Written by Patty Bessie (Columbia University), Student Correspondent for CET Florence, Spring 2024
So, you’re debating whether to do a homestay?
When I made the decision to study abroad in Florence, Italy, one of my top priorities was to fully immerse myself in the local culture and better understand the daily life of Italians. With that goal in mind, I chose to live in a homestay rather than an apartment. Looking back, I couldn’t be happier with my decision!
I’m studying through CET, and I’m part of a group of around 200 American students, most of whom speak little to no Italian. All our classes are in English, and none of the locals participate in our courses. Because of this, my homestay has become my primary way to engage with Italian culture, outside of interacting with local professors (although not all of them are Italian), ordering food at restaurants, and connecting with CET staff.
My Homestay
I live in the Gavinana neighborhood with my host mom, Franca, who works as a veterinarian. She is divorced and has two grown children who no longer live at home. My roommate and I share a spacious room, and another exchange student, Julian from Norway, lives in a separate apartment across the garden. We often cross paths during breakfast and dinner.
My roommate and I each have our own closet, and we share a bathroom between the two of us. Franca has her own private bathroom. We also share a desk in the room, and I sleep in a double bed. One of the best features of the room is the window cover, which makes the space really dark at night—perfect for a restful sleep.
If You’re Considering a Homestay with CET Florence, Here Are a Few Things to Keep in Mind:
Location Matters
Italians don’t typically live in the city center, so most homestays are located in residential neighborhoods a bit further out. For example, I live in the Gavinana area, which is across the Arno River. My homestay is about a 40-minute walk from campus or a 15-minute bus ride. I usually take the bus to and from school with a CET-provided bus pass. Having a bus pass is nice because it works not just in Florence but in the entire Tuscany region!
The distance can sometimes be a bit inconvenient. Public transportation isn’t available 24/7, and buses occasionally go on strike, so that’s something to consider when choosing a homestay. Additionally, the longer commute makes it harder to stay out late since transportation may not be available at night.
That said, living a bit outside the city center has allowed me to explore a quieter, more residential neighborhood, which has been an amazing way to experience life like a local. I’m not much of a party person, so the distance from the nightlife scene hasn’t been an issue for me. If staying close to the action is a priority for you, however, this might be a downside. Additionally, many of the clubs in Florence are filled with American study abroad students, so in my opinion, you wouldn’t miss out on an authentic experience by being a little further from the center. However, please note that choosing an apartment does not guarantee you will be in the city center; housing varies from year to year, so there is still a possibility you will be placed in another part of the city.
Homestay Policies and Meal Arrangements
CET’s homestay policy includes some specific guidelines. For example, students aren’t allowed to use the kitchen independently. Your host family will provide breakfast and dinner Monday through Friday, but you’re responsible for meals on the weekends. Some families might allow you to store food in their kitchen, though. My host family, for instance, gave me a shelf in the fridge and a spot in the pantry to keep prepared meals I buy.
This can be a bit challenging for students with dietary restrictions or those who are picky eaters, since you can’t cook your own meals. However, you can communicate any dietary preferences ahead of time, like being vegetarian or vegan. For example, my roommate is a vegetarian, and our host family has always made sure to provide meals that fit her dietary needs.
One thing I’ve really appreciated about the homestay is not having to worry about cooking for myself most of the week. Since my host family provides breakfast and dinner, all I really need to do is show up on time! This has been a huge relief, especially since I’m often busy with classes, CET-sponsored events, homework, and gym sessions. Having a home-cooked meal to look forward to at the end of the day has been a wonderful bonus. Plus, I’ve learned so much about Italian cuisine that I wouldn’t have picked up if I had chosen an apartment. For example, Italians eat bacon and eggs for dinner, not breakfast! We’ve had it several times for dinner, usually paired with a bowl of pasta, which is a fun twist on my usual meal routine.
Learning About Italian Culture Through My Host Family
Living with my host mom, Franca, has been an invaluable experience for understanding Italian culture. I’ve learned so much from her, particularly during our dinners together. Here are a few things I’ve picked up:
- Dinner Time: Italians eat dinner much later than Americans. We usually sit down to eat around 8 p.m., which is a significant shift from the earlier dinner times I’m used to at home.
- Reinforcing Class Lessons: Many of the topics I study in my courses, like “Italian Food and Culture” or “Italian and European Politics,” often come up during our dinner conversations. It’s been a great way to reinforce what I learn in class and engage in more meaningful discussions with my host family. Having this kind of cultural exchange at home helps me absorb the material more effectively and enables me to participate more actively in class discussions.
- Meeting Other Italians: On several occasions, Franca has invited her Italian friends over for dinner. These gatherings have given me the chance to practice my Italian in a real-world setting and engage in conversations with locals. Sitting through a two-hour dinner with people who only speak Italian has been a fun challenge and has definitely helped me improve my language skills!
- Getting Recommendations: My host mom is incredibly knowledgeable about Florence and the surrounding Tuscany region. She often gives my roommate and me great recommendations for local events. For example, when a friend from back home came to visit, Franca told me about a vintage flea market happening that weekend at a local café and garden. I wouldn’t have known about it otherwise, and it ended up being a fantastic experience!
All in all, my homestay experience in Florence has been incredibly rewarding. It’s given me the chance to experience Italian life up close and deepen my cultural understanding in ways I wouldn’t have been able to if I’d stayed in an apartment. If you’re considering a homestay, I can confidently say it’s a decision you won’t regret.