From Bergamo to Neuquén (Argentina) for six months with Intercultura and with the support of Fondazione Pesenti
UNIQUE REPORT: MARCH – JULY 2022
My relationship with my host family
When I think about my relationship with the family that is hosting me, I’m amazed at the bond we’ve managed to build in just two months. I clearly remember how I felt the first time I woke up in this house: I was scared, uncomfortable, out of place and disoriented, unsure how to behave. I soon realized that I would have to be patient…
At first, the biggest barrier was the language. It didn’t take me long to learn the family’s rhythm. I have a beautiful memory of the day my host mother gave me a copy of the house keys, and we went together to buy a keychain. That moment was very meaningful to me — it felt like their house was becoming my home, too.
The family consists of mom, dad, and three children: two sisters and a brother, all younger than me. Being the eldest sibling is a new experience for me, since in Italy I’m the youngest and my siblings have already moved out. I’m learning a lot from them, and I’m trying to be a good example, especially for Sofia, who will begin her own exchange experience in the U.S. this August.
As for my host parents, I couldn’t have asked for better. My host mom, Paola, is incredibly sensitive and strong — she’s the person I confide in the most. I see her as a key point of reference; I feel she understands me and always gives me the right advice at the right time.
My host dad, Ignacio, is like a ray of sunshine. His good humor, energy, and sense of humor always make me smile, even in difficult moments. He also did a year abroad when he was my age, which is why I feel he understands me very well and can guide me through this experience.
I’ve also had the chance to meet the grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins, and we often eat together on weekends. The family is a huge part of this experience, and I realize how lucky I’ve been to be welcomed with open arms by such wonderful people.
Interaction with my host community and friends My interaction with peers, and with people outside the family in general, was the part of the experience most affected by the language barrier and my emotional state during the first month. I consider myself an outgoing person, and making friends has never been difficult for me, but here the dynamic was very different from what I was used to, so it wasn’t easy at first.
Things started to change in the second week, when school began. After the first day of class, my phone was already full of messages from classmates inviting me to hang out. Honestly, I didn’t expect to find myself in a community of such warm and welcoming people.
I’ve really learned what it means to be patient and the value of listening. In the early weeks, I preferred going out with one or two people at most because I felt more comfortable that way. Now, I’ve found my group of friends and love spending time with everyone.
Young people in Argentina are generally energetic, full of life, very extroverted, and always find a reason to celebrate. This intimidated me at first, but once I let go and realized I had nothing to lose, I began to form unforgettable friendships.
My academic experience: school performance and relationships School life and the educational system here are among the biggest differences I’ve noticed compared to Italy. I attend the fifth-year ecological track at Pablo IV. There are many differences, starting with the academic level, which is less demanding, and extending to the relationships between students and with teachers.
Here, students have a more relaxed, informal relationship with teachers, who are seen not just as authorities but as people who can support and guide you through life and personal growth.
I have a great relationship with my teachers — they often ask how I’m doing with my host family, if I miss Italy, and if they can help me with anything.
In short, I love going to school here, thanks to the fantastic people I get to spend my days with.
In terms of academic performance, I’m not having any problems. Coming from an arts high school in Italy and now studying ecology in Argentina, I’m facing many new subjects. I feel like I’m learning so much and discovering new ways of studying and experiencing school.
My free time As I mentioned, during the first weeks I needed time to rest and process everything, so I spent most of my free time at home. During this time, my host dad taught me several card games, I watched Spanish-language movies with my siblings, and I enjoyed long talks over tea with my host mom.
Once my routine became more stable, I signed up for volleyball with my sister. I’ve now been playing for over a month — every Monday and Wednesday for an hour and a half — and I absolutely love it! I used to play volleyball in Italy for 2 or 3 years, and I’ve rediscovered a great passion.
Recently, I also started swimming on Mondays and Wednesdays, before volleyball. I do it through school, and it’s very fun — another opportunity to bond with my classmates while being active.
On Thursday afternoons, I stay at school for English lessons. On other days, I organize meet-ups with friends for coffee, trips to the mall, river walks, or house gatherings.
Sundays are for family — often grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins come over for lunch.
What impressed me most about this country I think the thing that struck me most is the warmth of the people. I left for this exchange experience with the stereotype of Latin Americans being warm, open, and lively — and my expectations were more than met.
Another surprising thing is the freedom students have at school: loud music during breaks, eating during class, and the student–teacher relationship is more like a friendship than an authority figure dynamic.
Punctuality is another cultural difference: if you agree to meet at 4 PM, no one will show up before 5.
As for the landscape, I’ve been amazed by so many things both inside and outside the city. I had the chance to travel west toward the mountains — it was incredible. During a five-hour car ride, we didn’t pass a single house… Just vast expanses of land changing from arid desert to hills with low plants to rocky mountain terrain.
For someone like me, born and raised in Europe where countries are much smaller in comparison, seeing such vast territories was something extraordinary and unimaginable — unless lived firsthand.
Three words that describe my experience so far The first word that comes to mind is definitely INTENSE. Small moments like successfully holding a conversation in Spanish, someone new inviting you out, solving a problem on your own, or witnessing a breathtaking view bring me immense joy and satisfaction.
There have been difficult moments — and still are — after all, I’m still a teenager on the other side of the world.
SURPRISING is the second word that best describes the last two months.
ENRICHING, for everything I’m learning. Not just the language or cultural habits — there are so many other aspects that make this such a deeply enriching experience.
Francesca Unuagbon’s Story from Flanders, Belgium – Second Trimester
From Lovere-Boario (BG), Italy, to Vorselaar, Flanders (Belgium) for one year with Intercultura and supported by the Pesenti Foundation.
