The video explains everything that I would put into words here.
Crazy rain storm!
AF
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
It's Raining - It's Pouring
Ciao a tutti,
The video explains everything that I would put into words here.
Crazy rain storm!
AF
The video explains everything that I would put into words here.
Crazy rain storm!
AF
Friday, October 26, 2012
Let's Go On A Strike!
Ciao a tutti!
Today was a very interesting day at school.
1) I showed up to school on time for the first time since coming to Italy. (If you're wondering why this is the first time, it's because we drop off my host sister before going to my school.)
2) When I got to school, there were a lot of people just standing around; they weren't making an attempt to enter the school. I was suspicious that something might be happening.
3) I usually switch classes on Friday (a very strange thing to do in the Italian school system) so I can sit through a chemistry lesson, but not a single student was in the classroom. I'm like, "What?"
4) As I'm walking back to find my host mother, I'm noticing that about 85 percent of the classrooms are empty.
5) A lot of people (or at least the one who were actually at school) were dressed in white.
6) I was making some conclusions.
7) A lot of sticky notes (picture below) were posted all throughout the school with sayings like "+fondi -tasse" ("+funds -tax"), "scuola libera" ("school liberty"), "formazione democratica" ("democratic formation"), etc.
8) I found my host mother.
9) Yes, after 15 minutes of wondering what was going on and why there were so many people camped outside the school gates, she confirmed my assumptions that there was in fact a school strike in session.
10) I camped out in the teacher's lounge with the other Rotary inbound to Siracusa, Mats Hanson.
11) The police showed up.
12) Some students entered the school, the majority just got on their scooters and rode away.
13) School was canceled for the rest of the day.
So this whole ordeal was certainly a change from Madison, South Dakota. All of this is part of the experience, right?
I got on Facebook and I had friends all over Italy telling me their school was also on a strike.
I'm being told the strike was for reasons like not enough funding for the schools, too many hours in the school, and some people want an entire school reformation.
What a day.
Have an excellent weekend everyone!
AF
Today was a very interesting day at school.
1) I showed up to school on time for the first time since coming to Italy. (If you're wondering why this is the first time, it's because we drop off my host sister before going to my school.)
2) When I got to school, there were a lot of people just standing around; they weren't making an attempt to enter the school. I was suspicious that something might be happening.
3) I usually switch classes on Friday (a very strange thing to do in the Italian school system) so I can sit through a chemistry lesson, but not a single student was in the classroom. I'm like, "What?"
4) As I'm walking back to find my host mother, I'm noticing that about 85 percent of the classrooms are empty.
5) A lot of people (or at least the one who were actually at school) were dressed in white.
6) I was making some conclusions.
7) A lot of sticky notes (picture below) were posted all throughout the school with sayings like "+fondi -tasse" ("+funds -tax"), "scuola libera" ("school liberty"), "formazione democratica" ("democratic formation"), etc.
8) I found my host mother.
9) Yes, after 15 minutes of wondering what was going on and why there were so many people camped outside the school gates, she confirmed my assumptions that there was in fact a school strike in session.
10) I camped out in the teacher's lounge with the other Rotary inbound to Siracusa, Mats Hanson.
11) The police showed up.
12) Some students entered the school, the majority just got on their scooters and rode away.
13) School was canceled for the rest of the day.
So this whole ordeal was certainly a change from Madison, South Dakota. All of this is part of the experience, right?
I got on Facebook and I had friends all over Italy telling me their school was also on a strike.
I'm being told the strike was for reasons like not enough funding for the schools, too many hours in the school, and some people want an entire school reformation.
What a day.
Have an excellent weekend everyone!
AF
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
The School System: USA vs Italy
Ciao a tutti,
I have been at school for a little less than two weeks, so here is my comparison between the Italian school system and the schools in America.
School Hours
America
In Gli Stati Uniti (The United States) we go to school from 8:00 - 3:00, Monday - Friday. We have a 45 minute break at about 11:30 to have lunch, socialize, etc. It is possible to eat lunch at school because we have a cafeteria that serves food.
