High School Homestays Programs in Italy

My year abroad was an experience filled with highs, lows, and surprises. Looking back, my experience was mixed, it didn't fully meet my expectations in some areas, but in others, I was pleasantly surprised. The good parts were incredible, living in a different country allowed me to experience a new culture, meet people from different countries and backgrounds, and gain a greater sense of independence. I enjoyed exploring new cities, trying local foods, and learning more about how people live and study outside of my home country. These experiences helped me grow personally and become more adaptable. However, there were also challenges that made the experience difficult at times. Adjusting to a new environment was harder than expected, and there were moments when I felt disconnected from my new life abroad or frustrated. I faced challenges I wasn't prepared to confront by myself, such as sudden loss, anxiety, and homesickness. While I had my host family and friends to support me, I was sure being at home with my family would help me with my problems. But, even though I struggled with these things, it added to my experience here and helped me learn how to rely on others, myself, and trust in the process. One of the most unexpected parts was noticing how my behavior changed in a new environment. In America, I tended to be louder and more active in class discussions. In Italy, I became more observant and passive, spending more time listening, translating, and noticing my surroundings. While this was not a change I anticipated, it taught me that growth can happen in ways you don't expect. I wouldn't count this as a positive or negative aspect, because in ways I feel like I lost a large part of who I am by being quieter, but I also just learned how to express myself in ways that I hadn't in my home country. Although my experience was mixed, I don't regret it. The challenges, lessons, and memories all contributed to a chapter of my life that helped me better understand both the world and myself. Overall, this year made me face problems I never expected to deal with, especially on my own; but I learned more this year than I planned to, so I am happy I went out of my comfort zone, tried a year abroad, and learned about myself.

My name is Jadie, I did one highschool year abroad in Italy with the help of Greenheart. With the experience I had using Greenheart travel, I am very happy and satisfied. If I ever had a problem, issue, or anything that I was stressed out about, they were there. If i sent an email they would respond almost immediately, and if the time change didn’t align they have a 24/7 hotline. I am very pleased with their company and would highly recommend this program to anyone who is wanting to go abroad for however long. My parents can confirm this, as Greenheart always updated them even if I didn’t. I would one hundred percent recommend this program to students trying to get out of their comfort zone and grow their future.

My time during study abroad with CIEE was something I’ll never forget. It’s normal to be scared to fly on your own, but CIEE made it so much more acceptable and comfortable for me as we tracked with everyone else on a chaperoned flight. On your study abroad experience you are bound to make multiple friendships along the way which will make your journey so much more fun! I got to see plenty of Italian monuments and places like Venice, and the Duomo in Milan. Additionally, the experience with the host family completes it, families can be so inviting and supportive during your time abroad, I got to experience multiple memorable moments with them. Finally, if you go for language and culture you’ll be sure to learn so much as I did with Italian culture and the language, I was already speaking in three weeks because of CIEEs amazing teachers and engaging classes.

Honestly, at the beginning of the enrollment I was a little hesitant but I am so glad I followed through. I learned a lot of new things and met amazing people throughout this program. I tried new things, experienced the life of an Italian, and I built bonds. I am so incredibly happy about this and I would one hundred percent do it again. My homestay family was really nice and they had amazing food. My favorite thing I ate with my family was tomato pasta. We all attended a cooking class and my favorite thing we cooked in class was lasagna. Every single food that I ate was so amazing and flavorful and I am definitely gonna try to make some at home for the family. I could go on and on, but 30 days might be a lot to explain. I would highly recommend.

This summer I had the privilege of studying abroad in Italy! I got to visit sights like the Colosseum, the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, Trevi Fountain, the David statue by Michaelangelo, and so much more. I loved staying with my host family who were so kind and my host sister who was so silly! All of Italy is so beautiful, and the culture even more so. The culinary training aspect was amazing! We got to make at least two courses and a dessert everyday of the course. We even learned about cappuccino making and we had a final lunch gala to show all of our work! I loved this experience and I definitely recommend it!

The experience was decent. It wasn’t the greatest for me because of some personal complications and I didn’t love my location. Overall I have no problems with AFS, although me and the other students in my area didn’t not like Intercultural because there were several occasions of them breaking rules and not helping the students when needed.

I did a high school semester abroad in Italy with Greenheart Travel this year (2024-2025). Before I left, I was looking into other programs but none of them made me feel as excited and secure as Greenheart did! Greenheart has a bunch of stundent-written blogs on their website that were helpful to read and made me feel like I knew what I was getting into. Our coordinator was so lovely and helpful, she was always encouraging and honest and open to answer all of me and my parents questions. Greenheart matched me with the most amazing host family and my host family made my whole experience soo amazing! (It seriously makes all the difference!) Greenheart takes your hopes and worries into consideration and strives to give you the best experience possible. If you are looking into studying abroad, I HIGHLY recommend going with Greenheart Travel as your program!

My daughter stayed with a host family outside of Barcelona. With the help of Oui-Connect, the experience was easy to arrange and we felt comfortable with the host family and with the program. She had so much fun. The family had two girls her age who shared similar interests as my daughter. They explored many places including the southern mountain town of Estavar in France, the Spanish beach town of Pineda de Mar, Montblanc and, of course, spent a lot of time exploring Barcelona. They took her to Tibidabo amusement park and to see a divised opera at a university in Barcelona. She had so much fun spending time with the family and learning about their culture. Her spanish improved greatly and, I'm sure she will visit the family again. We had ZERO issues and would absolutely recommend Oui-Connect.

