Italian Language & Cultural Exchange

In December 2023, 17 senior years students and two staff members travelled to Italy to participate in the Italian Language & Cultural Exchange. It was the first opportunity for the College to reconnect with the students and staff in Italy following the hiatus during COVID.

The students spent two weeks in the city of Portogruaro, Italy, and attended classes at the Liceo Statale 25 Aprile High School. Portogruaro is a town in the region of Veneto, in northern Italy. It is approximately 80 km north-east of Venice and has a population of 25,000.

The students were hosted by Italian families during this time and enjoyed many opportunities to travel to regional areas, visit neighbouring countries, and immerse themselves in the Italian language and culture. Some of the most memorable moments for the group were spent during this time with their host families.

Following the homestay, the group travelled to the eternal city of Rome where they were immersed in the history while enjoying the picture-perfect sites and delicious food. In addition to visiting many of the popular tourist sites, we also visited two Jesuit churches in Rome ‒ the Saint Ignatius’ Church and the Chiesa del Gesù.

The exchange program not only benefits students’ linguistic capabilities, it provides opportunities to engage in cultural experiences and witness personal growth, leading to increased self-confidence and self-esteem. Students were asked to keep a travel journal of their experiences during their time away, and the following words capture the experiences of many students during their time in Italy:

Gabby Puntillo
Leader of Learning ‒ Languages