Now that I’ve been home for three weeks and the holidays are over, I finally have some time to sit down and truly look back on my experience studying abroad in Italy. Just from being home for a short time, I’ve definitely experienced some reverse culture shock. I’ve gained a new perspective that has made me appreciate both American and Italian culture in different ways. I’ve become more tolerant to cultural differences, open-minded to change and patient. Learning the Italian way of life wasn’t always a piece of cake, but well worth it.
Beautiful view of the sunrise from airplane.
How Accomplishing My Goals Deepened My Relationships
I can start by saying I’ve undoubtedly grown in many ways this last semester. To point out some obvious ways, I achieved a few of my goals that I stated in my Student Spotlight article. I mentioned how I wanted to meet people, dive into the Italian lifestyle and munch on some good cuisine.
Well… I didn’t simply accomplish these goals! I made lifelong relationships. I now have an extended Italian family, and friends who all love and treat me as if we truly are kin. My host family went out of their way to care for me and help me feel at home.
Bethany and her friend posing in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Not to mention the other exchange students. They were the ones I could really lean on for comfort; we could all relate and encourage one another because we were all living the exchange life. We were learning the language, school system, bus schedules, basically our whole lives all over again. It’s times like these that you truly go through some personal growth and learn about yourself. And that’s a big reason why I encourage others to study abroad. It will challenge you in ways you would never imagine.
As for the food, I don’t think I could ever get enough of it. It’s one thing that Italy absolutely has over any country. Mmmm, pasta.
If I could give pre-Italy Bethany a little advice, I would tell her this:
What you may think is weird is their normal. Don’t stress too much. You’re here to learn after all!
Study more Italian grammar!!!
Be patient in times of frustration. Never give up!
Laugh through your mistakes.
Communicate your feelings. Italians are all about good communication.
A typical Italian road.
For any future students that are wanting to study abroad in Italy, I’ll tell you this:
Beware of public displays of affection. I don’t mean this in a bad way, but coming from the States I know it might be a shocker to some people. Italians greet with a kiss on each cheek, maybe three depending on the area. Close friends hug and kiss like they are family. It is a big part of their culture. Thankfully I knew about it beforehand!
Contribute to the family. This shows them you care and appreciate them. Attempt to cook and help around the house. Spend time with your host siblings. Family is the number one priority to most Italians.
Don’t be afraid of the seafood. It looks pretty gnarly but it is amazing. And I don’t even like seafood!
Bring your ‘Sunday Best’. Italians believe in dressing to impress… 24/7. Oh, and athleisure is not socially acceptable. Or Birkenstocks, Chacos and vests.
A photo of the Duomo in Milan, one of the fashion capitals of the world!
You Will Grow in Ways You Never Expected
Above all, I’d like to share a little secret of what being a foreign exchange student really means: you’re going to feel like you never have before.
There is no way around it. There is no way you can prepare for this but to face it and take it in stride. How it feels to adjust to a new culture and language, to travel to places you’ve never been before – these are the things that make exchange so invigorating!
You truly won’t understand what it means to grow in this way until you return home from exchange and notice just how much you’ve evolved.
Your perspective is now a mix of many cultures, so living in your home country won’t feel like it did before. How it feels to leave the life you’ve been living for the past semester/year and to return to what you thought you really knew: home. You’ll have mixed emotions because it now feels a bit foreign to you. You’ll hug and kiss your loved ones, but it won’t feel the same. You aren’t the same, and because home isn’t only a place, but it’s where your heart is. Now it’s split in two.
Friends getting ready for the holidays in Italy.
A New and Improved You
And it’s okay, because there is so much happiness that comes from living abroad. It’s a whole new world that’s waiting to be discovered. But the happiness comes with an equal amount of sadness, because you have to leave what you had in this new life and return home. But that is the beauty of it all. That’s why it’s worth going on exchange. I believe you truly live when you build relationships, learn a new language, and live a new life. You’ll become a new and improved you.
