Families are the focal point for life in Italy. Children that leave home maintain strong ties to their parents – they live nearby, call and visit often, and may rely on their parents for childcare and financial support. Or they may not leave home at all. Though it’s far more common in the South than the North, generations might live under the same roof.

Many of the Italians that emigrated to the U.S. preserved that intergenerational connectedness. A University of Chicago study of fifteen ethnic groups, showed that Italian Americans had one of the highest percentages of two parent families, elderly family members living at home, and families who dine together regularly. Those of you who have had the pleasure of stuffing yourself at a multi course Italian meal with a large group of family and friends, can provide your own anecdotal evidence!

That said, the dimensions of the Italian family have changed in response to various socio-economic factors. People get married later, postpone the birth of a child to focus on other interests, or opt for different family models such as single parenthood. As a result, the Italian family is a lot smaller than it used to be. In fact, the Italian birth rate is one of the lowest in the world.

In addition to the connections forged with host families, are the relationships formed with fellow participants – the AFS Family. Once you participate in an AFS Exchange Program, you’ll become part of a global community. It takes an exceptional person to study abroad, and those that meet that challenge tend to enjoy each other’s company! Participants often make as many friends from other countries around the world, as they do friends from their host countries. Your social network is about to expand exponentially!

Bring your appetite for family to Italy; there’s plenty to go around!

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