Alumni Interview with Justin Moscioni

What inspired you to travel abroad? 

I have always been interested in learning foreign languages and about different cultures. During my language studies at university, I became inspired to travel and live abroad more than ever before. 

Why did you choose Cultural Homestay International? 

I chose Cultural Homestay International because of their years of experience placing people all over the world. In addition, I believe in their mission and vision. I chose the specific program because I wanted to be with a host family and not in a self-catered apartment or dormitory for a more in-depth cultural experience. 

What was your favorite part about Russia? 

My favorite part was being able to meet new people and make lifelong friends. The entire trip was filled with favorite parts, but I think the connections I made are the ones that will stay with me the longest. 

What made your experience abroad extraordinary? 

The people made my experience extraordinary. I was able to meet all kinds of amazing people who were so incredibly helpful and hospitable. They showed me so many different places and taught me all about the local customs and culture. 

How did the local program staff support you throughout your program? 

The local staff was always open for questions and wanted to ensure my stay was great. They gave me all the tools and training I needed to succeed as a teacher and were always giving me helpful tips and feedback. 

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad? 

I wish I would have traveled to more local cities/regions instead of just major destinations which were further from my city. 

Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like. 

The school I worked at held most of the classes in the late afternoon/evening, so typically I had my mornings and early afternoons free to do whatever I pleased. I would usually go explore the city or visit friends during the day, work at the school in the afternoon/early evening, and visit with friends in the evening. Sometimes I was preparing for lessons at the school before classes or planning for my trips to major cities across the country. 

What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad? 

In my free time, I really enjoyed visiting the friends that I had made and going to different restaurants to try different local cuisines. 

What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it? 

I lived with a host family. What I liked the best is being able to learn the language quickly. When I was at the school, I was only speaking English, but since my host family had very limited English skills, we communicated mostly in Russian. I also liked being able to try all kinds of homemade Russian cuisine. 

What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins? 

I think that every future participant should know that the program is a big change compared to normal life. Being flexible to a complete change is key to success. 

Would you recommend Cultural Homestay International to others? Why? 

I would absolutely recommend my program and Cultural Homestay International because of their experience and expertise. They were incredibly helpful throughout the entire process. Before the trip, my program manager called to make sure everything was set to go as well as if I had any questions. She checked on me throughout the trip, as well as after the trip to hear all about my experience. I had absolutely no issues with anything. Cultural Homestay International really goes above and beyond making sure each participant is equipped with all the information they need before they start their program.

What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is? 

I think the biggest benefit of traveling abroad would be the multicultural experience one gains during their trip. The knowledge you can gain from traveling abroad is enormous and can help shape the future in an ever-changing and more closely-connected world. 

Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life? 

My time abroad has definitely given me a much different perspective and outlook on life in general. I was able to see first hand how different life is across the globe compared to in the USA. I learned a lot in the short time I was abroad and gained valuable insight. 

What does meaningful travel mean to you? 

To me, meaningful travel is travel that makes a difference. I feel that I made a difference in the lives of the many students I taught, just by being there. They were able to get practice speaking with a native English speaker. While it wasn't quite a vacation, I definitely did have a lot of fun and made great memories!