—all with an overpacked suitcase in tow. After hours of stress and confusion, one delayed bus, and a train breakdown in the middle of nowhere, she finally made it to Bergamo. And it was worth every second.

My host family was incredible. I spent time with two young girls while their parents were at work, and from day one, I felt like part of the family. I even met their extended family and joined in on summer outings—swimming in crystal-clear lakes, eating homemade pasta, and visiting all the places I had only ever dreamed about.

Her Italian mom, as she calls her, was a skilled cook who happened to be preparing tiramisù for sixteen friends the very next day. Her host grandparents owned a pizzeria.

I got to try everything—pizza, pasta in all forms, tiramisù, gelato… and somehow, I didn’t gain a pound!

Anja used her free time to explore nearby cities like Milan, Verona, and Venice.

This time, no suitcase and no stress—just curiosity and excitement.

Her host family was adventurous too, taking her along to mountains, lakes, and caves.

When it was time to leave Italy, I felt an emptiness I couldn’t shake. I had to return to my regular life, but I knew something in me had shifted.

She came back not only with amazing memories, but with a better understanding of herself.

I met amazing people, saw unforgettable places, but most importantly—I discovered who I am. That’s what I really needed back then.

Now, Anja studies Italian language and literature, and already plans to return to Italy, this time for university. Her final message?

If you’re someone who wants to step out of their comfort zone and truly discover the world—and themselves—this experience is for you. It’s only when you’re completely on your own, navigating the unknown, that you realize how capable you really are.