2018
Janelle D, Summer 2018 Participant
The most rewarding elements of the program were the opportunities to live with an Italian family and teach in a middle school. I was able to form authentic, long-lasting friendships with my family, my students and the teachers that I worked alongside. I benefitted tremendously from living life as the locals did. I wasn't a tourist, therefore, I was able to see beneath the surface and authentically learn about life across the world.
Breana T, Summer 2018 Participant
I think living with my host family was the most rewarding aspect of the program, because I've gained a second family and home.
Ashley F, Summer 2018 Participant
When I decided to participate in the program, I was most nervous about living with a host family, however, this easily became my favorite part of the program. I loved getting to form relationships with each family member and experience authentic Italian culture in many different aspects through them.
​
I learned how to step out of my comfort zone and really think about putting others before myself through living with a host family. In the schools, I really learned to see a classroom from the perspective of an English Language Learner.
Madeline L, Summer 2018 Participant
What made this experience absolutely amazing was the fact that we were able to stay with a host family. Being fully immersed in the culture helped me to get the most out of this program, and I met several wonderful people because of it!
Emily M, Summer 2018 Participant
I loved this program! My favorited part was having the opportunity to teach abroad. It was such a wonderful experience to work with the students, learn about a different educational system, and also gain the perspective of what an international language learner may feel.
Summer 2018 Participant
My favorite part about this program was the relationships that I gained. Through this program, you become so close to the students you are with, your host family, your teachers and your students. When you leave you have so many new friends and people in your life. These people make the experience and I know they will be in my life for a very long time.
Summer 2018 Participant
The most rewarding part of this experience was seeing that I was still able to teach my students and my students were still able to learn from me despite the language barrier.
Summer 2018 Participant
The elements of the program that I found most rewarding were being able to work alongside the teachers in the Italian schools, but also being able to be a part of a family during my time abroad.
Summer 2018 Participant
My favorite part of the program was living with my host family. It was the best way to learn about Italian culture and the language. It was amazing, even with the language and cultural differences, I was able to form very strong connections with my host family, and I still am in contact with them after the program.
Summer 2018 Participant
I think the most important thing I learned was how to open myself up to others and that language barriers aren't communication barriers.
2018
Janelle D, Summer 2018 Participant
The most rewarding elements of the program were the opportunities to live with an Italian family and teach in a middle school. I was able to form authentic, long-lasting friendships with my family, my students and the teachers that I worked alongside. I benefitted tremendously from living life as the locals did. I wasn't a tourist, therefore, I was able to see beneath the surface and authentically learn about life across the world.
Breana T, Summer 2018 Participant
I think living with my host family was the most rewarding aspect of the program, because I've gained a second family and home.
Ashley F, Summer 2018 Participant
When I decided to participate in the program, I was most nervous about living with a host family, however, this easily became my favorite part of the program. I loved getting to form relationships with each family member and experience authentic Italian culture in many different aspects through them.
I learned how to step out of my comfort zone and really think about putting others before myself through living with a host family. In the schools, I really learned to see a classroom from the perspective of an English Language Learner.
Madeline L, Summer 2018 Participant
What made this experience absolutely amazing was the fact that we were able to stay with a host family. Being fully immersed in the culture helped me to get the most out of this program, and I met several wonderful people because of it!
Emily M, Summer 2018 Participant
I loved this program! My favorited part was having the opportunity to teach abroad. It was such a wonderful experience to work with the students, learn about a different educational system, and also gain the perspective of what an international language learner may feel.
Summer 2018 Participant
My favorite part about this program was the relationships that I gained. Through this program, you become so close to the students you are with, your host family, your teachers and your students. When you leave you have so many new friends and people in your life. These people make the experience and I know they will be in my life for a very long time.
Summer 2018 Participant
The most rewarding part of this experience was seeing that I was still able to teach my students and my students were still able to learn from me despite the language barrier.
Summer 2018 Participant
The elements of the program that I found most rewarding were being able to work alongside the teachers in the Italian schools, but also being able to be a part of a family during my time abroad.
Summer 2018 Participant
My favorite part of the program was living with my host family. It was the best way to learn about Italian culture and the language. It was amazing, even with the language and cultural differences, I was able to form very strong connections with my host family, and I still am in contact with them after the program.
Summer 2018 Participant
I think the most important thing I learned was how to open myself up to others and that language barriers aren't communication barriers.
2017
Autumn R, Summer 2017 Participant
My favorite part of this program was being able to explore a new country with the comfort of new and old friends. Carpi was small enough that on free afternoons, we were able to message each other and meet at the city square for an afternoon of shopping or gelato! It also had some a small town feel that my Italian teachers were able to tell me things they found interesting in Carpi as well.
