Program Reviews

From the time I applied with InterExchange for this program, there was a representative with me through the placement, departure, and arrival processes and everything else in between! I felt so at ease knowing that there was always someone there if I had any questions or concerns. I was placed in a preschool/kindergarten placement where I lead English lessons, helped write curriculum (my background is in Education), and created learning stations for the students. I was even offered a summer job in Italy from this experience! Living in Italy with a host family is the best way to immerse yourself into the culture, and I absolutely loved my experience with my placements thanks to InterExchange.

I had the best time in my stay as an Au Pair in Melbourne. Adjusting to a new family's schedule can be really difficult. I had a really hard time the first 3 weeks. When you are in another country (not knowing anyone), and trying to assimilate your lifestyle to the family you are living with, things can get overwhelming quickly. My time in Melbourne was really overwhelming at first. I had a lot of support from Au Pairs in the area, and Interexchange helped me join groups to help me meet people. I had a great experience with my family. I ended up extending my stay and moving to another family in another state to get more out of it. It's true, travel changes you. And traveling with a family and kids changes you in an even better way than traveling alone would.

I really immersed myself into the Italian culture by conversing to the best of my ability with my host family and fellow teachers about italian lifestyles, while also traveling to other parts of Italy over the weekends. The children I taught at primary schools are loud but they're also very sweet, they want to interact with you. One of the difficulties I encountered was transportation I wasn't used to and lack of resources from my iphone from home. All in all I found this experience very rewarding working with children, and broadening my views of another culture.