This photo, taken during last year’s Italian Exchange in January, captures the Italian students meeting Elk Grove’s mayor, Craig Johnson. As of Nov. 24, Elk Grove Village will be celebrating its 5th exchange year with its sister school in Termini Imerese.
Bentornato!
On Nov. 24, 10 students from Termini Imerese, Italy, will be hosted by Elk Grove students for the fifth annual Italian Exchange. The exchange program was offered to both Italian and government classes, and students were more than happy to take advantage of the opportunity.
“They’ve already been paired up and everything,” Italian teacher Anna Izzo said. “They’ll first come here for 10 days and then our students will go over there for spring break.”
This is an exciting experience for students participating, as well as Elk Grove High School in its entirety. The goal of this program is to introduce both Italian and American students to new cultures and lifestyles.
“For them to come and spend time with the American families is something that they would never get at home,” Izzo said.
Both Italian and American students are looking forward to spending Thanksgiving together.
“I’m most excited to experience the difference between the average American family life and that of an average Italian family,” senior Cody Phillips said
The exchange program is through the Village of Elk Grove, and many activities are planned for their stay, including bowling trips, dinners and trips downtown.
“There is a welcome dinner, they do bowling one night and then they go talk to the mayor and there will be a farewell event at school. They try to do things like that,” Izzo said.
Luckily for the students who are not able to host an Italian student, many of the activities, like bowling, are open to students.
Once students were paired up with their Italian counterparts, they did not hesitate to get in contact with each other.
“They’ve been finding each other on Facebook and really already forming that bond and I think they’re pretty excited,” Izzo said.
Elk Grove students and faculty are not the only ones who are excited for Nov. 24. Termini Imerese students are eagerly awaiting their trip overseas.
“I feel happy, but it also feels so weird,” Italian student and senior Alessandro Di Lisi said. “In one month I’ll be on the other side of the world. I am excited. I cannot wait for it.”
Although their stay is only 10 days long, EG and Termini Imerese students will be able to see each other over spring break when the EG students trek overseas to Elk Grove’s sister city.
“I’m really glad I’m going to be there in a time of year where there are a lot of opportunities to experience Italy, especially Palermo,” Phillips said.
While in Italy, Elk Grove students will be able to trade roles with the Italians and be the exchange student. During their stay, they will be able to experience Italy just like the Italians will have experienced the United States.
“The two towns really have this close relationship, so that’s kind of why it works so well.” Izzo said.
By Esmeralda Silva