Italy
In Italia (Italy) we go to school from 8:00 - 1:00, Monday - Saturday. There is a 30 minute break at 11:00 to do, well, whatever you want. I meet up with Mats Hanson (the other boy in Siracusa originally from Minnesota) everyday and speak in the one fluent English conversation I get the entire day. Everyone else, seriously, EVERYONE goes out to the parking lot to smoke. A lot of people here roll their own cigarettes (I've been told it saves money?) and so when I see it, I think they are smoking pot. But what do I know? It's definitely a change!
Getting out at 1:00 (and sometimes earlier) is nice, but I much prefer having two days on the weekends to do what you want, rather than one. America.
---
Classroom Setting
America
In America the classroom is pretty strict (compared to Italy anyway) where you get stunned if and when you speak over the teacher to your classmates, cell phone, or your imaginary friend. The teacher does the TEACHING (crazy, right?) and explains things from the book, Internet, or other interactive activities. Also in America, students switch classrooms at the end of each class period, allowing more interaction between multiple people. The teachers have their own room, desk, tables, chairs, etc. Students are equipped with their own personal computers provided generously by the school.
Italy
In Italy, the classroom setting is SO laid back (probably compared to any other country). The students talk to each other while the teacher is giving his/her lecture, they text, fan themselves (it's hot in the classroom), write on the desks, punch each other, and sleep. What really surprises me more than anything is the way the teachers, well, teach. The teacher, no lie, sits and lets a student write on the blackboard. The students could be rebellious and refuse to be the teacher, but something makes me think that wouldn't go over so well. Students stay in one class the entire day. The teachers move from class to class. Students don't have anything besides their notebook and pencil (along with their phone and fan) because the school doesn't provide a computer. There is one computer lab with (more or less) 15 computers.
While I'm sure there are statistics that show testing scores are better when ___(insert whatever information about a classroom setting you'd like)___, I like the idea of multiple interactions between students because while you need to improve your math and literature skills, you need to develop social skills too. I also think it is important for a teacher to have his/her own room to be organized and a place to store assignments. America.
---
The School
America
In Madison, the school is in good shape (even when it is under renovation), bathrooms are clean, the cafeteria is nice, the gym is in a good state, and there is air conditioning.
Italy
I'm no architect, but the school in Italy seems to be in decent shape structurally speaking, but the bathrooms, walls, classrooms are dirty and not cared for. The gymnasium is pretty run-down too. Lastly, no air conditioning. I remind you all once again that I am in Sicily where it is 80 90 degrees (yes, even in October) everyday. It is extremely hot in the classroom (hence the reason everyone brings fans, as mentioned before).
No description necessary besides two words: AIR CONDITIONING. America.
---
Substitute Teachers (or not)
America
In America, when a teacher is not present for that day at school, there is ALWAYS a substitute teacher. Whether a lesson is taught or not is up to the discretion of the teacher.
Italy
In Italy, when a teacher is not present for the school day, students are free to leave. Like today, for example: I have English the last two hours of the school day but since the teacher is in England (like my trip to Paris) I am free to leave (which I take full advantage of).
Who would complain about a three hour school day? Italy.
---
Extracurricular Activities
America
In the States, the number of extracurricular activities is great. Anything from band, sports, oral interpretation, debate, etc. is offered. It's a good way to meet friends and to socialize.
Italy
There are no school sponsored extracurricular activities.
This one is pretty obvious too. I think the chances to interact with people while doing something you enjoy is one of the main things the Italian school system lacks. America.
---
That is my comparison for today. I'll let you form your own opinions on which you think is a better system; I think mine was fairly clear.
If you have any questions about either system for another comparison subtopic I'd be happy to answer. Just leave it in the comments.
Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone!
Until next time, Ciao!
AF
I have been at school for a little less than two weeks, so here is my comparison between the Italian school system and the schools in America.
School Hours
America
In Gli Stati Uniti (The United States) we go to school from 8:00 - 3:00, Monday - Friday. We have a 45 minute break at about 11:30 to have lunch, socialize, etc. It is possible to eat lunch at school because we have a cafeteria that serves food.
