Sono appena ripartiti per tornare a casa gli studenti in mobilità nel nostro istituto dalla Marymount School di New York. Le cose che resteranno più impresse nella loro memoria? L’arte ammirata nei Musei Vaticani e a Firenze, ovviamente, ma anche il calore delle strette di mano, l’affetto delle famiglie ospitanti e della nostra comunità scolastica, come ci rivela il punto di vista di Alexandra Watkins raccolto dalla nostra Isabella.
Alexandra Watkins is a student of Marymount New York and she participated in the cultural exchange program in Istituto Marymount Rome with Elizabeth Frend and Finn Yorke. She was hosted by my family for three weeks, from the 1st of March to the 22nd of March. This interview is a testimony to this wonderful exchange!
What motivated you to participate in the exchange program with Rome as your destination?
History has been something that has intrigued me since a very young age, and when I began taking Latin classes five years ago, this interest was driven towards Roman history. When I saw that a Rome exchange trip was going to be offered, I jumped at the opportunity!
How has your experience at Marymount School in Rome differed from your school back in New York?
The main difference for me was switching from an all-girls school to a mixed gender school. I’ve gotten used to participating in classes with the same gender for a large portion of my schooling, and so it felt a bit strange to have boys in my classes at the start, but I got used to it with time.
What cultural differences have you noticed between New York and Rome, and how have they influenced your daily life?
The main culture “shock” that I’ve had is with handshakes. In the US, often handshakes are reserved for more formal introductions. In Rome it is a much more casual and common gesture, and once I got used to it, I thought it was really sweet having that physical contact when I first met someone. The two-kiss hugs are also less used in the US, though I’ve had experience with them when visiting my Eastern European relatives. Again, I think it’s a really sweet gesture, and I’d like to do it more when I go back.
Can you share a memorable experience or event that has stood out to you during your time in Rome?
One of the most memorable experiences was the day trip I took to Florence with you, Isabella, Raffaella, and Vittoria! We went to the Uffizi, which was gorgeous, and being able to see masterpieces made by Caravaggio, Gentileschi, Michelangelo, and so many more artists in person was an amazing experience. I had a wonderful time walking around such an unhurried and pretty historic city with absolutely lovely people.
How do you think this exchange program will impact your personal growth?
This exchange program certainly had an impact on my independence. Learning how to live in and navigate an entirely new place definitely developed my problem solving and navigation skills. In New York, the streets are planned out in a grid pattern, so there was a bit of a learning curve when it came to navigating Rome’s more windy streets.
What aspects of Italian culture or lifestyle have you found most intriguing or challenging to adapt to during your stay in Rome?
I’ve discovered that Italians and Americans eat at very different times in the day. At school in New York we usually eat lunch at around 11 or 12. Here, the school day ends and lunch starts at around 2. I definitely had to adapt to it, but there are pros and cons to both lunch times.
What do you hope to take away from this experience?
I hope to take away the lovely friendships that I’ve made! I’ve met some really kind and sweet people at Marymount Rome, who have made this exchange better than I could have ever dreamed. I hope to stay in contact with them once I go back to New York!
Which historical and cultural landmark that you explored has been your favorite so far?
Definitely the Vatican Museums! Each room was even more beautiful and packed with history than the last. It was incredibly interesting to just witness such a historically important place, and be in the presence of such stunning art and craftsmanship. I can attest to the fact that I spent half the time staring at the gorgeous ceilings in each of the rooms!
What was it like to stay with an Italian family for three weeks?
My host family are some of the kindest people I’ve ever met, and being able to stay with them for 3 weeks was an absolute joy! It was especially sweet how caring they were, and I’ve learned that I absolutely must bring a jacket or scarf with me, no matter the weather. Every moment was an amazing experience just being a part of their family, and I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world.
What advice would you give to other students considering participating in an exchange program like this in the future?
Just take it all in! Being able to experience day to day life in another country is truly such a unique experience. Meander, eat good food, and form long lasting friendships!
Di Isabella D’Ayala Valva, 17 anni, IV A Classico (Laboratorio di giornalismo)
