{"id":11999,"date":"2024-09-10T15:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-09-10T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/preprod.sts-education.com\/blog\/2026\/03\/05\/elena-was-on-an-exchange-year-in-italy\/"},"modified":"2026-04-29T09:54:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T07:54:00","slug":"elena-was-on-an-exchange-year-in-italy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sts-education.com\/en-nz\/high-school\/our-exchange-students\/student-testimonials\/elena-was-on-an-exchange-year-in-italy\/","title":{"rendered":"Elena Was On An Exchange Year In Italy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Elena was on an exchange year in Italy<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Elena<\/picture><\/div><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Elena from Austria went to Italy for a year.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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From the age of 13, I was very determined to do an exchange year.<\/p>\n

At first, I thought of the obvious choice, the USA. But, after some consideration, I decided that even though the experience would certainly have been wonderful, I also wanted to learn a new language.<\/p>\n

Ever since I was little, my family and I often went on vacation to the north of Italy. But I never managed to pick up the language. So, when the opportunity arose, I decided to take it and go to Italy for a year.<\/p>\n

The language barrier<\/h2>\n

At first, the language barrier was very challenging, especially with my host family. But after 2 months it started becoming easier by the day. I would say around Christmas time, I actually started speaking Italian and making real friends.<\/p>\n

A highlight<\/h2>\n

A highlight was the Model UN event that I was able to partake in. I made my best friends on the bus ride there. From then on, I hung out with them every Saturday evening and enjoyed being abroad even more. After my year, they actually came to visit me in Vienna, my hometown in Austria.<\/p>\n

Saying goodbye<\/h2>\n

It was very hard saying goodbye to everyone, and I still miss all my newfound friends every day. Hopefully, I can visit them again soon.<\/p>\n

It will be worth it!<\/h2>\n

All in all, I have to say, that moving abroad is quite a challenge, but the memories, the experiences, and the friends you make will definitely make it worth it.<\/p>\n

Find out more<\/h2>\n