While living and studying in Italy for the past three months, I can definitely say I’ve experienced some personal growth.In this article, I will be speaking from my own experience, but I am positive that the majority of other exchange students would agree with me.
If I could give one piece of advice to anyone out there considering exchange or anyone currently on exchange, it would be this: KEEP ACTIVE.
No, I am not saying that you should hit the gym every single day or fill up your schedule to the ultimate brim, but keeping active and getting involved during your study abroad is essential for a few reasons.
Exploring the mountains of Tuscany with my friend. Here, we are examining a flower we had never seen before- the Japanese Lantern.
There’s No Short-Cut to Learning about a New Culture
Let’s start with the not-so-obvious but quite obvious main reason: Keeping active pushes you to dive into your host country’s culture. Sorry guys, there are no shortcuts or websites that can substitute for experiencing the culture first-hand.
By exploring your host city, trying the country’s foods, and speaking to the locals, you are experiencing a foreign culture. How cool is that? And besides… aren’t you studying abroad to learn about another country? If not, just go ahead and click off of this article. But let’s be real here, I don’t think anyone chooses to study abroad with the conception that they only came to study. To truly live in a foreign country is to experience what it has to offer!
A snapshot off an afternoon in Florence, Italy.
Stay Healthy Mentally and Physically While Studying Abroad
Secondly, staying active is important because it keeps you mentally and physically healthy. If you stay holed up in your room watching Netflix after school everyday, you aren’t really living your life to the fullest. For one, you are simply lounging around on your laptop. You can do this anywhere, so save it for later!
Instead, you could go out and explore or ask your host sibling to have a coffee with you. You are only studying abroad for so long, so soak in as much as you can. I have one month left in Italy and I still have so much to do! On the other hand, being isolated in your room simply is not good for your mental health. Hello, over-thinkers, I am talking to you!
Fighting the cold weather with a hot chocolate!
In all honestly, sometimes you do need a day off to just watch some Netflix and relax; however, try not to make it the main event of your night. Get out there and learn the language, or how to make a local dish. It will be much more fun and memorable. Besides Netflix, there are plenty other ways of how exchange students can fall into an unproductive and lazy slump. My point being is that it’s healthy to jump at the rare chances you have while studying abroad.
Getting Involved is Your Chance to Make Friends
My third and final point is that you’ll make friendships and memories when you get involved! Yes, it is awkward at first, but once you really get to know your class or teammates or host family, it will be much better in the long run. For example, I joined a cross country team in Perugia. During the first few practices, I kept to myself and ran with the other new members of the team. It wasn’t until after I became friends with the rest of the team that I truly enjoyed being on the team!
Bethany with friends after cross-country practice in Italy.
Now, I go to and from practice with a teammate that lives two minutes away from me. If I did not join the team, I would have never known him or the other great runners on my team. At school my teammates stop by my class during breaks just to say hello, and it’s really nice. We are like one big, happy family.
This goes for Italians in general… they are one big, happy family. And as for memories, well, memories are made. You have to immerse yourself in your current situation to create something that is worth remembering! That means putting yourself out there and opening up to the people and opportunities that are in front of you.
Me posing as a stormtrooper at the Lucca Comics Festival!
Some of you may be thinking, “Yes, I agree, but how do I keep active”?
Here are a few suggestions to get active while studying abroad based on my personal experience:
In a general aspect, choose a host country that sparks your interest. This will make it easier to get involved in the culture and learn the language. For example, don’t study in Italy if you don’t like pasta or big family settings.
My friends and I at my host sister’s 18th birthday.
Spend time with your host family. Don’t simply treat them like a hotel; they are your host family. This will make everyone happier and more comfortable. You can learn so much from them!
Say “yes” to plans! Go out with your classmates for lunch and with your host cousins to the beach. Getting out of your comfort zone is not a bad thing. I can attest that I always end up having a good time when I say yes.
A visit to Santa Maria with my Host Mom.
Attempt the language! Whether you are nearly fluent or level zero on Duolingo, communicate as much as possible in your host country’s language. This shows everyone that you respect their culture by trying to speak their language. PS- I’ve been here for three months and I’ve had people tell me I speak better Italian than people they know! While this may not be true, I simply try my best, laugh, and learn along the way.
