Beatrice’s story: from Treviglio (Bergamo) to the USA for a year, with Intercultura and the support of the Pesenti Foundation.
1st Quarter: 2017, September
I thank the Pesenti Foundation with all my heart for giving me such a wonderful opportunity. I’m discovering parts of me I didn’t know existed. I am happy just because I have adapted to another culture and lifestyle so easily and naturally in a month’s time. I’m putting my whole self into this experience. Time passes fast but I want to make the most of every moment spent in the US.
Relationships with the host family:
I love my new family. I love my host parents: they are fantastic. I am a part of a double placement with a student from Thailand. We do not get along too well: we are really different–she is shy and withdrawn, often too much–we come from two opposite cultures, and our habits are different. My host parents have five children, but they are all on their own. I have met them all and I have a good relationship with the younger son. They are all passionate about running and they take care of their health and fitness. All this makes me very happy!
Relations with the host community and friends:
Fortunately, I immediately made friends with a group of girls. We are very alike, even if we do not share same habits. In the evening, the most you can do is go to Starbucks or hang out at someone’s house to watch a movie. I love my cross-country team and, as a team, before a race we always get together at someone’s house for a pasta party. We also went rock climbing together. People are friendly and available to help. I also noticed that politeness and basic courtesy, such as greeting and thanking, are essential to build important relationships in this community.
Inclusion and academic achievement with respect to performance and interactions with teachers and peers:
At first, I was worried about school because the approach here is completely different. I had been placed in classes that were too easy for me. After two days and a variety of placement tests I was enrolled in courses that are right for me. Students change classes every hour and professors are kings of their kingdoms. Classmates are so kind to me and explained things slowly when i don’t understand. My Math’s teacher helps me a lot, even after school, with the Ap calculus and some other courses I was supposed to take and didn’t in Italy… a (kinda) private lesson outside the school. Another difference is that learning at this school is completely digital—no paper books needed and exams online. For students everything revolves around school. I got good results and I’m really pleased.
Extracurricular activities:
I am part of the cross-country team. And it is one of the best choices I could make. All the girls are very kind and friendly, and I made best friends with two of them. They always help you, and many times during races I held on thanks to them. We train every day after school, on Saturdays we do our long run and on Sundays we rest. This sport is teaching me a lot about self-confidence and helps me to stay focused on keeping fit both physically and mentally since it is a great emotional and psychological outlet.
Three beautiful things I will never forget:
The infinite support of my cross-country team; the first hug with my host parents and the overnight camping with the other exchange students.
Three nasty things I will never forget:
Spaghetti with meatballs (I find them terrible); the first big fight with my host sister (she’s a Thai exchange student).
Other:
I thank the Pesenti Foundation with all my heart for giving me such a wonderful opportunity. I’m discovering parts of me I didn’t know existed. I am happy just because I have adapted to another culture and lifestyle so easily and naturally in a month’s time. I’m putting my whole self into this experience. Time passes fast but I want to make the most of every moment spent in the US.
From Bergamo to the Usa for a year
with Intercultura and the support of the Pesenti Foundation
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