Student spotlight: Hamish’s gap experience in Florence and Sestri Levante

Taking a gap experience (whether a full year or a shorter period) is a real life-changing experience. Especially when it involves traveling halfway across the world to immerse yourself in a new culture and language! To talk about it, we caught up with Hamish. He’ll tell us everything about his journey so far, from preparing for the trip to navigating life in Italy, and finally embracing the challenge of full immersion in a new language.

Hi Hamish! Could you start by introducing yourself?

Hi everyone! My name is Hamish, I’m a recently graduated high school student from Australia, and I’m currently in Italy on a gap year program with Italianforawhile. I’m based in Florence for now, and later in my stay I’ll move to Sestri Levante in Liguria. A little more about me? I’ve always been interested in aviation history and I really wanted to learn a second language: that’s what brought me here.

You’re very young, why did you decide to do this experience right now?

I think the main reason is timing: as I mentioned, I’ve just finished high school. Most of my friends are going straight to university, work, or apprenticeships. But while I have a bit of an idea of the direction I want to take, I wanted to do something different. I saw this as the perfect chance to not only explore the world but also grow personally and step out of my comfort zone before committing to my next step.

That’s exactly what a gap year is for! How did you discover Italianforawhile?

It was a bit of a process! When I first started exploring the idea of taking a gap year, I did some online research about countries and programs, and Italy quickly stood out for its history, culture, food, and landscapes. While searching, I came across Italianforawhile. What struck me was how unique the program is in terms of support, language schools, accommodation, visas, and much more. So I reached out, joined some of your online meetups (even at 5 a.m. Australia time!), and that’s where it all started!

You arrived right on time for one of our in-person meetups in Milan. How was it to meet everyone right away?

It was just amazing. I was lucky to arrive the day before the meetup in Milan, even though I was studying in Florence. Meeting other students and the IFA team immediately really helped me ease into my first experience traveling abroad alone. Also, meeting Clara (one of the other students in Florence) was great!

Was it scary to travel alone for the first time? How did your parents feel?

I’m an adventurous person: I love traveling, unlike my brother who’s a homebody. So, I’d say I was a little bit nervous, but mostly excited. I didn’t know anyone in person before coming, though I had met you guys online. And my parents were very supportive. Their support and your guidance made the whole process much smoother.

You’ve been in Florence for two weeks. How has it been so far?

Florence is very different from regional Australia, but I love it. From the very moment I arrived at Santa Maria Novella train station, I knew I would enjoy it. 

My school is a 20-minute scenic walk through the city center. Classes are well-structured, with grammar in the morning, conversation in the afternoon, and breaks to grab a coffee. My class has 10 beginner students of all ages and nationalities! At first it was a little awkward, but within days we became friends. We’ve already explored Florence together and taken trips to areas like Siena and Chianti, both through school activities and independently.

Were you shocked that classes are entirely in Italian from day one?

Yes, that was a bit of a surprise. I’d heard it before, but it didn’t really sink in until the first day of class. The teacher walked in and started speaking Italian, and I thought, “Okay, we’re doing this.” The first couple of lessons were slow, but after just a week and a half I can already follow almost everything the teacher is saying. And we can easily clarify anything we don’t get. Full immersion is hard work, but it forces you to learn quickly. Also, it helps avoid the trap of relying on English with other students!

Can you share how the IFA team supported you?

Honestly, with everything. From helping me choose the right cities, to organizing documents for my visa and permesso di soggiorno, to arranging accommodation: you made the process smooth. My parents were especially stressed about the consulate trip, but the IFA team made it simple and easy to navigate. 

You chose to stay with a host family in Florence. How did you make that decision, and how is it going?

Since it’s my first time living abroad, I wanted extra support. A host family provides that: conversations over dinner, advice on daily life, and extra opportunities to practice Italian. I’ve already picked up key words and phrases thanks to them. It’s also fascinating to experience daily life in an Italian household compared to back home! Later, in Sestri Levante, I’ll switch to a shared apartment with other students, but I’m glad I started with a host family.

Speaking of Sestri Levante, why did you decide to split your stay between two cities?

I wanted to see as much of Italy as possible while giving each place enough time. Two months in Florence let me explore Tuscany and central Italy while two months in Sestri Levante will give me the Ligurian coast and easy access to other northern cities. Also, being by the sea in summer sounded perfect!

Before we wrap up, can you share three things on your “bucket list” for these four months?

Sure. There are three main things:

• Become conversationally fluent in Italian, enough to chat with locals naturally.
• Travel as much as possible around the regions I’m based in.
• Grow as a person by learning independence, making new friends, and navigating life on my own in a new country.

That’s fantastic. Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Hamish.

Thank you to you and the whole IFA team. I wouldn’t be here without your support!