Join a club or a team. If you are into sports, try out for a club team. If you enjoy creating, sign up for an art class. There are endless possibilities.
Smile! What an opportunity you’ve been given by your family and host family. People care so much about you that they’ve sent you on this grand adventure so that you may grow and learn. The least you can do is smile back.
Finding a bit of the USA in Perugia!
In the end, everyone’s exchange experience will be unique. After three months, I can say that I have become more independent, patient, and open to new situations. I’ve learned about Italian culture and a bit about myself. Imagine how much personal growth one could experience in a year of studying abroad?! All in all, my experiences did not happen by chance, but by my personal decision to stay active.
In bocca al lupo! Ciao!
About the Author:
Bethany Carideo, is 16-years old and our 2017 Greenheart Travel Correspondent scholarship winner from Athens, Tennessee. Bethany is traveling abroad as a high school student in Italy and her goal is to become proficient in Italian, and is excited to have new host siblings during her time abroad. Follow her adventures here!
Learning Italian has been such an exciting adventure. Not only is the language beautiful, it is rather pleasant to learn! Coming from English as my mother-tongue, there are a few things you should know about this beautiful language while studying abroad in Italy.
There is gender associated with Italian words: The boy – il ragazzo; the girl – la ragazza
There are seven verb conjugations for each verb: I/you/you formal/he/she/we/you all/they
For example, if you wanted to say ____ eat, it would look like this (he/she are the same):
Io mangio
tu mangi
Lei mangia
lui mangia
lei mangia
noi mangiamo
voi mangiate
loro mangiamo
Practicing my Italian while enjoying some authentic cuisine.
Italian dialects vary: There are different dialects of Italian (aka slang). These can be very confusing or very fun to try out. Some Italians cannot understand certain dialects since they vary so much from north to south.
Verbal tone and body gestures are a vital part of the Italian language: Yes, Italian hand-gestures are legitimate!
Italian Phrases to Know Before You Go:
Alright, so now you have a little heads-up on what you’re getting into. But what are you really getting into? Here is a list of some vital daily phrases to know in Italian!
Hello/Good morning- Buongiorno
Good evening/night- Buonasera/notte
Hi/bye- ciao (See also: a dopo– see you later ; a domani– see you tomorrow)
How are you?- Come’ stai?
I am fine, thanks. And you?- Sto bene, grazie. E’ tu?
Perfect- perfetto
Who is there?- Chi c’e’
What did he say? Cosa ha detto?
When is lunch?- Quando e’ il pranzo?
Why not?- Perche’ no?
I am hungry- Ho fame.
Where are you from?- Di dove sei?
I am from (Tennessee).- Sono di Tennessee
I like soccer.- Mi piace il calcio.
Where is the toilet? – Dove’ il bagno?
How much does it cost?- Quanto costa?
Can I help you?- Posso aiutare?
You’re welcome- Prego
I would like an espresso, please. – Io voglio un espresso, per favore.
Excuse me(formal)/sorry(informal)- Scusi/scusa
Excuse me/can I pass by?- permesso
What time is it?- Che ora sono?
I’m hot/cold- Ho caldo/freddo
Helpful Methods to Practice Your Italian Language Skills
To improve my Italian, practice has become my best friend! The best way to pick up on the language is to immerse yourself in it as much as possible. This means reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
I have learned that patience is crucial to learning another language, and that it takes time, desire, and dedication! Saying this, the following are some useful methods I have used to improve my Italian.
Before I came to Italy, I started my own Italian-English dictionary. I wrote down the words I knew I wanted to know in English and then translated them into Italian.
During the first 2 months, I religiously wrote down every word I learned in Italian. This allowed me to look back and review the tremendous amount of vocabulary I was learning!