Italy
In Italia (Italy) we go to school from 8:00 - 1:00, Monday - Saturday. There is a 30 minute break at 11:00 to do, well, whatever you want. I meet up with Mats Hanson (the other boy in Siracusa originally from Minnesota) everyday and speak in the one fluent English conversation I get the entire day. Everyone else, seriously, EVERYONE goes out to the parking lot to smoke. A lot of people here roll their own cigarettes (I've been told it saves money?) and so when I see it, I think they are smoking pot. But what do I know? It's definitely a change!
Getting out at 1:00 (and sometimes earlier) is nice, but I much prefer having two days on the weekends to do what you want, rather than one. America.
---
Classroom Setting
America
In America the classroom is pretty strict (compared to Italy anyway) where you get stunned if and when you speak over the teacher to your classmates, cell phone, or your imaginary friend. The teacher does the TEACHING (crazy, right?) and explains things from the book, Internet, or other interactive activities. Also in America, students switch classrooms at the end of each class period, allowing more interaction between multiple people. The teachers have their own room, desk, tables, chairs, etc. Students are equipped with their own personal computers provided generously by the school.
Italy
In Italy, the classroom setting is SO laid back (probably compared to any other country). The students talk to each other while the teacher is giving his/her lecture, they text, fan themselves (it's hot in the classroom), write on the desks, punch each other, and sleep. What really surprises me more than anything is the way the teachers, well, teach. The teacher, no lie, sits and lets a student write on the blackboard. The students could be rebellious and refuse to be the teacher, but something makes me think that wouldn't go over so well. Students stay in one class the entire day. The teachers move from class to class. Students don't have anything besides their notebook and pencil (along with their phone and fan) because the school doesn't provide a computer. There is one computer lab with (more or less) 15 computers.
While I'm sure there are statistics that show testing scores are better when ___(insert whatever information about a classroom setting you'd like)___, I like the idea of multiple interactions between students because while you need to improve your math and literature skills, you need to develop social skills too. I also think it is important for a teacher to have his/her own room to be organized and a place to store assignments. America.
---
The School
America
In Madison, the school is in good shape (even when it is under renovation), bathrooms are clean, the cafeteria is nice, the gym is in a good state, and there is air conditioning.
Italy
I'm no architect, but the school in Italy seems to be in decent shape structurally speaking, but the bathrooms, walls, classrooms are dirty and not cared for. The gymnasium is pretty run-down too. Lastly, no air conditioning. I remind you all once again that I am in Sicily where it is 80 90 degrees (yes, even in October) everyday. It is extremely hot in the classroom (hence the reason everyone brings fans, as mentioned before).
No description necessary besides two words: AIR CONDITIONING. America.
---
Substitute Teachers (or not)
America
In America, when a teacher is not present for that day at school, there is ALWAYS a substitute teacher. Whether a lesson is taught or not is up to the discretion of the teacher.
Italy
In Italy, when a teacher is not present for the school day, students are free to leave. Like today, for example: I have English the last two hours of the school day but since the teacher is in England (like my trip to Paris) I am free to leave (which I take full advantage of).
Who would complain about a three hour school day? Italy.
---
Extracurricular Activities
America
In the States, the number of extracurricular activities is great. Anything from band, sports, oral interpretation, debate, etc. is offered. It's a good way to meet friends and to socialize.
Italy
There are no school sponsored extracurricular activities.
This one is pretty obvious too. I think the chances to interact with people while doing something you enjoy is one of the main things the Italian school system lacks. America.
---
That is my comparison for today. I'll let you form your own opinions on which you think is a better system; I think mine was fairly clear.
If you have any questions about either system for another comparison subtopic I'd be happy to answer. Just leave it in the comments.
Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone!
Until next time, Ciao!
