A Great Opportunity... (I wish I had known about this program years ago)

I was able to spend 1 month in the Piedmont region of northern Italy doing the Italy Homestay Program. I had wanted to travel to Italy for a long time, and as a teacher, I have more time to travel than most do. Having traveled a decent amount in the past, one thing I knew that was important to me was to spend enough time in a place to really feel like you understand the culture and get to see the real country- not just the touristy places. I found this program and it seemed like it was exactly what I wanted. I would be part of a family, I would get to experience real Italian culture, and I would be able to stay within my budget.

The program was a great experience for me. It was exactly what I was looking for, and I would definitely do it again. I had a lot of flexibility to go see places in the city. I would either ride into the city with my host family when they went to work or I would take the bus in. It was nice to have this freedom to explore at my own pace during most days. Because I was staying with a family, I got to do many things that tourists would never get to do. I did some traveling in Italy after I finished up with my homestay, and as nice as it was to stay in nice hotels and eat meals out at restaurants and see famous places, I really feel that the homestay experience was the most meaningful and memorable part of the trip.

The program is very orderly and well run, and the staff is very helpful and kind.