Reflections from Italy During the Coronavirus Crisis

Many of our participants found themselves abroad when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and we’ve made it our priority to stay in close contact with them and offer the support they need.

While safety is our top concern, and we continuously encourage everyone to follow local health guidelines, we can’t help but wonder—can there be a silver lining to being in a foreign country during such uncertain times? We believe there is. And so does Milica, who is currently staying in Italy. Here’s what she had to say:

I’m in the town of Cuneo, in the Piedmont region. Right now, we’re in home isolation, but we’re staying calm and not panicking over the coronavirus situation. We’re actually using this time to get to know each other even better. The media keeps us updated daily on the situation—both here in our region and in other parts of the world. Of course, I discuss everything with my host family, but since we’ve been inside for days now (as a precaution), we don’t really know what’s going on in town apart from what we see in the news.

One of the most special parts of a cultural exchange is the chance to truly experience a country’s way of life, and in this unusual moment, that aspect is more pronounced than ever. Being “stuck” inside has, in many ways, become an opportunity for deeper bonding with the host family, gaining a richer understanding of Italian culture and mentality—and of course, practicing the language every single day.

While our participants might have preferred to be in Italy under different circumstances, we’re confident they’ll walk away from this with lasting memories, stronger relationships, and a new perspective that will stay with them long after the pandemic has passed.