From November 29 to January 26, students from several high schools across Western Australia – and, for the first time, St Clare’s College in Canberra – stayed with families from all over Italy.
Organised in collaboration with AFS Intercultura, the annual initiative allows students to attend Italian school, improve their language skills and travel around the country during the two-week Christmas break.
Students were assisted by the program’s organiser, Fulvia Valvasori, alongside Eliza Mann Knapman and volunteers from AFS Intercultura.
Francesca Ciuffettelli was one of the students from Clare’s College, which took part in the program for the first time thanks to the support of its Italian teacher, Sonia Conte.
“I decided to participate in this exchange to build on my Italian language skills, for the cultural experience, and my own personal development,” she said.
“I wanted to see what it would be like living as a teenager in a different country and challenge myself by trying something new.
“It ended up being one of the best experiences of my life and I loved every minute of it and every new experience I had.
“I was a bit apprehensive at first: I had never travelled overseas alone and I didn’t know what to expect but as soon as I met my host family, and especially my host sister, I was completely reassured that all would be fine.”
Francesca said she felt like part of the family from day one.
“They were all so fantastic and made me feel at home from the first moment,” she said.
During the exchange program, Francesca made many friends at school, both in her year level, and that of her host sister.
Francesca Ciuffettelli with her Italian host sister
“I was quickly immersed into their way of school life and never really felt out of place,” she said.
“School was interesting and very different from what we have here in Australia.
“They have a much more traditional classroom structure with the teacher standing at the front of the class teaching with very little, if any, discussions or expression of opinions.
“School is certainly one thing I enjoy much more here in Australia.”
Francesca also travelled around with other exchange students in the area, guided by an AFS Intercultura volunteer and her host family.
“I got to visit amazing places in various cities and towns like Rome, Naples, Florence, Assisi, Orvieto and more,” she said.
“I had some of the best times during these trips when I got to hang out with other exchange students.”
Francesca highly recommends the program to other students.
“This experience has given me the opportunity to challenge myself and learn that if put in an unknown situation I can succeed,” she said.
“I became very independent and responsible for myself; I made amazing friends that I will have forever.”
Francesca’s feedback was echoed in other students’ comments.
“It was a great experience that I’ll never forget,” Zoe Cukrov, a student at Corpus Christi College in Bateman, said.
“During the program, I visited Florence, Milan and my favourite city, Venice; I also saw snow for the first time.
Zoe Cukrov in the Italian snow
“I met lots of amazing people who I’ll stay in touch with.
“I also learnt that Italian schools are very different and I learnt lots of new Italian words.”
These students from Prendiville Catholic College also gave positive feedback:
Rebekah Hopkins – Piacenza, Emilia-Romagna
I’ve wanted to go on exchange for eight years and my dreams finally came true!
It was an opportunity of a lifetime and better than I could’ve imagined. I was very lucky to have a family who were so welcoming and kind, and I was so fortunate to see different parts of Italy and Europe as well!
I met other exchange students from all across the world and have made new friendships that will last forever.
Anupa Benoy – Bozzolo, Lombardy
My exchange experience is unforgettable and I am so thankful to all those who were able to make this experience possible. I was able to meet new people and make new friends, understand a different culture, and even learn a new language.
And, of course, the food is always incredible in Italy. In these past two months I have made many memories that I will treasure for ever.
Caleb Mills – Acquapendente, Lazio
Although I was apprehensive about spending two months away from home, my host family and new school made me feel very welcome.
I cannot recommend this exchange enough as it was an amazing experience immersing myself in a new culture and improving my Italian language skills.
Maya Callaghan – Palagiano, Puglia
This truly was a once in a lifetime experience and I formed so many memories I will treasure for the rest of my life.
I experienced a new culture and way of life, tried new things and improved my Italian but most importantly I met so many amazing people and made incredible memories.
Helena Medic – Lecce, Puglia
During the Christmas holidays I lived in a city in the south of Italy called Lecce and became a part of another family.
This amazing experience allowed me to visit so many beautiful places, learn about another culture and meet some of the most amazing people.
Now, WAATI is seeking 50 Western Australian families to host an Italian student from June 27 to August 22, 2020.
The exchange program holds a special place in the hearts of both the students and the host families.
Kylie Stokes, the mother of Iona Presentation College student Brianna, recounted her experiencing hosting an Italian student.
“We hosted Nicoletta Voltolina from Chioggia this year; it was a fantastic experience for us all,” she said.
“If you are even remotely thinking about hosting, do it!
“You’ll get to be a tourist in your own city and be blown away by what we have right in front of us.
“You’ll laugh, cry and love, and realise how close someone can become to you after just two short months.
“You’ll spend more time with your own family and kids, and fall in love with another at the same time.
Not only has my daughter made a lifetime friend, but so have all of us.”
For more information, email the program’s organiser, Fulvia Valvasori, or visit WAATI’s website.