I practiced the verb conjugations over and over and over. Once you memorize the formula of conjugating verbs, you will be set! But pay attention to the irregular verbs! It’s also helpful to have a grasp on the top five verbs you will probably use:
To be- essere
To have- avere
To go- andare
To eat- mangiare
To buy- comprare
Ask your host siblings for help! My 12 year-old sister helped me with the alphabet and pronunciation, and I help her with her English.
Host siblings can be the best help in learning Italian phrases!
Translate a children’s book! I translated a few pages of Diary of a Wimpy Kid. It was educational and humorous!
Listen to Italian music! Search for your favorite genre in then add “Italian” and you are set!
My Spotify playlist for learning Italian.
PODCASTS! Not only are they interesting, but they speak clearly and give you a break from your Italian music! These are probably the best thing ever invented. There are different topics and levels of comprehension. Spotify has a series on learning Italian called “Coffee Break Italian”.
Watch movies you have seen before in Italian with English subtitles. Then watch it again with Italian subtitles. This is extremely effective after you’ve learned some basic Italian!
Never settle for the “easy way out.” If you want to improve your Italian, you must try even when it seems too difficult. Don’t whip out Google Translate for everything… at first try your best on your own. Don’t know the word for “dog”?- Bark. Throw your hands up, play charades, use synonyms or examples. Do the hokey-pokey if you have must. If people don’t catch on then, you now have my permission to Google it up. But if they do understand you after your one act play, ask them “how do you say it?”- “Come si dice? Then, boom…new vocab for you!
A photo of my ticket to the Umbrian archeological museum (Umbria is the region of Italy I am living in). This museum was my favorite because taught me more about my city and helped me practice the language.
I hope this article motivates you to learn the most beautiful language I’ve ever heard. Starting sometimes as huge as learning an entire language can be rather terrifying, but it is completely achievable! No, it will not come easily, or overnight. It takes some effort and quite some time.
Hopefully I’ve made my point clear… having an open mind is essential. If not, let me leave you with one last word of wisdom: patience!
In bocca al lupo! Buona fortuna! Good luck!
About the Author:
Bethany Carideo, is 16-years old and our 2017 Greenheart Travel Correspondent scholarship winner from Athens, Tennessee. Bethany is traveling abroad as a high school student in Italy and her goal is to become proficient in Italian, and is excited to have new host siblings during her time abroad. Follow her adventures here!
Ready to start learning Italian while living and studying in Italy?!
Starting my high school journey abroad in Italy, I tried to have as few strong expectations as possible. I had a some general ideas of what I would like to experience, but overall I began my study abroad experience with an open mind and heart. But, being the curious person I am, I came up with a few things that I thought might happen.
Bethany Carideo with her ID in Italy.
The Language: Every Day is an Opportunity to Learn
Let’s start with the elephant in the room: the language. Quite the hassle. I remember being very nervous because I had not studied Italian as much as I had liked to. I started out my exchange program only knowing a few simple phrases, so I felt quite unprepared yet apprehensive to learn more. I figured that I would just pick it up. And so far, I have!
Now, this is much easier said than done. The past two months have been a tsunami of new information. At first I was drowning, but I have learned to soak it all in. Think sponge, Bethany. This includes Italian music, television, friends, host family, and school. Week one was very awkward… Even the ABCs hurt my head.
But, after I learned the basics of grammar and structure of the language (thanks to my 12 year-old host-sister) things became much easier. It is easy to read Italian with a basic knowledge of vocabulary. My reality is simply a learning process. Every day is an opportunity to learn!
A homemade Italian meal in Italy.
From Heaps of Pasta to Family Dynamics and Personal Space: My Take on Italian Culture
As for the culture of Italy, I had already known a few things from my previous visits. I knew that in general, Italy was a very family-oriented country and full of large, immense Catholic churches. I also knew that many Italians were proclaimed Catholics, but not practicing.
My Italian Family
I have learned that my family is just like this, and that finding a practicing person of any religion has been a bit difficult. Being an only child, I expected to grow close to my family here and try to immerse myself as much as possible. After a single day in my new host community of Perugia, I found out that family is everything here.
