The visit of Italian students to Marist High School provided enriching experiences and insights gained by both the visitors and their American counterparts. A handful of students from Rome came to Marist from September 20 through September 29.

As these young scholars engaged in academic activities, cultural exchanges, and shared experiences, they not only enhanced their language skills but also forged lasting friendships that transcend geographical boundaries.

A foreign exchange student is a student who goes abroad to a different country to live and study as part of an exchange program. Exchange is an opportunity – a chance to experience lifestyle, country, language, friends, and a new environment while learning about another culture.

Allowing a student from another culture into a daily routine cultivates a deep appreciation for the fact that despite living thousands of miles apart, speaking different languages, and having different entertainment, people are–at their core –very much alike and capable of building genuine, meaningful relationships with one another. 

Valerio Micarelli came here and was being taught, nurtured, and shown around by Marist student Kristina Ivanova, who planned both informal and fun activities for the two of them to experience together. 

Mirarelli soon learned that Marist was a rich environment with a lot to offer. 

“The experience was great. I loved the IDEA business class the most. All the teachers were very inclusive and kind,” says Mirarelli. 

However, the Italian students were not as impressed with American food.

“The people here in America do different things when regarding food, how they treat foreigners, and more. Americans are very nice but unfortunately, the food is just not the best,” says Mirarelli.

Mirarelli found exploring new places can enhance personal growth. He thanked Ivanova’s parents for hosting him before he left to go back to Rome. He even admitted he would love to come and visit again.