So Many Beautiful Memories and Friends from All Over the World!

Isidora, one of our participants in the Discover Italy program, shares her experience from Italy:

I applied for this cultural exchange program because it brought together two of my greatest passions—Italian culture and working with children. Going to Italy for a cultural exchange turned out to be an absolutely wonderful experience. I was very lucky with the host family—they welcomed me completely as one of their own. We go out to dinner together and often visit smaller, lesser-known towns nearby. I live with a family that has two little boys, ages 5 and 3, and they’ve totally taken to me. We play and learn together every single day.

She also talks dearly about new friendships made during her stay:

I’ve also met a lot of girls who came to Italy through the same program, and we spend most of our time exploring and traveling together. So far, I’ve visited Como, Bergamo, Bologna, Lecco, Varenna, Milan, Monza…I’ve become especially close with two girls—one from the U.S. and one from the U.K. Since I really wanted to make the most of this opportunity, I also enrolled in an Italian language school. I attend classes daily, and there I’ve made even more international friends to hang out with and go out with.

Her final message for future candidates is:

I also want to give a big shoutout to my coordinator from the Center—such a kind and positive person who was always there for me whenever I needed support. All in all, I would recommend this program to absolutely everyone! You come back home with so many beautiful memories—and a whole new circle of friends from around the world!”