La Bella Italia

Via Italia! Janja, one of our cultural exchange participants, set off on a month-long journey to Italy in July 2021. Her adventure began in Zagreb and led her to Cortina d’Ampezzo, a small mountain town in northern Italy.

When I applied for the cultural exchange program, I had no clear picture of what it would actually look like. I was excited, though the north of Italy hadn’t exactly been my first idea of where I’d go. Now, looking back, everything I learned, experienced, and saw has turned into a truly rich life memory. I arrived late in the evening, and from that moment, the adventure began.

A month flew by quickly, but it was more than enough for Janja to build a treasure trove of unforgettable moments.

First of all, the host family I stayed with was incredibly warm and welcoming. I think we were a perfect match. We really clicked, and the boy’s mom was so kind and thoughtful that I didn’t even feel the usual homesickness for my own family in Croatia. Since the boy was almost 13, we developed a fun, friendly bond. We even had our inside jokes, and our time together was always full of laughter.

Janja adapted quickly to her new routine and lifestyle. She spent her days with the family, exploring the stunning natural surroundings, and soaking in what she describes as “God’s wonders.” Her time in Cortina was more than just a trip—it was a personal transformation.

I’m an adventurer at heart. I love hiking, biking, and climbing. It’s how I find breathtaking views, the strength of nature, fairytale-like lakes, and an unexplainable sense of peace. You simply can’t be inactive in Cortina. That’s also when I realized just how out of shape I was—haha! Even though it’s a small town, it was buzzing with tourists, delicious Italian food, and great aperitivos. My stay in Cortina made me braver, bolder, and more confident in myself and what I can do.

What stayed with her most wasn’t just the scenery, but the feeling of living with people she had never met before—and bonding with them. Her fear of heights disappeared, while new friendships took root. The result? A better, stronger version of Janja.

After the program ended, she made sure to visit two of Italy’s iconic cities—stylish Milan and the majestic Rome—and they left quite the impression.

I enjoyed every second in both cities, but Rome truly stood out. It deserves every compliment it gets. Its history, food, people, and atmosphere—it’s the perfect blend of everything you could ask for…