Our daughter, Sammy, spent 3 weeks in Spain with an incredible host family who took her in as one of their own. She had a marvelous time delving into Catalan culture and the Spanish language, enjoying weekend excursions, extended family gatherings, as well as ordinary daily activities such as shopping and cooking. This was Sammy’s first trip anywhere by herself; she came home so much more confident, open and really appreciative of this opportunity and new friendships. Muchas gracias to the team at Oui-Connect for working with us to provide the best experience for Sammy!

Our son participated in the reciprocal exchange over summer, meaning our family hosted a great French student Achille for 3 weeks in San Diego and then our son spent 3 weeks in France with Achille’s family. It was so awesome for our family learning so much about French culture and having fun showing off California. Then our son had the best summer he could have asked for - he saw so much of France, beach, lakes & Paris (even going to the Olympics!) with a fabulous French family. Charlie’s French was SO much better afterwards. It really was the experience of a lifetime and the friendship and connection with Achille’s family is something we will treasure.

My daughter stayed with a host family outside of Barcelona. With the help of Oui-Connect, the experience was easy to arrange and we felt comfortable with the host family and with the program. She had so much fun. The family had two girls her age who shared similar interests as my daughter. They explored many places including the southern mountain town of Estavar in France, the Spanish beach town of Pineda de Mar, Montblanc and, of course, spent a lot of time exploring Barcelona. They took her to Tibidabo amusement park and to see a divised opera at a university in Barcelona. She had so much fun spending time with the family and learning about their culture. Her spanish improved greatly and, I'm sure she will visit the family again. We had ZERO issues and would absolutely recommend Oui-Connect. Jill

I loved my experience, I feel like it was something so unique and although there were some complications I still believe that my experience was amazing and I hope everyone has a chance to do something like this at least once in their life. I loved Spending time with my host family especially on the weekends

I would recommend CIEE to my peers and friends because of the amazing friendships life skills and moments I created throughout the trip not only have I grown intellectually but also personally as now I look at things through a wide lens. My most memorable experience was the water park the whole group went to because it was such a bonding moment and it was just nice to be able to talk to everyone and just relax and the rides were amazing

I had an amazing time in Italy! My host family was so welcoming and so was my school. I got to visit amazing cities like Milan and Venice and Florence. I met amazing people like my class mates and everyone that I did meet was very enthusiastic to teach me Italian culture and learn about American culture.

I had an amazing time in Italy and the program was so supportive I just wish I had taken more time to enjoy living in another country. My host family was amazing and so was the school. Everyone I met was very accommodating and welcoming I don’t think I could have had a better experience.

The experiences I had while travelling in Italy will affect me for the rest of my life. Being able to see the history and culture of so many cities and interact with people, firsthand, is something that I would never have been able to do. It was a busy month, but there was a good balance of "down time" where we got to explore. The homestay is by far the most unique part of the whole trip. It was mind blowing to be so welcomed into a family and see what day-to-day life is really like. You can travel your whole life and never see that. I came into this trip with a passion for the culinary industry, however, this trip provided such a rich look at food on a world wide level. The culinary school experience is appropriate for all levels of skill. I learned so many different techniques and cooking methods that we just don't see at home very often. The tours we went on to different kinds of farms and restaurants were also something you cannot do without the Experiment. I met wonderful people, saw beautiful cities and museums full of art, and ate my way through every city. I am forever grateful.

Italy was really fun and I am glad that I got the opportunity to experience it. I learned a lot about the food and culture and it was really interesting. Seeing the different cities was wonderful and beautiful. While I did love Italy, I didn't like my group as much. Out of the whole group only two people were black and one of them was me. I just wish that the groups were more diverse. I also wish that I had someone my age when I did the host family. The host family was great but I was a little lonely with no one my again around.

It really has been a remarkable few months for my daughter, Maris. The host family has accepted her with open, loving arms. They have been very generous and have exposed her to many things and she even travel down to see the grandparents in southern Italy. She’s been skiing in the Alps, going to Venice, going to the opera, making friends in school, playing tennis at school, Speaking Italian. Really quite incredible. I miss her dearly but I know she’s having the time of her life. I don’t really think that she’ll want to come back but she will but probably she’ll return back to Italy sometime because she’s having so much fun. Thanks to Greenheart and the program for giving her this unique opportunity.

This year, I went to Italy and it was my second time travelling with Nacel. It was a great experience as always. The school in Italy was small with really caring teachers. I felt very comfortable. Thank you!!!

Going abroad was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I learned so much about other cultures and people and also broadened my own mind. I'm glad I was able to have this opportunity and hope other students in the future take the chance to study abroad as well. Be open to new experiences and don't be afraid of what is different. I loved being able to meet people from around the world and get to talk with them about their lives and cultures. It would have been nice to maybe talk to some other exchange students leaving at the same time I was. Or to be able to talk to more alumni would have been helpful. I think there could be a little more communication and activities for students before the departure. Maybe you can put students going to the same country in contact with each other or something similar.