My four siblings will gladly help one another but bicker while doing so. Things such as studying and watching movies I would normally do on my own they all do together. Although they have hours of studying to do, they make time to visit their grandmother and cousins every day. They are spontaneous yet organized – and the epitome of fashionably late. It is beautifully chaotic and I am humbled to be part of this family.
All the Pasta All the Time
Separately, I had expected to eat heaps of pasta. And this expectation has been blown out of the water. We eat heaps upon heaps. It is normal to have pasta even twice a day!
At home in the United States, my mom usually makes my family dinner (love you, mom). In Perugia, everyone crowds the kitchen to prepare lunch and dinner. Sometimes I feel like there is no room for me to help out in the kitchen, but I have learned that there is no such thing as personal space here, and that even my attempts to help are worth more than simply not trying at all.
Public Transportation
On another note, I did not expect that I would use public transportation as much as I do! For example, today I am taking the auto-bus to the train station, and then a train to meet with a friend for dinner! Everyday I take the bus to school and the “minimetro” railway to athletics practice.
In Tennessee, no one takes public transport because it is not practical. You either drive yourself places or catch a ride with someone. I can definitely say that I have been pleasantly surprised by the cultural differences.
A heap of pasta in Italy.
Meeting People in Italy is Exhilarating and Overwhelming at the Same Time
While on a high school exchange program you will meet a multitude of people: family, family friends, friends, families of friends, classmates, friends of classmates, teammates, teachers, the barista at the bar down the street, etc. I expected it to always be fun, but I personally feel like I go through stages of meeting people:
Excited
A bit nervous
Super happy afterwards
Exhausted.
At first, I wasn’t apprehensive to meet anyone… I mean, I am on an exchange! When the time rolled around I would suddenly become nervous. Would I say the right thing? Would they judge my level of Italian? Would I be the only one wearing a sweatshirt… Again?!
But, these silly questions in my head were just that: silly.
The Italian people are beautiful inside and out. Their kind hearts are so big and their warm welcomes are simply through the roof. For example, last week was my 17th birthday. I suggested going to dinner with a couple of close friends, but none of them could make it. I shrugged it off because I know plans are always loose around here and knew that we would probably just have dinner as a family at home. But boy, was I completely wrong.
I came home that night to a surprise party! I do not know how my host sister did it, but my friends from my school, another school, and from the family were all there. I could not believe my eyes! My host family is amazing! About twenty of us had dinner that night. They really made my birthday feel extra special when I thought it would only be a family celebration. All in all, meeting new people is exhilarating and overwhelming, but worth your while.
Bethany Carideo holding her birthday cake in Italy.
Welcomed with Open Arms at School
In terms of school, I was very nervous the first day. I was nervous that it would be very hard to settle into the school. I feared I wouldn’t be accepted by the other girls. I expected I would spend the entire day understanding hardly anything, and then spend most of my nights translating my school work. I was afraid of the unknown.
Well, I must say that I shouldn’t have been so nervous. Like the language, you really get out what you put in. My whole class welcomed me with the biggest open arms! During the school breaks, they bury me neck-deep with questions about anything and everything. They are all willing to help me when I don’t understand something in class, and in return I help them in English class.
Speaking of class, I can understand the lectures most of the time! I’ve picked up the language fairly quickly thanks to their passionate speech and multitude of hand gestures. I may miss some little details here and there, but I can comprehend main concepts and use context clues to figure out the rest.
If I happen to understand hardly anything (like philosophy), I translate my lectures at home. Even so, I love school here. The headmaster of the school knows my situation and that I need to meet certain requirements for my school at home. My teachers and classmates are very interested and supportive of my exchange experience. My scholastic reality is going quite well.
Bethany with friends after athletics practice in Italy.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Exchange Experience
In the end, expectations are not a bad thing! It is healthy to ponder your upcoming adventure… Just be careful that you do not set yourself up for some major disappointment. Just like pasta – healthy in moderation! Like I said before, I tried to come to Perugia with as little expectations as possible so that I could fully embrace my reality. Although I am always worn out afterwards, I am so happy with the relationships I have formed here and the experiences I have had.
