My training experience: the exchange year

By Edoardo Maccari

MY TRAINING EXPERIENCE

- the exchange year -

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LET'S START FROM THE BEGINNING...

The exchange year is an experience where the student, going in another state for a certain amount of time, learns the values of family, self-reliance, self-improvement and open-mindedness.

As for my exchange year, I went to the USA, in Arizona, a pretty big state in the west America. I spent there almost six months of my life, living with an amazing host family, exploring the beauties of the Grand Canyon and being a true "american-boy"!

As a matter of fact, being an exchange student helps you to recover certain values and attitudes you may have forgotten and to discover who you trurly are, always putting you in a situation where you can't deny the challenge!

THE HOST FAMILY

Talking about the place where I lived, where I spent most of the time, where I learned the true american attitude, I true reccomend to put your "cultural suitcase" away because you must be open to new experiences, like the weird food, some new games they play, or even an unknown religion.

The host family became a new home for me, where I can go to have some rest, to share my feelings with, or simply to rely on. As a matter of fact, the host family is the one that shaped me the most and had an impact on my view of the world.

From the moment I stepped off the plane in a foreign land, my host family immerged me in a tapestry of new sights, sounds, and smells; therefore, I can trurly say that one of the most remarkable aspects of my exchange year are the bonds I formed with the member of my new family!

THE SCHOOL

Also, I think one of the unique opportunities the exchange year provided me with was the school: I went to Highland High School, I place where I discovered new facets of myself and I explored my own identity.

In fact, it's there where I shared laughter, late-night conversation (during events like the football matches or orchestra concerts) and cultural exchanges. Thus, the friendships I built in HHS transcend borders and time zones: these connections taught me the value of empathy and tolerance.

THE SWIM TEAM

Finally, a key component of my US school experience was an extracurricular activity: swimming. As a matter of fact, I discover lots of new relationships in an environment I'd like to define as perfection!

THE TRIPS

Another important part of the experience is the beauty of travelling, exploring breathtake places and mesmerizing landscapes.

As for me, I went to the Grand Canyon twice: the first time with my host family and the second one with my friends. What I can say is just that both of the journeys were gorgeous with their own peculiarity, stories and perspectives.

TO SUM IT UP...

I believe I learned a lot in this training experience, from the language to the way I live, from my attitude to my mindset. The people I met in the US showed me that despite our differences, we are all interconnected as human beings, seeking connection, undrestanding and love.

Moreover, the exchange year allowed me to explore my own identity, stepping out of my confort zone and navigating unfamiliar territory: thus, I can clearly say this experience pushed me to face my fears and grow as an individual.