A Southern Italian Experience – Life on the Island That Never Sleeps

Aleksandra, one of our cultural exchange participants, spent three full months living in Italy. She chose the very tip of the boot—Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily—where she lived with a true Italian family. With her experience now settled in her mind, she describes Sicily as a breathtaking island that truly never sleeps.

Sicily never sleeps. It’s packed with tourists, but even more so with Sicilians—young and old—constantly moving through the city. Morning, night, and even in the middle of the night, the city is always buzzing, full of life, with music echoing from every corner and loud, joyful laughter everywhere you go. People are out enjoying each other’s company, and it shows.

This was Aleksandra’s first time in southern Italy, and she’s glad she ended up there—especially because of the rich mix of cultural influences, particularly the Arab touch that gives the region its unique charm.

People here are incredibly warm and friendly. They’re eager to talk, happy to help if you ask for directions, and often go out of their way to share even more than you asked—just to keep the conversation going. It’s also completely normal for someone to approach you just to introduce themselves.

She was blown away by the locals and their natural ability to brighten your day with nothing more than a smile and a well-timed compliment. The host family she stayed with felt like the perfect fit—genuinely Italian, full of kindness, and always ready to help, which made Aleksandra feel completely at home. And as for the food? She has zero complaints.

I was amazed. I tried all sorts of local dishes, both savory and sweet. But I have to say—the sweets stole my heart. They’re so unique to this area, and you can tell they’re made with real skill and tradition.

She also managed to visit many other towns across Sicily, especially smaller coastal ones and was left speechless by their beauty. The smaller seaside towns, she says, are some of the most romantic places she’s ever seen, while the larger cities wowed her with their rich architecture.

Most of her time was spent with a four-year-old girl from the host family.

She’s incredibly bright. We play every day and learn English through games. She’s curious and eager to learn, which makes our time together not just fun, but meaningful. And honestly, being around the whole family has been a joy.

Aleksandra learned a lot about Sicily during her stay, and she encourages anyone considering the program not to hesitate—just go for it.

You’ll get to know the country on a deep level—from the city you’ll live in, to the wider culture. It’s an incredible experience, and honestly, a gift. You’ll meet so many new people and form connections that will last well beyond the trip. This journey to Italy has been my favorite by far—mainly because of the beautiful people I met and the time I had to truly explore the wonder that is Sicily.