Student Exchange - France or Italy?
I want to go on a student exchange next year and would really love some advice on where would be the best place to go. Unfortunately I don't know either language, I am going to have to learn a new language anyway. I am from New Zealand and am 16/17 years old. Please help, Italy or France?
Studying Abroad - 2 Answers
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1 :
Italy has better architecture and more "history" in my opinion. There was the roman empire and so many great things there. Even religious influences, mostly catholicism seeing as the Vatican is also in Italy. Its a very relaxed place with a lot of friendly people and a great culture. In my opinion, France is a great place but its too much like almost any English speaking country. Don't get me wrong, I love france, but I felt like I hadn't even left english territory and there wasn't anything exciting that I hadn't already seen before.
2 :
Hi TimTam! I would say it depends on your personal style and interests. Italy is very "old world," and the place for art and history, for rather obvious reasons. The people are quite gregarious and friendly, which would be a pretty easy transition for a Kiwi. Personally, I also really, really love the Italian language :) Then there's France, which is a little bit more reserved and traditional. Regarding the other commenter, I wonder if they are from the UK, because that's the only way their comment makes sense to me. Even then, I would hardly say France is like any other English country! I'm from the United States, and absolutely adored my trips to France. I also didn't think Paris or Cannes were anything like London, where I've also lived. So France is a bit more sophisticated and under-stated, and fiercely protective of its culture. France has a bustling film industry, arts culture and the fashion industry. If you want a full immersion European experience, go for France. It's hard to describe... France is just indescribably French! A friend of mine lived there for an extended period of time after university, and pines for it to this day. She absolutely adored living there. Language-wise, though, French verbs scare me. But then again, I speak German :) Talk to your exchange organization and ask them for specific information on their programs in France and Italy. Where are most of their students placed? (especially in relation to cities) Can they put you in contact with returnees or current students living in both countries so you can hear their stories? What is school like in both countries? Good luck! You have a difficult choice to make :) (personally? culture-wise I'd go for France -- even though I'm Italian (for shame!) -- but language-wise, Italy, all the way!)
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