AF
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
The Grass Is Always Greener On The Other Side Of The Fence
Ciao a tutti,
I write this post to my blog followers in a current state of stress. Not stressed because the school work is too vigorous for me to handle, but because I cannot seem to make friends; this is a problem I have never experienced in the past. Italians always seem to stay in their one set of friends. The group of friends is usually 3-8 people per group. A majority of the groups consist of the same gender all throughout the group. I have multiple friends of the female gender thanks to the three-week trip in Paris. If you haven't figured out what I'm getting at, I don't really have a "group" in which I'm a part of. My best friends are Mats (the other exchange student in Siracusa), Rachele, Letizia, and Samantha.
The title of my post "The Grass Is Always Greener On The Other Side Of The Fence" is a saying in which I didn't believe prior to my departure to Italy. I thought this year was going to be paradise from beginning to end. I sure do believe the saying now. I think I came to Europe expecting too much, instead of arriving with a completely open mind. Please don't be concerned that I'm regretting my decision to be an exchange student because never, ever will I regret my decision to study abroad for one year. Being an exchange student teaches you so much about yourself, gives you a new perspective on the world and people, and makes you look at everything in a new set of eyes. This is something a textbook, a teacher, or even a past, present, or future exchange student can't teach you; it is something that you have to be courageous enough to try and discover for yourself.
The struggles that are upon me will only take time. Maybe I need to just hang back and let others approach me, or maybe I need to approach them. I haven't quite figured that out yet. Worry not, my dear blog followers. I am not one to give up and I certainly am not one to give up this early. I will continue to try my best to meet new friends and hopefully feel included.
I miss my friends, family, my cat, my air conditioner, my school, my church, my hometown, my pogo stick, my liberties as an American, my Xbox 360, beating Elliot and Azmon in FIFA (NOT!), the English language, my strong internet connection, my purple blanket that keeps me warm each night, cheeseburgers, my sweat pants, my basketball team, going to Friday night football games, fluffy pillows, watching CNN everynight, Spotify, Netflix, the American school system, Dairy Queen blizzards, a cell phone that actually works, Best Buy, Charleston Chews, the Coldplay concert (still the most fun I've ever had in my life), getting to drive, American radio stations, big screen TV's, road trips, and everything else that I forgot to mention.
I put those in no specific order. I was just typing what came to my mind.
Italy is a great place but I'm just a little homesick so I had to reflect on what I miss.
I miss you America. See you in eight months.
AF
I write this post to my blog followers in a current state of stress. Not stressed because the school work is too vigorous for me to handle, but because I cannot seem to make friends; this is a problem I have never experienced in the past. Italians always seem to stay in their one set of friends. The group of friends is usually 3-8 people per group. A majority of the groups consist of the same gender all throughout the group. I have multiple friends of the female gender thanks to the three-week trip in Paris. If you haven't figured out what I'm getting at, I don't really have a "group" in which I'm a part of. My best friends are Mats (the other exchange student in Siracusa), Rachele, Letizia, and Samantha.
The title of my post "The Grass Is Always Greener On The Other Side Of The Fence" is a saying in which I didn't believe prior to my departure to Italy. I thought this year was going to be paradise from beginning to end. I sure do believe the saying now. I think I came to Europe expecting too much, instead of arriving with a completely open mind. Please don't be concerned that I'm regretting my decision to be an exchange student because never, ever will I regret my decision to study abroad for one year. Being an exchange student teaches you so much about yourself, gives you a new perspective on the world and people, and makes you look at everything in a new set of eyes. This is something a textbook, a teacher, or even a past, present, or future exchange student can't teach you; it is something that you have to be courageous enough to try and discover for yourself.
The struggles that are upon me will only take time. Maybe I need to just hang back and let others approach me, or maybe I need to approach them. I haven't quite figured that out yet. Worry not, my dear blog followers. I am not one to give up and I certainly am not one to give up this early. I will continue to try my best to meet new friends and hopefully feel included.
I miss my friends, family, my cat, my air conditioner, my school, my church, my hometown, my pogo stick, my liberties as an American, my Xbox 360, beating Elliot and Azmon in FIFA (NOT!), the English language, my strong internet connection, my purple blanket that keeps me warm each night, cheeseburgers, my sweat pants, my basketball team, going to Friday night football games, fluffy pillows, watching CNN everynight, Spotify, Netflix, the American school system, Dairy Queen blizzards, a cell phone that actually works, Best Buy, Charleston Chews, the Coldplay concert (still the most fun I've ever had in my life), getting to drive, American radio stations, big screen TV's, road trips, and everything else that I forgot to mention.