The most rewarding part of the program was being in the schools. I did not speak an ounce of Italian before going this program, but my host family and teachers were so understanding and really taught me a lot about the culture but even more than that my students still kissed and hugged me even though I was this strange person in their classroom who sounded probably so silly to them. With this program I truly got to see what English Language Learners in American classrooms go through.
I was able to put myself in the shoes of an ELL. Being in an environment that was new and unfamiliar was pretty intimidating and I have so much more respect for people who up and move from what they know to start a new life.
Sophia S, Summer 2017 Participant
I think the most rewarding part was teaching English in the schools. My students loved me and I loved seeing their faces when they learned a new word in English.
This experience has helped me increase my cultural awareness. I learned a lot about the Italian culture, including the food, history, music, and their education system. I learned a lot from my teaching experience and I feel more prepared to take on English Language Learners in my future classroom. I know to be patient, positive and supportive when trying to teach another language
I really enjoyed the location Carpi, Italy was a cute small Italian town full of rich history and not many tourists. I was truly able to observed and experience the Italian culture and lifestyle. I also loved my host family Davide, Barbara, Ester and Zoe they were the cutest family. They were so warm and welcoming, they made me feel apart of their family. The school I worked at was also wonderful place to teach because it was filled with kind passionate teachers and eager learners.
Lauren H, Summer 2017 Participant
My favorite part of this experience was living with a host family. Being completely immersed into the culture living with a true Italian family gave me a new perspective of their culture as well as helped me grow as an individual. It gave me a clear glimpse of what their daily lives were. I was able to compare and contrast our two cultures to one another in ways they are similar or different. Not only did I get exposed to their culture and language but I also formed a great relationship with my host parents and brother. It was a once in a life time experience!!
Through this experience, something I found most rewarding was being on the other side noticing what it is like being the 2nd language learner. For students that would come into my class back in the states as English language learners, I had sympathy for them and wanted to help them succeed but never really knew how since I have never experienced that myself personally. But through this program, I was able to actually have first hand experience. I had to learn ways to function in the classroom other than language. My teachers spoke little to no English and my students spoke only the most basic vocabulary they picked up in their English class. Most of the time I would sit in class very confused because their lectures, textbooks, and conversations were all in a language I could not speak or understand. Even though this was happening and it was very difficult, I was able to pick up some strategies that helped me along the way. Because of this, I feel more prepared and sympathetic to ELL's that will be coming into my classroom. No matter what I will always have ELL's in my class in the future, and this program has only prepared me more to help them along their journey.
Christian E, Summer 2017 Participant
It was rewarding to overcome the language barrier in the classrooms. I was forced to do lots of physical and verbal demonstration to ensure that the students understood my lessons in English.
Summer 2017 Participant
This program is very valuable because you get the experience of living with a host family and the experience of teaching abroad! My best advice would be to go in with few expectations, and to always be open to trying new activities or foods. I stepped out of my comfort zone in the home I was staying in and in my school, and I learned a lot from it.
Summer 2017 Participant
From this program I have learned that even though it is good to have a general idea of what you need to teach, you should learn to be very flexible and be willing to change things as you go. Time is also something that does not exist and to not worry if you run out of time because there will always be time to finish at some point.
Summer 2017 Participant
You must learn to be incredibly flexible and comfortable in difficult situations. You learn to navigate life in another country where you don't speak the language.
Summer 2017 Participant
Learning another language is very important. If you can start learning another language at any age it will help you in the long run. I also learned to go with the flow. Sometimes your family just decides on a whim that there is something they have to do and you have to adjust to either go with them or say you need to hang back. Living with a family was super great. It allowed you to branch out of your comfort zone and you were able to see how another family was run in another country.
Summer 2017 Participant
That you should take full advantage of every opportunity to go out with your family or your friends instead of sitting at home!
Summer 2017 Participant
Just enjoy every moment, even when you're exhausted.
Summer 2017 Participant
You really have to go with the flow. There were so many times when things did not go as I had planned. It's important to remember to be patient. Be prepared to sacrifice your time and energy in various ways throughout the trip. Just know, that you will be a far more well-rounded person and educator after this experience. I promise! It is mentally, emotionally, and physically draining at times because of the language and culture barriers; however, you will make it and you will have lots of support! Have fun and learn lots!
Summer 2017 Participant
My favorite part of this program was getting emerged in the cultural completely. I learned so much from he new experiences I had.
