Weekly Engagement Activity

Italian Culture Class
Participating in the weekly Italian Culture Class at American University in Rome gave me the opportunity to learn hands on about Italian culture. The class was lead by a resident student who has been living in Rome for a few years and has a very good idea of how the culture works. We took weekly excursions to different markets, areas, or parks in the city that I had not previously seen. This was extremely beneficial in the beginning of the semester because it helped me get acquainted with the city. It was also extremely helpful because I was able to build relationships with resident students who made my experience more enriching. Since these people were actual students instead of adviser's or professors they were able to give me a different outlook on the city and aspects of Italian life.
Along with the Italian Culture Class I also worked in an international school which was truly a rewarding experience. Once a week I traveled to Marymount International School where I observed in an eighth grade classroom. Some students came from Italy but many came from other places throughout the world. It was interesting to see the way they interacted and wanted to learn about American literature but also each others cultures. Many of them had been residents in Italy for three or four years and were able to give me good insight about teenage life in Italy. Many of their interests were similar; to those of American teenagers but they also were able to explain to me many aspects of the culture that I had not previously considered.