Giulia Tagliaferri’s account: from Alzano Lombardo (BG) to Berlin, Germany for a year with Intercultura and the support of Fondazione Pesenti.
1st QUARTER: SEPTEMBER – NOVEMBER 2020
Relationship with my host family
In these first months spent closely with my host family, I can only say that I am really doing very well. My two host parents are very kind, helpful, and friendly. I also have a younger host sister, with whom, despite the age difference, I get along very well and often watch movies. In our free time, my family often suggests fun activities and games. Cooking, in particular, is bringing us closer together, further connecting our two cultures.
Relationship with the host community and friends
As I said, in my free time, especially on weekends, my family always finds something new to do, including meeting their friends. Often, when possible, we get together to drink a cup of tea and play board games—an activity very much loved even by the adults, who become extremely competitive when it comes to games. Regarding friends my age, I can say I am satisfied. I joined a group of six girls, and at school, I spend every minute with them, especially during lunch break, when we have more time to talk. Thanks to my host mom, I also met another girl, with whom I get along very well, and a boy who, like me, loves volleyball. Despite the restrictions that make everything more complicated, we manage to meet occasionally, which makes me very happy.
Integration and school progress, both in terms of grades and relationships with teachers and students
Overall, I can say I have finally settled into the school environment. At first, it was not easy, mainly because I did not understand much of what others were talking about, but now I am happy. I have my group of friends and also get along well with other classmates, who are available but somewhat reserved. Most teachers are understanding and help me when I don’t understand something; also, my class coordinator is the person I can turn to if needed. Like every other student in my class, I take tests and exams, and my academic performance is very good. Participation during lessons is a fundamental part of the German school system; oral exams are practically non-existent here. I always try to contribute during class, even though in subjects like German or politics I still find it difficult.
Extracurricular activities
Before the regulations due to the current health situation, I regularly trained twice a week with the volleyball team, a sport I joined, and usually matches took place on weekends. My teammates are really nice, and despite the interruption of training, every Wednesday we all connect online and train together. In my free time, I am also learning to play the piano on my own or sometimes with my host mom, who has offered to help me when she is free. Additionally, once a week after school, I help a younger boy with his Italian homework. In fact, in my school, there would be the possibility to study Italian, but I preferred to focus on Spanish, a language I also study in Italy.
Three positive things I will never forget
Definitely, an event I will hardly forget is the first meeting with my host family. That late August day, after traveling for hours with very little sleep, they were finally there waiting for me. That was the confirmation that all the efforts I had made until then were not in vain.
Another positive fact is having met two other girls who are also exchange students. Sometimes we go out together on weekends, and since one of these girls is from Thailand, we are “forced” to communicate in German.
Finally, I think the right choice is to indicate as the third event the fact of noticing day by day my improvement with the German language. I understand more and more when others speak to me, and saying what I think is no longer so difficult. It is a great achievement for me and really rewarding when people around me notice how I am gaining confidence with German.
Words that best describe my experience so far
Spirit of adaptation: In these months I have realized how important it is to have a character that easily adapts to new situations. For example, living with a vegetarian family completely changed my usual diet, which is usually rich in meat.
Independence: Although it hasn’t been long since I left home, I already feel changed: I am becoming more independent. When I have a problem to face, I no longer immediately ask for help but try to solve it on my own, and this is helping me grow.