Summer 2017 Participant
MY favorite part of this program was living with my host family. My host family opened their home to me and made me feel like I was apart of their family. I was able to learn so much from them about their culture and language. I have built a strong relationship with my host family and I keep in touch with them once I arrived back in the states. My wonderful experience would not have been the same without them.
Summer 2017 Participant
My favorite part of the program was staying with my host family. They were an amazing family and I truly miss them. They have contacted me since I have been home and wanted to make sure that I was doing well and adjusting back to my home life. They made the program so great for me and made sure that I had everything that I needed. They also opened their home up completely and wanted to make sure that I was part of their life.
Summer 2017 Participant
My favorite part of this program was the unique ability for me to be immersed in an actual Italian classroom, and not only be able to take on the role of a teacher but also to learn from the Italian school system/structure. The way that education is done over there is very different than what I was used to over here in the states, and being able to compare and contrast the two systems has taught me so much as a future educator. We were not simply observing but teaching real lessons that we cultivated, and that made for a very valuable experience.
Summer 2017 Participant
My favorite part was my Italian Elementary school I was placed in during the program. I LOVED it! My host classrooms were all so welcoming and loving to me. Even though most of them didn't speak English at all, I was able to grow close to my teachers and my students. We connected through action and heart. Actions truly speak louder than words.
Summer 2017 Participant
I found the cultural experience in the classroom most rewarding. I did not know what to expect, but I learned so much by comparing and contrasting classes I have observed in the US and my second grade class in Italy. I now feel like I can empathize with English Language Learners in US classrooms, because I had the experience of being in a classroom where all instruction was in a language I didn't know well. I also gained valuable teaching experience through teaching English lessons to my second graders.
Summer 2017 Participant
The most rewarding elements of this program and seeing how happy the Italian students are that they have an American teacher in their classroom. They have been looking forward for us to come for months and as soon as I walked in a was receiving hugs and big smiles. They would give their full attention and all effort into learning English because it is very important to them. Any little thing that you teach or do for them means the world to them.
Summer 2017 Participant
It was most rewarding getting to build relationships with my host family that will last a lifetime. Also, getting to see another country and how their school system operates.
Summer 2017 Participant
It was so rewarding to teach English lessons to my Italian students planned or unplanned. It truly brought me joy and I was even able to learn Italian at the same time!
Autumn R, Summer 2017 Participant
My favorite part of this program was being able to explore a new country with the comfort of new and old friends. Carpi was small enough that on free afternoons, we were able to message each other and meet at the city square for an afternoon of shopping or gelato! It also had some a small town feel that my Italian teachers were able to tell me things they found interesting in Carpi as well.
The most rewarding part of the program was being in the schools. I did not speak an ounce of Italian before going this program, but my host family and teachers were so understanding and really taught me a lot about the culture but even more than that my students still kissed and hugged me even though I was this strange person in their classroom who sounded probably so silly to them. With this program I truly got to see what English Language Learners in American classrooms go through.
I was able to put myself in the shoes of an ELL. Being in an environment that was new and unfamiliar was pretty intimidating and I have so much more respect for people who up and move from what they know to start a new life.
Sophia S, Summer 2017 Participant
I think the most rewarding part was teaching English in the schools. My students loved me and I loved seeing their faces when they learned a new word in English.
This experience has helped me increase my cultural awareness. I learned a lot about the Italian culture, including the food, history, music, and their education system. I learned a lot from my teaching experience and I feel more prepared to take on English Language Learners in my future classroom. I know to be patient, positive and supportive when trying to teach another language
I really enjoyed the location Carpi, Italy was a cute small Italian town full of rich history and not many tourists. I was truly able to observed and experience the Italian culture and lifestyle. I also loved my host family Davide, Barbara, Ester and Zoe they were the cutest family. They were so warm and welcoming, they made me feel apart of their family. The school I worked at was also wonderful place to teach because it was filled with kind passionate teachers and eager learners.
Lauren H, Summer 2017 Participant
My favorite part of this experience was living with a host family. Being completely immersed into the culture living with a true Italian family gave me a new perspective of their culture as well as helped me grow as an individual. It gave me a clear glimpse of what their daily lives were. I was able to compare and contrast our two cultures to one another in ways they are similar or different. Not only did I get exposed to their culture and language but I also formed a great relationship with my host parents and brother. It was a once in a life time experience!!
