My Italian Adventure

I had a very unique experience for several reasons. The first is the location. Moncalieri is located on top of a hill and my host family had a backyard that looked out over Torino. The vista was just beautiful, and the family was a very sweet young family. Because the location was so remote, it was sometime difficult to go out on my own, but the family was very nice about driving me "down the hill" whenever I asked.

The children in my family were quite young, 2 and 5 years old, and this presented unique challenges for me in terms of teaching english. Their attention spans were shorter, so lessons and conversations had to happen in shorter spurts. I had very few low points, but when I did I wondered if perhaps the children were too young. It was difficult at times, especially if the children were tired, hungry or misbehaving. But in the end I think both boys learned quite a bit of english. Basic greetings, numbers, colors and lots of food and animals.

I am still processing this experience, but I feel it has changed me in many ways. I am more patient and I think my own teaching will improve as a result. I know some Italian which is fantastic. I got many wonderful photos and saw a part of the world I always wanted to see, but on a deeper level, more as a member of society as opposed to a tourist.

My favorite memory is probably Karaoke. I made friends with the nanny, Francesca, right away. She spoke no English, and I spoke little Italian, but we communicated through Google translate and lots of gesturing and laughter. She took me to do Italian Karaoke one Saturday, and I had so much fun singing in Italian with her and all her friends. I even did a solo to Whitley Houston which they played in English just for me! Many of the people I met that night are still sending me notes on facebook!

I do wish I had known more Italian before I left. Especially with young children it would be very useful.

The WEP representative and everybody from Green Heart travel was very supportive, and checked in with me frequently!

I will always treasure the experience I had, and it was the best semester off I have ever had!