Here are some general tips for future exchange students:
1. Don’t generalize countries. Whatever you do, do not think, “I want to go to Italy because they eat pasta and pizza 24/7.”
Some families never eat at home, and some never go out. Some are health nuts and some host moms make dessert every night! I know this from other exchange students I met at orientation.
Or you may think, “I want go to France because Paris is beautiful.”You may not be placed near Paris, but another wonderful place in France. Wonderful in a different way.
2. The key to learning the language is wanting to! Apply your interests in your host country’s language. Personally, I like to listen to music, so I created an “Italian pop” playlist and another “Italian relaxed” playlist. I play the I-pop songs when I run, and the relaxed one when I walk home from school.
Another way could be to choose one of your favorite movies and watch it in English with Italian subtitles, and then again in Italian with Italian subtitles. This way you practice your reading and listening comprehension skills of Italian. Watching movies and TV is also a great way because you hear how people speak and the vocabulary they use… Italian is full of many idiomatic expressions!
3. Take action and ask for help. Do not wait for someone to come to your rescue. Trust me, it is much easier on everyone if you ask the questions you may think are dumb or insignificant. After all, this is a learning experience.
One day, I was exhausted and asked my host mom if she had the time to drive me to school. She couldn’t, so she suggested I take the bus to school with my friends. If it wasn’t for this moment, I would have never known that taking the bus to school was even an option. I am very glad asked her! Allora, don’t keep your worries and insecurities bottled up because it will not be good in the long run.
Boats along the coast of Italy.
It is so exciting to see how my expectations and reality compare and contrast. For example, some of my good expectations turned out better than I would have ever imagined! And some things I expected to find (like peanut butter), I may never see again until I return home! But it is okay, because this high school exchange is going to be different from my home, which leads me to my number one tip (if you need to expect something):
Expect your host country to be different from your home.
Because if anything is true, it is this. I am not disappointed in any way with my experience so far, and I am pleased with the things I never would have expected. Different doesn’t have to mean bad, it can be good in ways that differs from what you have known your whole life.
About the Author:
Bethany Carideo, is 16-years old and our 2017 Greenheart Travel Correspondent scholarship winner from Athens, Tennessee. Bethany is traveling abroad as a high school student in Italy and her goal is to become proficient in Italian, and is excited to have new host siblings during her time abroad. Follow her adventures here!
I am currently taking a break from translating my homework to write this article, and if that doesn’t describe the life of an exchange student in Italy, then I’m not sure what does. Anyways, the last few days have been a whirlwind if I do say so myself!
Between setting up my room, finding my way around Perugia, trying to remember dozens of new names and faces, and learning how my host family works, I have definitely kept busy. Here are a few highlights and what I’ve learned so far from my first weeks studying abroad in Italy so far.
Embrace the Awkwardness of Meeting New People
Enjoying Rome and taking a quick photo at the Trevi Fountain with other exchange students.
Yesterday, I started school, and was absolutely terrified. As I walked into the classroom I was welcomed by many smiling faces and a few confused ones. A normal response I suppose. Little did they know, my stomach was doing flips.
As I looked around for a seat, a girl in the back row patted the seat next to her. Thank God. I felt my heart beating out of my chest. I could feel the awkward stares from all angles. But as soon as I got to my seat I was swarmed by the entire class.
“Americana!”
“Di dove sei?”
“Come ti chiami?”
and my personal favorite, “Do you watch Pretty Little Liars?”
“Yes!” “You’re Bethany Young!”
Even kids from other classes ran up to greet me. After 15 solid minutes of this, the smile on my face was starting to hurt (although I was truly happy). I now feel bad for teeth models.
Allora (anyways), my first point was to let you know that meeting new people is scary at first.
A photo of me on my first day of school.
Whether it be your host family, classmates, or the cashier at the cafe next to your place… It will be awkward. And scary. But you’ve just got to embrace the awkwardness and remember why you are here! To learn another language, culture, religion, how to cook (aiutami– help me!), or whatever your reason is. And I completely understand how going into anything foreign can be scary at first.
