Study abroad-italy?

Question

okay, so heres the deal.

im 13, almost 14,

and right now we are hosting a guy from italy(he's 18)

he and his family thought it would be a great idea if i came to stay with them for a semester.

I'm Italian, and think it would be a great opportunity to learn about my culture, and learn more about the language,

next year, i will be a freshman, and thats when i am considering going,

since after that year, my school schedule is jam-packed.

would it be possible for me to go,

without doing it through a foreign exchanged program such as afs?

Answer 1

There is this program called YFU or Youth For Understanding. I'm going to either Argentina or Germany throught them! They have this thing where you can apply for scholarships and possibly go for free! I'm so excited about my trip, and best of luck with yours!

Heres a link to their site: http://www.yfu-usa.org/

Answer 2

In general, you should go through a recognized program such as AFS. And, if this situation was the other way around (an Italian wanted to stay with you) it would be almost impossible NOT to do it that way.

However, the education laws in Italy are probably different than the laws here. So, the best thing to do would be to have his parents contact the school they think you would go to in Italy and ask. In the meantime, you should check with the nearest Italian embassy or consulate about how a visa would work if you are NOT affiliated with an exchange student program (and if it's even possible). Also, you will need to check on age!

However, should you choose an exchange program, you will have to be at least 15 (this could also be a problem going without a program - this also includes YFU as referred to above). Frankly, I think as a freshman you'd be entirely too young anyway. This will be much harder than you think -- even though you've had a student with you.

Good luck and wait a year!