Isabella’s journey: a month of living and learning in Sestri Levante

Ciao! I’m Isabella, a 23-year-old who recently had the incredible opportunity to spend a month in Sestri Levante as part of my gap year experience with Italian for a While. This is part two of my story, where I’ll tell you all about my time in this beautiful seaside town!

When I first arrived in Sestri Levante, I was completely captivated. The colorful buildings, the beach, and all the restaurants and shops were charming—it was like walking into a dream. As soon as I arrived I checked into my apartment and took a day to fully settle in. Thankfully, my admissions consultant, Annetta, made everything easy by sending me detailed instructions on where to go and what to do. Having that guidance really helped me feel calm and prepared.

Then, the day after arriving, it was time to begin school. On my first day, I was a little nervous but also excited but walking to class, I found myself in a building overlooking the beach, which instantly put me at ease. After taking a short Italian language test, I was placed in a classroom with other students at my level. From that moment, I jumped right into learning Italian, meeting new people, and exploring the town.

Every day in Sestri Levante had its own routine. Most mornings, I would head to a local café with friends for coffee and a chocolate brioche—my favorite breakfast treat. Then I’d head to school around nine or nine-thirty and finish by twelve-thirty, which gave me plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the day. Lunch was usually at home, but afternoons were all about the beach. And evenings were either spent going out for dinner or aperitivo with friends, or joining one of the excursions organized by the school.

The excursions were one of the highlights of my time in Sestri Levante. There was everything: cooking classes, guided hikes, tours of nearby towns, and class dinners, just to name a few. My favorite was visiting a local cantina. We got to tour the winery and taste the wines during a lovely aperitivo. It was fun and sharing that experience with my new friends made it even more special! I also loved trying the local food. Polpo con patate, focaccia, and pesto were some of my favorites and walking around the town, shopping, and discovering new restaurants added so much to my experience.

Looking back, my month in Sestri Levante was indeed amazing. I learned so much Italian, made incredible friends, and created memories that I’ll cherish forever. It was a time filled with fun, growth, and connection, and I’m so grateful I got to have this experience!