What inspired you to go abroad?
Day trip to a local castle
I've always loved travelling, and after completing my bachelor's degree, I wanted to go on some solo adventures—especially since my original exchange plans were cancelled due to COVID. I wanted to immerse myself in the Italian culture and language, not just as a visitor to the main cities, but also to create meaningful experiences while exploring lesser-known areas!
Why did you choose Joinki?
I chose Joinki because it was a great opportunity to explore the amazing Trentino Alto-Adige while making meaningful connections with my host family and their community.
It was my first time travelling so far on my own, but I always felt safe and well looked after, especially because Sabrina from Joinki was informative and communicative throughout the whole process. I had never heard of Trentino before and probably would not have been able to create such amazing memories without Joinki!
What was your favorite part about Italy?
It's hard to choose just one, but I loved the community and nature in Trentino! It is truly such a beautiful place, with the mountains and the lakes sprawling all over; it's still an unforgettable image in my mind.
The community was also so welcoming and warm, and I will always treasure the memories I have made going to the gelateria, having fun at the summer town party, and playing card games (among many more memories!)
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
My host family!! I am so grateful to Sabrina from Joinki for matching me with my host family, because they looked after me so well, and they always made me feel welcome. Even though at some times I was a little shy, they helped me get out of my shell and facilitated amazing experiences for me, such as cycling through the valleys, going to the opera, and hiking in the mountains! I always felt at home, and I also felt very welcomed by their extended family and friends!
Amazing sunsets (no editing or filters!)
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
Sabrina from Joinki was amazing! She always checked in on me and also took me out to explore other areas of the region, introducing me to other members of the program.
I really appreciated how communicative she was throughout the whole process, from our online calls to meet each other, to matching me with my host family (also facilitating calls with them prior to my program), and throughout my stay in Trentino.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I wish I could've stayed longer! As it was my first time travelling alone, I wasn't so confident going on adventures on my own until I started to feel more confident at the end of the experience. I wish I was there longer so I could've also done some more exploring on my own, perhaps to other valleys.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
In the morning, I would have breakfast, then start the day teaching English with one of the members of my host family (they would take turns because everyone was at a different level).
Afterwards, we would have lunch altogether, sitting inside occasionally, but mostly outdoors to enjoy the beautiful views! As a treat, in the afternoon, I would walk to the gelateria for a nice cup of gelato, and relax until dinnertime.
Some days we would go out and do a special activity as well!
What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?
I loved learning new recipes with my host family! Prior to my experience, I had never tried piadina, canederli, or spetzl before, and now I love eating them, even making some of those dishes myself at home!
I also enjoyed exploring the mountains and the lake with my host family and their pets- especially since I never grew up with a pet!
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
Our local lake
I stayed in my host family's house, and it was so nice and peaceful. My favourite part was the beautiful view they had outside, as you could see apple orchards amongst the mountains. I had my own roo,m and it was very clean and tidy- and I enjoyed spending time with my host family in the living room and the kitchen!
What is one thing every future participant should know about Exchange and Experience Italian Lifestyles before their program begins?
Time will fly much faster than you think, so please try to make the most of it!!! There are still so many things I didn't have time to do, but I also have no regrets because I have made so many cherished memories with wonderful people!!
I'd also recommend learning a bit of Italian before the programme, because even if your host family can speak your language, it'll help with communicating with the broader community!
Would you recommend your program/provider to others? Why?
I would highly recommend Joinki because it is a wonderful and rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the Trentino culture! It is well-organised, and Joinki makes you feel supported throughout the whole process, so if you are afraid to take the leap to travel alone or in an unfamiliar place, they will make you feel safe and welcomed!
What do you feel is the biggest benefit of traveling abroad?
One of the biggest benefits of travelling abroad is being able to expand not only one's own world knowledge and cultural understanding but also the knowledge and understanding of others, by bridging potential gaps.
Additionally, I feel like travelling abroad makes one feel more fulfilled as you get to create unforgettable memories in incredible places.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
The valley
I've continued my journey abroad, even after my program with Joinki, working in other areas of Italy, then to Korea, and now I live in Denmark! It has changed the trajectory of my life completely because I was once too scared to travel abroad alone, yet through these experiences, I have built up my confidence and the competencies that continue to help me in my current adventures!
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means going beyond just 'seeing' and 'visiting'; instead, meaningful travel is 'doing' and 'experiencing'- such as by immersing oneself in the community instead of just passing by.
When someone travels meaningfully, they simultaneously make an impact on the environment around them and are impacted by it too.
