Relationships with the host family
With my host family (which is actually my second, since I changed the first one in November), I have a very good relationship. My family consists of three members: dad, mom, and sister. I can actually add a fourth, another exchange girl, who is practically like my niece, since she is my sister’s daughter.
I won’t deny that occasionally there have been some misunderstandings, especially with my mom, but as in all families, it’s nothing unusual or that can’t be resolved. In fact, after talking things over, we always calmly clarified everything and restored the original relationship. My dad likes to chat and tell stories, and I’m always happy to listen with curiosity. Despite some small difficulties, I have a close and “complicit” relationship with my mom, as we understand each other quite well.
Talking about my sister, I love spending time with her despite her age (37). We joke, laugh, and confide in each other. The other exchange girl is practically my best friend here in Mexico, so living together is not a problem. We spend a lot of time together and tell each other everything. I really consider myself lucky to have such a family: I feel listened to and understood, which is the most important thing for me.
Relationships with the host community and friends
Mexicans are complicated, it must be said, but at the same time extremely interesting and very sociable. There have been times when I didn’t understand them in various situations because of their proud and stubborn ways, but their joyful and festive character outweighs everything. They are always ready to party, with a bottle of beer in hand, toasting to life, and always try to make you feel comfortable.
In my town, there are thirteen exchange students, and I get along well with all of them. I often see the other Italians (we are eight in total), and I have a good friendship with each of them. We are a group and always ready to support each other.
Talking about Mexican friends, I get along better with those who are a bit older and more mature, and what I really like about them is their love for company. They are very gossipy but also fun.
My school performance, both from the point of view of profit and in regard to interpersonal relationships (with classmates and teachers)
I want to point out that the Mexican school system is very different from the Italian one. My school is neither as strict as the Italian one nor particularly demanding. Here the study load is clearly lighter, and if you don’t feel like it, you can decide not to attend class. Of course, there will be consequences at the final evaluation, but they are not that serious.
Despite this, I enjoy going to school, and in class, I have fun with my classmates. Almost all of them are approachable and often ask me questions about myself or Italy in general, requesting original anecdotes. I also have a good relationship with the teachers. At first, I thought they might treat me differently (negatively) because I’m a foreigner, but I soon realized that this was not the case: they continue to show interest in me and are very kind.
My leisure time
Thanks to the lighter school workload, I am lucky to have a lot of free time. Mainly, when I’m alone, I spend time listening to music and podcasts, using social media, making calls to update my family and friends in Italy, watching movies and TV series, and preparing for my driving license.
When I’m with friends, we often meet at the home of an AFS volunteer who teaches us the art of embroidery. Each of us embroider something different (I embroidered a typical men’s shirt and I am now embroidering a woman’s shirt that I will give to my great-grandmother). In the evenings, sometimes we go out for dinner or gather at someone’s house to chat.
The things that particularly impressed me in this country (both positive and negative)
One thing that has particularly struck me about Mexico is the incredible gap between rich and poor people. It ranges from people who own a two-story house, three cars, and well-paid jobs, to people who live in very humble homes, sell cheap goods on the street, and can only afford to eat twice a day because they don’t have enough money even for food.
One aspect I have always loved about the region where I live—the Isthmus of Tehuantepec—is the passion for traditional festivals. Due to COVID, which was still an issue at the start of my experience, I participated in relatively few festivals. Nevertheless, I enjoyed them all immensely: they are full of people, colors, and joy. Everyone dances, sings, and has fun, leaving worries behind.
One side of Mexicans that I have never liked is their gossiping and critical nature. They have an almost morbid love of gossip and will take any excuse to talk behind someone’s back or judge them. Of course, this is not true for everyone, but for the majority, I can say it is indeed the case.
3 words that describe my experience so far (explain why I chose it)
- Growth. Since I left, I have undergone a real process of growth—not just physical but especially psychological. I have started to see things differently, view the world with a much more adult mindset, and distinguish real problems from everyday nonsense. The Luca of before is different from the Luca of now: he has learned a lot and will treasure it all.
- Independence. Needless to say, I am constantly surrounded by family, friends, classmates, and teachers, but abroad it is me alone living my experience. This means I am the one who primarily handles difficult situations, manages my finances, and decides how to spend my day. This year abroad has taught me a crucial life skill: independence. I also believe that learning it at this age is a bonus that helps me face life better day by day.
- Self-confidence. Starting a new life in another country has made me much more confident, both physically and in my character. In Italy, I used to give a lot of importance to others’ opinions and tended to be upset by unconstructive criticism. Now I have learned not to care about what people say (especially if comments are negative) and to value myself more and more each day. People do not have the right to make others feel “less,” and this must not happen to me either. Like everyone, I have value, and I am finally aware of it. If in life I achieve the goals I have already set, it will be thanks only to the determination and tenacity that this year abroad has given me.
Anecdotes/Open Commentary
To the Pesenti Ets Foundation, which kindly funded part of the expenses for living this special year, please continue to support other boys and girls as well. Living a year like this is not for everyone and not easy, but it is definitely not impossible. As an exchange student, I can say it is a unique opportunity that does not happen twice.
The year abroad is just one in a lifetime, and if you have the chance to live it, you should live it. I can only thank and thank again, because through the good and the bad, the simple and the complicated, the beautiful and the ugly, this will always be one of the greatest and most important experiences of my life.