Through this experience, something I found most rewarding was being on the other side noticing what it is like being the 2nd language learner. For students that would come into my class back in the states as English language learners, I had sympathy for them and wanted to help them succeed but never really knew how since I have never experienced that myself personally. But through this program, I was able to actually have first hand experience. I had to learn ways to function in the classroom other than language. My teachers spoke little to no English and my students spoke only the most basic vocabulary they picked up in their English class. Most of the time I would sit in class very confused because their lectures, textbooks, and conversations were all in a language I could not speak or understand. Even though this was happening and it was very difficult, I was able to pick up some strategies that helped me along the way. Because of this, I feel more prepared and sympathetic to ELL's that will be coming into my classroom. No matter what I will always have ELL's in my class in the future, and this program has only prepared me more to help them along their journey.
Christian E, Summer 2017 Participant
It was rewarding to overcome the language barrier in the classrooms. I was forced to do lots of physical and verbal demonstration to ensure that the students understood my lessons in English.
Summer 2017 Participant
This program is very valuable because you get the experience of living with a host family and the experience of teaching abroad! My best advice would be to go in with few expectations, and to always be open to trying new activities or foods. I stepped out of my comfort zone in the home I was staying in and in my school, and I learned a lot from it.
Summer 2017 Participant
From this program I have learned that even though it is good to have a general idea of what you need to teach, you should learn to be very flexible and be willing to change things as you go. Time is also something that does not exist and to not worry if you run out of time because there will always be time to finish at some point.
Summer 2017 Participant
You must learn to be incredibly flexible and comfortable in difficult situations. You learn to navigate life in another country where you don't speak the language.
Summer 2017 Participant
Learning another language is very important. If you can start learning another language at any age it will help you in the long run. I also learned to go with the flow. Sometimes your family just decides on a whim that there is something they have to do and you have to adjust to either go with them or say you need to hang back. Living with a family was super great. It allowed you to branch out of your comfort zone and you were able to see how another family was run in another country.
Summer 2017 Participant
That you should take full advantage of every opportunity to go out with your family or your friends instead of sitting at home!
Summer 2017 Participant
Just enjoy every moment, even when you're exhausted.
Summer 2017 Participant
You really have to go with the flow. There were so many times when things did not go as I had planned. It's important to remember to be patient. Be prepared to sacrifice your time and energy in various ways throughout the trip. Just know, that you will be a far more well-rounded person and educator after this experience. I promise! It is mentally, emotionally, and physically draining at times because of the language and culture barriers; however, you will make it and you will have lots of support! Have fun and learn lots!
Summer 2017 Participant
My favorite part of this program was getting emerged in the cultural completely. I learned so much from he new experiences I had.
Summer 2017 Participant
MY favorite part of this program was living with my host family. My host family opened their home to me and made me feel like I was apart of their family. I was able to learn so much from them about their culture and language. I have built a strong relationship with my host family and I keep in touch with them once I arrived back in the states. My wonderful experience would not have been the same without them.
Summer 2017 Participant
My favorite part of the program was staying with my host family. They were an amazing family and I truly miss them. They have contacted me since I have been home and wanted to make sure that I was doing well and adjusting back to my home life. They made the program so great for me and made sure that I had everything that I needed. They also opened their home up completely and wanted to make sure that I was part of their life.
Summer 2017 Participant
My favorite part of this program was the unique ability for me to be immersed in an actual Italian classroom, and not only be able to take on the role of a teacher but also to learn from the Italian school system/structure. The way that education is done over there is very different than what I was used to over here in the states, and being able to compare and contrast the two systems has taught me so much as a future educator. We were not simply observing but teaching real lessons that we cultivated, and that made for a very valuable experience.
Summer 2017 Participant
My favorite part was my Italian Elementary school I was placed in during the program. I LOVED it! My host classrooms were all so welcoming and loving to me. Even though most of them didn't speak English at all, I was able to grow close to my teachers and my students. We connected through action and heart. Actions truly speak louder than words.
Summer 2017 Participant
I found the cultural experience in the classroom most rewarding. I did not know what to expect, but I learned so much by comparing and contrasting classes I have observed in the US and my second grade class in Italy. I now feel like I can empathize with English Language Learners in US classrooms, because I had the experience of being in a classroom where all instruction was in a language I didn't know well. I also gained valuable teaching experience through teaching English lessons to my second graders.
Summer 2017 Participant
The most rewarding elements of this program and seeing how happy the Italian students are that they have an American teacher in their classroom. They have been looking forward for us to come for months and as soon as I walked in a was receiving hugs and big smiles. They would give their full attention and all effort into learning English because it is very important to them. Any little thing that you teach or do for them means the world to them.
Summer 2017 Participant
It was most rewarding getting to build relationships with my host family that will last a lifetime. Also, getting to see another country and how their school system operates.
Summer 2017 Participant
It was so rewarding to teach English lessons to my Italian students planned or unplanned. It truly brought me joy and I was even able to learn Italian at the same time!