Language Homestay Italy

I did the teach English in Italy program through InterExchange and it was by far the most challenging, FUN, and beneficial thing I’ve ever done. I say this a lot - I grew more in those months than I did in my college experience, because I was thrust into a world I didn’t know with support, but also had to take a lot of intiative and figure things out on my own. I would highly recommend (and have referred friends) to this organization. They were responsive, helpful, and connected me with people who were incredibly helpful once I got to Italy.
Aside from my teaching experience, i got to know some other teachers who became good friends and we traveled most weekends to other places in Italy, as well as a few other countries during the Easter break. I am so thankful I took the opportunity to do this and thankful for a program as well run as InterExchange to go through! Thanks, InterExchange!

As an introverted person, this journey helped me become more relaxed and connect with people I would've never met otherwise. I was quite reserved at first, but I it quickly dawned on me that I share interests and hobbies with many other people, regardless of nationalities. Being able to connect with others in another language was rewarding in its own way, and knowing that there are kind people anywhere you go is also quite comforting. I was able to meet many people outside the school that have brought me memories I won't soon forget.

Overall, my experience was quite pleasant. I got to see and tour a lot of Italy. The school was very nice and the teachers were nice. My school was close to the train station, about fifteen minutes which made for an easy walk. The school was also a short walk from the town center. I also enjoyed meeting many different people and getting to know locals at local hang outs, such as Maga Cacao. I enjoyed exploring the ancient history of the town, Macerata, that I was staying in. The food and wine was really good as well.

The best part for me was the host family experience. The program pairs you with some of the most generous and welcoming people and you feel like they truly want you to be there and have the best experience possible in their home. I often heard "You're our guest" and when Italians say that, they usually mean it in a traditional sense... that all your needs will be taken care of. I found the teaching part the most challenging. I taught at 4 middle and elementary schools over 3 months so there were a lot of teachers to coordinate with and the kids weren't always well behaved. However, my two designated coordinators were so nice and helpful. They ended up being two of my closest friends there. The region we were placed in was breathtakingly beautiful and though it was almost impossible to get around with a ride, I was very pleased to be placed in such an authentic location. I loved that there were other English speaking foreigners in towns nearby. They become my friends and travel buddies. Overall, it was a great experience!

My experience with this program was 100% positive. The only negative aspects were out of the control of the coordinators, so I don't consider them when I judge InterExchange. Overall, teaching was a challenge, but rewarding. I had to be very flexible as I taught ages 3-13, with each age containing a full spectrum of English knowledge and skill. Some of the Italian teachers were more helpful than others, but the schools as a whole were welcoming and warm. My host family was incredible, and I have zero complaints about them or the region in which I was placed. Through this program, I was given the perfect home-base from which to travel, and I was able to meet many other amazing people also participating in the program who have become travel buddies and true friends. This was my first time to live and work in a country other than the US, and I think it was the perfect bridge to a lifetime of travel.

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 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.