To start, there is the obvious language barrier. You may think, “did I say that right?” and then that will turn into a “I just won’t speak at all, because I will end up saying it wrong anyways”. WRONG-O.
There is a challenge staring you in the face for a reason. You came here knowing there was going to be one, too. So go get em’, tiger! Alongside this, you are the newcomer, so automatically all eyes are on you (whether you like it or not). You are the magic word: FOREIGN.
Francesca (host sister) and I at a friend’s birthday party.
You dress different, your makeup (if any) may be different, you may prefer peanut butter over Nutella (that’s me). You have their attention, now is your time!
Third, the pressure. Oh, the pressure. “Does my host family like me?” ,“ Oh, I should order a what? An ‘expresso’?”, “Wait, where I am?” Ha-ha it sounds ridiculous but it is true. Once I got past this awkward stage (which lasts as long as your resilience does), I really started to enjoy the life as an exchange student.
In hindsight, meeting people shouldn’t be as scary as we make it. But then you realize that everything you were nervous about never even existed. It was all some preconceived notion that everything would go kaput. Our fear of the unknown should not have its tight grip on us.
At home, I am the first person to get up and greet someone new. I try to assure them there is nothing to worry about and there is definitely no judgment coming from me. And you know what is great? People do that here, too! For example, meeting people in Perugia is great because everyone knows everyone! For example, my host mother is my desk mate’s doctor. Crazy, right?!
Settle in with Your Host Family; You’re Not Just a Guest
My Italian host family.
Speaking of my host family, I absolutely love them. Living with a host family is quite an adventure. At first I felt very out of place and almost invasive, although my host family gave me the best possible welcome. They prepared a huge dinner, a SURPRISE VACATION, the whole nine yards (They even told me not to unpack!). I have to remember that they chose to host me, I’m not just a pest (I hope)! My host family is a true blessing.
I have two younger sisters and one older brother and sister. I have learned that this family is: 1. Very busy 2. Very active 3. Very close and supportive. I cannot express my thanks to them.
Be Open-Minded About Your New Schedule and School
A typical breakfast before heading off to school. Quick and easy!
Navigating daily life as a highschool student is a beautiful mess. The day starts off early, 6:30 AM. Breakfast is small: either biscotto (toast) with jam/ Nutella or a small coffee cup of cereale. Then I skip out the door and make the haul to school. Two of my host sisters join me. Yes, it is a haul. A very hilly one, may I mention. But it is growing on me because it wakes me up (Pfft, what am I saying, I have only been to school two days).
School consists of 4-5 classes per day, and there are 9-10 classes total. Each day there is a new schedule. And here is the real kicker (for my fellow Americans): you do NOT change classes, the teachers do! Yup, that’s right. You sit by the same people, in the same chair every day, for five years of your life.
Boring right? Actually, it is not too bad. You grow fond of those in your class and it becomes your second family more or less. For example, on the first day of school the whole class went out for lunch together. Allora, after school ends around 2 PM, we all make our way back home. Then, I take a little break and rest. In the afternoon I run and start translating my schoolwork. Around 9pm we have dinner as a family and then head to bed.
Caprese pizza for dinner!
Weekends are a different story. Mornings are relaxed; everyone goes and does their own thing. Gigi and Valli (my host parents) go to work, Mati and Beba go to tennis practice, Fran goes to her driving lessons, and I stay at home and study Italian, go for a run, or go to the center with my friends.
Around 1pm or 2pm we all come together (minus Gigi) and have lunch either at home or at Nonna’s house. Everything is made in the kitchen before our eyes. I’ve been here almost a month and I’ve yet to eat a meal out (this doesn’t count the gelato)! After lunch there’s some chill time (nap time!) and then back to your own schedule in the afternoon. For example, shopping, gelato, walking the town, Bible devotion, running, etc.
Exploring my Italian host community.
A note onItalian Timing!
