It's more fascinating to host an exchange student if you know where your student is coming from, culturally speaking. This also helps you prevent unnecessary problems and promote peace and understanding right from the start.
So, if you're preparing to host a high school student from Italy this year, here is a whirlwind tour of Italian culture - from the perspective of a teenager.
History
The remains of the Roman Forum in the very heart of modern-day Rome.
Imagine walking past magnificent Roman ruins every day on your way to school or even just to meet up with your friends. It's easy for Italian teenagers to take this incredible backdrop for granted. You can help your student share their spectacular cultural heritage by asking for a Google/YouTube tour of interesting historical monuments and sites back in their home town or city.
School
Italian high schools are all about academics. This creates a sharp divide between school and fun. Teenagers attend school as if it were a serious, full-time job. Then they look for social and extracurricular activities, including sports, in their communities. School in the USA is literally a blast for these kids.
Homework
Homework in Italy requires memorization. Your student is probably used to spending several hours after school (and on weekends) learning pages and pages...and pages of facts and data by heart. Be sure your student understands the importance of completing homework and turning it in on time in the USA.
Exams
How do Italian teenagers get good grades? They pass their exams. This means a student might not be so worried about things like punctuality, homework or participation in class. Everything revolves around those exams. Again, be sure your student understands that grades in the USA can depend on many factors.
Friends
Imagine growing up with the same, stable group of friend in your neighborhood and at school. Now imagine that at school, you share a classroom all day, every day, year after year, with the same students. Lifelong friendship is the norm in Italy. You can be sure that your Italian teen is very excited to make new friends in the USA.
Autonomy
Italian teenagers are used to organizing their own schedule and social life often with very little (or no) parental intervention or oversight. After school they might come and go as they please, much like adults. In the USA, your student needs to understand that a teenager's social life generally revolves around school and school-sponsored activities and events.
Transportation
Most Italian teenagers do not need a ride to get around. Your student can probably walk or ride their bike wherever they need to go. Many teens can also hop on a bus or subway to criss-cross their town or city. In the USA, finding a ride can be a very challenging concept at first.
Punctuality
It takes an open mind to recognize that every culture has their own definition and rules for punctuality. In many parts of Italy, for example, people tend to be flexible, laidback and very understanding when someone arrives later than expected. You can do your student a huge favor by explaining how this works in the USA (and your home).
Weekends
Most Italian teenagers are used to busy, action-packed weekends full of family, friends, fun and, of course, studying for exams. Italian culture favors making plans to get out of the house and into the streets, cafes, restaurants, countryside or even off to visit other towns and cities. You can help your student adapt to your family's weekend schedule by discussing cultural and personal expectations, and then creating fun plans together.
Soccer
It's not surprising that many (but certainly not all) Italians are big soccer fans. European football is the most popular sport in Italy. Many teenagers are already set to passionately support their team for the rest of their life. If your student falls into this category, prepare to take your love of soccer to new levels!
Food
By the time an Italian is a teenager they will already be passionate about their national cuisine. Life literally revolves around specific culinary customs, traditions and even ingredients in Italy. Like the rest of us, Italians must eat to live, but in reality, most of them live to eat as well. Your student will probably be surprised by many aspects of food and eating habits in the USA.
Alcohol
Alcohol is part of Italian culture. It would be hard to find a teenager in Italy who has grown up without wine on the table every day. Most teens in Italy consume alcohol and generally they know how to do so in moderation. Your student will know that alcohol is forbidden for teens in the USA, but it never hurts to review this topic.
Meals
In Italy people sit down to eat meals together with family (or friends, classmates or coworkers). Food is a social activity. People bond over food. They savor it together as they talk about life, politics and even the food itself. Most Italian teenagers are not used to eating alone, so if this is normal in your home, you can simply explain how it works.
Cooking
Even today in our fast-paced world, Italians make time to cook fresh meals every day (and then, of course, sit down to eat them together with other people). Parents tend to manage the daily menu plan, so most teens are not used to figuring out what to eat. If your family members need to fix their own food sometimes, be sure to spend time training your student during the first days and weeks.
Family
And most important of all? Family! Italians tend to be extremely family-oriented. Your student is probably used to spending plenty of time with their family, including the extended family. Most Italian exchange students bring beautiful family values with them to share with their host family in the USA.
Let the exchange begin!
Are you ready to make a friend in Italy? Your participation in the US Youth Exchange Program is a fabulous way to go. And by taking this whirlwind tour of Italian culture from a teen's perspective, you have completed an essential first step. You are now prepared to sidestep some common misunderstandings and promote success and happiness from day one.
Congratulations!
