Q: Are you Italian? Do you live in Italy? Do you speak Italian?
A: I’m an American. I lived in Southern Italy from September of 2009 - June of 2010 as a foreign exchange student. I did not speak any Italian before I arrived in Italy, but I am now relatively fluent (S-3) in the language. My grammar is pretty abysmal, though.

Q: What’s it like to be a foreign exchange student?
A: It’s a weird mixture of excruciating boredom (school) and exciting adventures. You learn a language, bond with a host family, make friends, and become part of a community. If you’d like to know more about my personal experience, my exchange blog can be found here. 

Q: How can I become a foreign exchange student?
A: There are many ways to go about it. If you’re an American, I would recommend talking to you high school counselor for more information. Personally, I worked to complete all of my high school credits in three years, saved money during the summers, and applied to the program of my choice. You can apply through a rotary (these are generally free, but few students are chosen), a non-profit (such as ASSE, the organization I used), a profit, or a government program (free, mildly competitive, with limited placement options; I’d highly recommend checking out NSLI-Y). Most organizations have scholarships available, and there are a number of ways to fundraise money, so don’t be discouraged if your family is not well-off.

Q: Do you keep a personal blog?
A: Yes. My personal tumblr is full of fandoms, such as HP, LOTR, Doctor Who, Skins, Sherlock, and Joss Whedon shows.

Q: Do you have any tips for traveling in Italy?
A: Sure! Here are some posts I’ve made/reblogged in the past:
-suggested places
-tips for traveling in Rome
-guide to hostel life
-couchsurfing
-suggested pizzerias in Naples
-vegan/vegetarian dining info, dining options

Q: What Italian guidebooks would you recommend?
A: Let’s Go: Italy on a Budget is my favorite, followed by Rick Steve’s Italy and the Lonely Planet guide. Let’s Go is aimed at a younger audience than the other two, and is ideal for students who have little money and are interested in going off the beaten paths. 

Q: Where have you traveled?
A: In Italy, I’ve been to Naples, Rome, Venice, Milan, Pompeii, Verona, Padua, the Amalfi Coast, Capri, i Campi Flegrei, Caserta, Salerno, and Ferrara, along with other less touristy cities/sites.
Outside of Italy, I have been to the beaches of Northern Mexico and done some traveling in the US. I wish I could travel more!

Q: What other blogs would you recommend?
A: Here are some Italy/travel blogs I like.
- stjglobal
- fuckyesitaly
- ysvoice
- allthingseurope
- rainschild
- alternativeitaly
- thesmartboot
- illustreitalia
- mad-mads
- globals
- fairytale-europe
- hresvelgr
- hikenow
- boardtheplane
- fuckyeahromaurbe
- iloveeurope
- surleau
- urbanrome
- cheshicat
- lavitaemoltobella
- fromeuropewithlove

Q: Tell me more about yourself! I’m curious.
A: My name is Stephanie. I’m nineteen, and a gemini-cancer cusp. I’m currently attending university in Arizona. I’m fluent in English and Italian, and have studied French, Chinese, and German over the years. I’m obsessed with world cultures, and I love travel. I’ve begun hitchhiking around the US this year, and it’s my new favorite hobby. I love Harry Potter, British television, and politics. I spend hours every week in libraries, cinemas, and cafes. I’m a vegan in the US, but not when I travel abroad.

Q: Can you follow/promote me?
A: I only follow blogs relevant to Italy, travel, and other personal interests. You can let me know if yours might qualify. I don’t promote.

Q: Can you reblog or publish my photo/blog entry/video/audio post?
A: Just submit it! I will let you know when it will be published, as it may take some time… many items are queued).

Q: I’m having trouble with my submission.
A: There are instructions on the submission page, but feel free to contact me about any specifics.