I put those in no specific order. I was just typing what came to my mind.
Italy is a great place but I'm just a little homesick so I had to reflect on what I miss.
I miss you America. See you in eight months.
AF
Wednesday Word #4
Once again I missed the Wednesday Word. I am sorry but I been quite busy.
Italian: Scuola
English: School
Why I chose this word: I started my first week of school on Monday. In Italy, students go to "scuola" on Monday - Saturday. My school goes from 8:00 - 1:00. I am having fun, but am having a somewhat tough time making friends. Sitting through class can get boring when I comprehend next to nothing. I'm not going to give up. I'll look back on this one day and be proud of myself for sticking it out.
My challenge to you:
1. Create a blogger account to comment on my posts
2. Comment of this post using the word "scuola" in a sentence.
Have a nice Wednesday everyone.
Ciao.
AF
Italian: Scuola
English: School
Why I chose this word: I started my first week of school on Monday. In Italy, students go to "scuola" on Monday - Saturday. My school goes from 8:00 - 1:00. I am having fun, but am having a somewhat tough time making friends. Sitting through class can get boring when I comprehend next to nothing. I'm not going to give up. I'll look back on this one day and be proud of myself for sticking it out.
My challenge to you:
1. Create a blogger account to comment on my posts
2. Comment of this post using the word "scuola" in a sentence.
Have a nice Wednesday everyone.
Ciao.
AF
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Top 10 Paris
Ciao a tutti,
I will keep this post short because I have to pack for going back to Siracusa. I will my top 10 favorite things I did in my three weeks in Paris.
10. Cruise on the Seine River
9. Latin Square
8. Notre Dame/Sainte-Chapelle
7. Versailles
6. Arc de Triomphe
5. Eiffel Tower
4. Louvre
3. Musèe d'Orsay
2. Montmartre
1. Reuniting with the Toletti family
I am so thankful to be able to travel so early in my exchange year. This was an amazing three weeks spent in the most beautiful city on Earth.
Au Revoir Paris!
AF
I will keep this post short because I have to pack for going back to Siracusa. I will my top 10 favorite things I did in my three weeks in Paris.
10. Cruise on the Seine River
9. Latin Square
8. Notre Dame/Sainte-Chapelle
7. Versailles
6. Arc de Triomphe
5. Eiffel Tower
4. Louvre
3. Musèe d'Orsay
2. Montmartre
1. Reuniting with the Toletti family
I am so thankful to be able to travel so early in my exchange year. This was an amazing three weeks spent in the most beautiful city on Earth.
Au Revoir Paris!
AF
Monday, October 1, 2012
Reunited
Ciao a tutti,
 |
| My French sister, Éléna and me with the ND Cathedral in the background. |
I've been to the top of the Eiffel Tower, stood underneath the Arc de Triomphe, and gazed at the Mona Lisa from 5 feet away, but none of these events compare to what I did yesterday. Éléna, Elsa, Anne, and Fabrice Toletti came to Paris to see me and it was the best day I've had since coming to France, and even Europe.
We started the day at Europe's largest car showing for the 2013 model of cars, and then made out way to a Chinese restaurant where we ate lunch.
 |
| My French sisters, Éléna and Elsa Toletti. |
After eating we walked to the ND Cathedral, the Louvre, and Centre Pompidou. We made our way to the bridge over the Seine River that is most famous for the many locks on the railings. The picture on the bottom of this post is us on the bridge.
Getting to see the many tourist attractions that Paris has to offer is great, but getting to see my French sister and her family once again was much more rewarding than any building, museum, or tower will ever be.
I will end this post saying "thank you" once again to the Toletti family for coming on their Sunday to see me in Paris. It is the highlight of the entire trip.
 |
| My French family. Anne, Fabrice, Éléna, Elsa, and myself. |
Until next time, ciao.
AF
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