As most of you know, the idea of taking a gap year has been receiving a lot of positive attention by the media, parents and students alike over the last five to ten years. I had always wanted to do something different, something that would really challenge me, something that I knew I would enjoy.

We often had lectures from ex-exchange students from our school come in to speak with us about the idea, and it wasn't until I spoke to my school’s careers advisor that I seriously started to consider the idea. I understood it as a chance to get some quality life experience before starting up at University. After some good consideration and discussions with family and friends, I decided that I was going to take a gap year after school!

I chose to do a 12-month-long exchange program, with Italy as my host country, and waited anxiously for a host family. I had some weird expectations before leaving, like that no one would accept or pay attention to an overseas student who couldn't speak or understand the language, or that I would quickly get bored after a few months. Boy, was I wrong!

Living in another country was a whirlwind experience, and choosing to go on exchange was the best decision of my life! I had the opportunity to live with another family (father, mother, 18-year-old brother, 16-year-old sister) in Turin, Italy, and experience another culture. I learned the language, and made some great friendships! There was so much to do and to see that 12 months flew by quickly! The experience of living outside your comfort zone certainly tests you, and allows to develop some good life skills, such as adapting to new situations, and general people skills.

I'm glad that I went on exchange, and I'm actually more pumped up to start University than what I would have otherwise been had I simply gone straight there from high school!

La Dolce Vita!

Click here to find out more about WEP's exchange program to Italy and contact us for a FREE application pack.

Included in all long-term programs: All semester and year students receive an orientation program upon arrival at Italy's stunning Lago Maggiore. Nestled at the base of the Italian/Swiss Alps, Lago Maggiore is the second biggest Lake in Italy. Students receive language instruction, cultural activities and explore local sights with exchange students from around the world.
In addition, another trip to a major Italian city such as Rome, Florence or Venice is arranged for all exchange students on a semester or year program.

Talk to WEP's returned students

If you would like to talk to David or other returned WEP students about their exchange programs, contact us and we will get you in touch to find out more.