My exchange helped me grow as a person

Giulia from Italy spent her exchange in the Lansing area, Michigan, USA.

Why did you go on exchange?

I’ve always been fascinated by other cultures, and I wanted to chase the “American Dream”. I would always watch movies with American teenagers and wanted to experience the school spirit myself!

How was it to live with a host family?

I loved it because it allowed me to really see what American everyday life looks like. I had a host sister, but I was always treated as their own child, and they would introduce me to their friends as their “bonus daughter”. Out of all the bonds I created with people, the one with my host family is for sure the strongest. This Christmas I went back to the USA to visit them.

How was school?

In the beginning, it was overwhelming because of the language barrier. But after a few weeks, I felt like a typical American teenager. School was way easier than what I was used to in Italy. I had mandatory classes like English and Math, but I also had the opportunity to study some electives. I tried to choose subjects that I had never tried before in Italy like Pottery, Photoshop, and Robotics. I joined the volleyball team, had lunch in the cafeteria with my friends, and basically made everything I had always wanted to try.

What did you do in your spare time? Any new hobbies?

In my spare time, I loved to hang out with my family and cook Italian food. I also joined the volleyball team. Also, even if I was never a computer/engineer kind of person, I had the most unexpected and extraordinary new experience when I joined the robotics team. The people on the team made me feel appreciated and supported and I learned a ton of new things.

What was the best thing about your exchange?

The best thing is actually not a thing at all, it’s all those people who made the year memorable!

What’s your best memory?

My favorite memory is when me and my robotic team, won the Chairman’s award. It’s a very famous award in the F.I.R.S.T. competition and my team worked so hard to earn it.

What was a big challenge for you? How did you conquer it?

The biggest challenge for me was to be more self-reliant. I’ve always had a beautiful relationship with my parents, and I would always go to them for any trouble. When I was away, I had to learn to depend on myself and make decisions on my own.

What are your main learnings?

I can’t stress enough how much my exchange year helped me grow as a person. Learning a language and seeing new places is beautiful, but no other trip gives you the chance to work so much on yourself.

Can you recommend going?

If you can go, you 100% should go!

Your top advice?

My advice to future exchange students is to try everything that you wish to. Don’t worry about other people and what they might think of you, your time is limited and you should live it to the fullest! It seems like you have a lot of time, but time flies by so fast!

Why did you choose STS?

STS was the first organization I decided to contact and the impression they made was so good I decided to not even consider anyone else. My parents especially were extremely happy with the service STS provided. They were always available in case of any trouble and would support us in every step of the way, from when my flight got canceled to the very last day in the US.

What are you doing now?

I’m now studying Economics in Venice and at the same time working extra for STS. It’s an honor to be able to help and guide new students, it feels like a way to give back all that I received in my year abroad.

How will your exchange affect your future?

I’m now able to work and study in English, as I got the opportunity to learn it well. Also, the self-confidence that I gained is something that I will truly carry on for a very long time.