Ms Panepinto is coming to Dubbo as part of AFS Intercultural Programs, which is an international student exchange body that provides intercultural learning opportunities to almost 13,000 students, teachers and young adults every year.

During her time in Dubbo, Ms Panepinto would attend a local high school and spend time in the community, gaining an understanding of what life is like in regional Australia.

At a time when many Australians are venturing to Italy to visit the Colosseum or Leaning Tower of Pisa, Ms Panepinto would trade that for a day out at the Western Plains Zoo, Old Dubbo Gaol or local game of footy.

Sharon Toohey, hosting co-ordinator of AFS Australia, believed the experience was beneficial for the student and host family alike.

"These students are eager to immerse themselves in the Australian way of life - living with a local Australian volunteer family, attending school and making friendships which often last a lifetime," she said.

All new host families receive orientation sessions, ongoing support throughout the participants stay, along with full medical insurance, school enrolment, travel costs for the participant and personal expenses covered by the student.

In addition to Ms Panepinto, 13 foreign exchange students and volunteer abroad participants will be calling Australia home from July for five months in places such as Bathurst, Wagga Wagga, Tamworth, Newcastle and Sydney.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer host family please call 1300 131 736 or visit www.afs.org.au.