The Seven Fishes

Andrew studied in Bologna in 2014 and was one of the first to experience what would eventually become Dinehome. His Italian-American roots led him to engage firsthand with Italian culture, which wasn’t without its challenges. The bond he formed with his host family bridged the distance, and years later, Andrew reflects on how that encounter transformed him.

Why did you choose Italy, and Bologna in particular, when deciding where to study abroad?

Italy has always had a special place in my heart. Ever since I was a child eating gnocchi at my grandmother’s house and the seven fishes on Christmas Eve, I have always been extraordinarily fascinated by the Italian language and culture. I started studying Italian in high school and continued in college. Bologna was the city where my university had an exchange program. I couldn’t have asked for a better city to call home during my semester in Italy.

What drew you to Dinehome while you were studying in Bologna?

I decided to take part in the Dinehome experience because I knew that in order to properly grasp every little detail of a culture, I would need to meet local people. Dining with an Italian family was an excellent way to do this.

What do you think is the best thing a student can gain from the Dinehome experience?

By taking part in the Dinehome experience, students have a lot to gain. During your time with the family, you’ll improve your speaking skills, get to know Italians better, and eat delicious food (most of the time). In any case, the best thing is knowing that when you come back to Italy, you’ll have people who care about you and want to see you again.

Would you like to share the most embarrassing moment with us?

The most embarrassing moment. It’s difficult because there were so many. Anyway, I’d say it was the first dinner. I could barely speak any Italian and it probably seemed like I had never studied the language before. I mumbled a lot of words and made a lot of mistakes.

What was the best dinner you had with your host family?

The memory of the best evening with my host family is still very vivid in my mind. My family from the United States had come to visit me in Bologna, and my host family agreed to have them over for dinner. I still remember that evening clearly. It was a moment when two groups of people who are very dear to me had the opportunity to meet. I hold on to that evening together.