When there is so much anticipation about finally getting to a place you hoped to visit, you sometimes wonder will it live up to your expectations or be close to what you dreamed of? Venice - much visited, photographed, talked and written about - is everything that you hope it will be. But the particular joy in taking a leap into this exciting programme is that you are more than just a tourist, you are transported immediately to a magical place of immersion surrounded from the offset by history, art, culture, food and all your senses are ignited. The warm welcome and care of this programme eases you gently into all aspects of Venice's wonderful environment and you laugh and learn about both the city and yourself while doing it. Whether arriving into this city on a rainy night or in the blazing sunshine, from the very start you are learning and absorbing secrets of the city and your soul is nourished. My time spent here opened my mind and equipped me with some amazing tools to use in my life going forward. It's as special as everyone tells you it is.

Venice has been the perfect place to take some time to explore myself. Challenged to live in a new culture, in a country that speaks a different language I have found that I have grown astronomically to the person I was before I came here.

The art and architecture of the city is so beautiful and inspiring. Every time I walked around the island my breath was taken away by the views of the city. My favourite time of day was when I was sat with friends having a spritz, watching the sunset over the lagoon and all of the buildings would light up as if they were glowing.

There is a real feeling that Venice has. It is a feeling that anything is possible. You have no idea what you will find hidden around every corner or tucked away at the end of an little alley way. There are endless restaurants, bars, cafes and gardens to discover and explore from walking around the city.

The romantic nature of the city brings this essence of human connection and inspiration. The people I met in Venice and the friends I made mean the world to me and I am so grateful to have shared such amazing experiences with people from all parts of the world.

I couldn't recommend Venice more to any young person that wants a change and wants to experience life to the fullest.

My recent two-week stay in Venice was nothing short of extraordinary. Unlike the typical tourist experience, I had the unique opportunity to live like a local, and it truly transformed my understanding of this magical city. Staying with locals not only gave me access to the hidden gems of Venice, but it also provided me with an authentic experience that most visitors never get to see.

From the moment I arrived, I was warmly welcomed into the rhythm of Venetian life. The insights I gained were invaluable—whether it was discovering the best dishes in town that only locals know about, finding the quickest routes through the labyrinthine streets, or learning which boat to take for the most scenic and efficient journey. These are the kinds of things you simply won’t find in a guidebook.
One of the highlights was the incredible location of where I stayed, nestled within a Venetian neighbourhood. The proximity to the heart of Venice allowed me to explore the city’s historic sites, but it was the access to lesser-known, authentic experiences that made my stay so special. Each day felt like an adventure as I wandered through quiet alleyways, visited local markets, and conversed with Venetians who were more than happy to share their stories and traditions.
For future visitors, I can't recommend this experience enough. If you want to truly understand Venice—not just as a beautiful destination, but as a living, breathing city with a rich culture and deep-rooted traditions—then immersing yourself in the local way of life is the way to do it. This stay has left me with memories and insights that I will cherish forever.