Living the True Dolce Vita in Italy

Bojana chose Italy for her cultural exchange program and spent four unforgettable months by the beautiful Lake Garda. She admits that, at first, she was hesitant—wondering if she’d get along with the family, how her days would go… but now that it’s all behind her, she confidently says

Trust me, in my case, the old saying applies: If I had chosen myself, I couldn’t have chosen better.

She stayed with an international family who welcomed her with open arms. As it turns out, her host family carries a very well-known name and belongs to Italy’s upper social circles—something Bojana found especially fascinating, as she got to observe their lifestyle, habits, and perspectives up close.

Their daughter, who I spend most of my time with, speaks excellent English, which is a great opportunity for me to keep improving mine. We live in Affi, near Lake Garda, and right now we’re on a seaside vacation in Albinia. One of the best parts of this experience is that when the family travels—you go with them.

Though Bojana had been on a student exchange before, she says this program stands out from the rest.

Before Italy, I participated in a student exchange that really broadened my horizons, but here, in Italy, it honestly feels like I’m living inside a movie. We’ve already become great friends despite the age gap and even planned their visit to Serbia!

A typical day for Bojana involves helping with breakfast and getting ready for the beach.

We stay at the beach until lunch. After lunch, we head home, prep the meal, and I spend time playing with the little girl—sometimes we go to the pool. In the evening, it’s time for dinner, and if my new friends are free, we head to a nearby bar for a drink and some great conversations. I’ve met a few people I really connected with, and we love exploring nearby towns together—traveling with locals is the best!

Bojana says she’s built a strong connection with her host family, and the experience has even opened professional doors for her.

Thanks to the family, I met some people from London who work in the field I want to pursue, and their advice has been incredibly valuable. To anyone who’s unsure about applying—this program is an amazing chance to broaden your horizons. You’ll meet wonderful people, travel the country… It’s just not the same as visiting Italy as a tourist. Living with an Italian family for three months is something else entirely. Plus, the program is affordable and the agency makes the process super simple.