Sara’s journey: from Bergamo to Groveland (USA) for a year,
with Intercultura and the support of Fondazione Pesenti.
The journey continues!
First Term: September 2018
Second Term: December 2018
SECOND TERM: SEPTEMBER – NOVEMBER 2018
Sara is sharing with us a monthly account of her experience abroad, made possible through the Intercultura year-long program in the United States.
Relationship with the host family:
I get along very well with my new host family. I often help my host mom and dad when they work at their food truck. I have two American sisters, and we get along great, and I’ve also become very close friends with my Thai host sister.
Relationship with the host community and friends:
At first, changing schools was really difficult, but I’ve found my way and made many friends in all my classes.
That said, I preferred attending my former school, where the flex-time allowed me to meet more people.
School integration and academic progress, both in terms of performance and relationships with teachers and students:
Most of my teachers are very friendly and have supported me through the transition. My grades are very good, although studying here at South Lake is harder than it was at Tavares because the subjects are more challenging.
Extracurricular activities:
I couldn’t join the soccer team because it was already formed at my new school. So my friends and I tried out for the basketball team, but we didn’t get in. This week I’ll be trying track and tennis.
Three things I’ll never forget (positive):
We celebrated both Thanksgiving and Krathong Day with my host family.
This week I went to Disney World with my fellow exchange students—it was so much fun!
Some friends brought me cookies at school today because I was feeling down yesterday.
Three things I’ll never forget (negative):
I have to catch the school bus at 6:15 in the morning!
It’s still very hot, but some days the temperature suddenly drops and it gets freezing.
People here are often very patriotic and sometimes unwilling to discuss the less positive sides of their country.
Other:
I’m incredibly grateful for my new host family—I truly feel like a part of their lives, and we’re really close.
However, I hope to make more friends soon, as I don’t spend much time with my schoolmates outside of school.
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