with Intercultura and the support of Fondazione Pesenti.
The journey continues!
First Trimester: September 2017
Second Trimester: December 2017
I’m really lucky to have found other exchange students like me at my school; we understand each other because we share the same experiences, problems, and joys. I have friends from Europe, Asia, Africa, and America — literally from all over the world.
Relationship with the host family:
It’s exciting how my relationship with my host family is gradually evolving and becoming more and more special. I feel completely part of their world. The way they care for me makes me feel loved and protected.
Relationship with the host community and friends:
I’m really fortunate to have found other exchange students like me at school; we understand each other because we share the same experiences, problems, and joys. I have friends from Europe, Asia, Africa, and America — literally from all over the world.
School integration and academic progress, both in terms of grades and personal relationships with teachers and classmates:
The teacher-student relationship in America is completely different from Italy: teachers are more like friends and confidants. They ask me about my beloved Italy, let me taste cookies they baked, and are always available to help me.
Extracurricular activities:
On my host mom’s advice, two months ago I started Zumba and yoga classes, and after realizing that Zumba isn’t for me, I’m very happy to say I found a new passion: yoga.
The 3 things I will never forget (positive):
I will never forget the feeling of being at ease in a family, a home, a city, a country that did not raise me, but at the same time feeling proud and aware of my own origins.
The 3 things I will never forget (negative, if any):
I will surely remember all the difficult moments I experienced during this journey. Many times you feel out of place and don’t understand the behavior and attitudes of others, who inevitably live differently from us.
Other (anecdotes, reflections, thoughts):
I would like to thank you immensely for this opportunity because, in just five months, I am not only discovering myself but also looking inside in ways I never had before. Thank you.
www.intercultura.it