Italian timing… whew! For example, the other day I had plans to meet my friends in the town center at 7:30. I was “fashionably late” on purpose.. about 20 minutes late. I leave at 7:30 to make it around 7:50, knowing that’s when we would most likely meet at anyways. On my way up, I get a call from my friend Ottaviano saying “I’m so sorry! I’ll be there in 10!” See? Perfect! Although he said 10 minutes, he really turned up about 20 minutes later. I even had time to spare! I love this crazy life.
Valli teaching me to make pesto sauce.
Around 7pm or 8pm we all end up together and start prepping la cena (dinner). After dinner everyone parts again or watches some tv or chills on the patio. Then bedtime! Mealtime is the key to Italian family. At the table all phones are out of sight, everyone is present and ready to debrief about their days. They are truly beautiful people and I cannot wait to see what else is in store for the next few months.
My words of wisdom: JUMP IN! Throw the fear of it all out the window! Make a fool of yourself (be safe kids). Grow. Learn. Have fun in the process. That’s what it’s about. Exchange will challenge you in good ways!
About the Author:
Bethany Carideo, is 16-years old and our 2017 Greenheart Travel Correspondent scholarship winner from Athens, Tennessee. Bethany is traveling abroad as a high school student in Italy and her goal is to become proficient in Italian, and is excited to have new host siblings during her time abroad. Follow her adventures here!
Greenheart Travel is excited to send a group of amazing travelers to study and volunteer abroad as part of our 2017 Travel Correspondent and Global Explorer Scholarship awards. To help introduce our inspiring writers, we are doing a series of spotlight interviews to help you get to know a little more about who they are, where they will be headed and what inspired them to travel abroad.
Read on to meet 16-year-old, Bethany Carideo, our Greenheart Travel Correspondent from Athens, Tennessee, who’ll be traveling abroad as a high school student in Italy!
Favorite thing to do in your free time?
Run! It is the best relaxer. I love spending quality time with friends and family. Hiking, movies, concerts, and ultimate frisbee are my top picks.
Have you traveled abroad before?
Yes! I’ve been blessed to venture around Europe through mission work and a heck of a lot of fundraising. My first trip abroad was to Italy in 2008, with my family. Since then, I have been back 6 times (I think). A few times for family, and then a few for mission trips.
Speaking of mission trips, I’ve traveled to Honduras twice! In 2013, my parents and I hiked the last 100 km of the Camino de Santiago in Spain. In 2015, my mom and I did a work away program (google it- best thing ever!) to Sweden, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
My family, my best friend, and I hiked the Ring of Kerry of Ireland in 2016. Can you tell I love Europe?? A few others include: England, France, Germany, Russia, and Norway. I am forever grateful for my experiences!
What got you interested in learning a new language and studying abroad?
My previous travels have inspired me to study abroad. None of it could have been made possible without my parents… they deserve the credit. Mission work has caused me to fall in love with people. I have fallen in love with new places and opportunities. Another huge inspiration is my foreign exchange student, Mara. We hosted our German gymnast in the 2014-15 school year.
What are you most excited about experiencing or seeing during your high school abroad program?
I am so pumped to meet the people. I want to experience the different lifestyle, traditions, FOOD! I am most excited about living with my host family!
Why do you feel it’s important to travel to a new place and experience a different culture?
I think that traveling and experiencing new cultures has formed who I am. It has forced me to adapt and learn in amazing ways. I have learned things about myself and others, and that has humbled me. Thanks to this, getting out of my comfort zone is my favorite thing to do. What more could I ask for?
What are you nervous about?
I am definitely nervous about the language barrier. I know that school will also be a bit harder than at home, but I’m excited for the challenge. Nerves are a good thing… right?!
How have you prepared for your time living and studying abroad?
I have been studying Italian! I have also read many travel blogs that talk about Italian culture. I enjoy reading study abroad blogs the most. But most importantly, I have decided to put my stress and nerves behind me. I am focused on making the most of my time at home before I start my adventure!
How do you think you will change the most during your time abroad?
After living in a different culture and environment, I think that my perspective will change the most. I will hopefully become more patient (not my strong suit as an only child) as well.
