A handful of students in Honors Italian and French took trips in March to Italy and France to learn about the respective countries’ landmarks, language, and way of life.
“My trip overall was really fun and everything was so well organized with my experience flying to Italy and staying there,” said Yarient Sotelo, a student on the Italy trip.
Both groups reached their destinations on March 13 and stayed in a town with host families. While in their respective countries, the students would visit famous landmarks and memorable architecture.
The students in France saw such things as the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, and Arc de Triomphe. In Italy, students saw famous places such as the Trevi Fountain and visited Roman statutes.
“Most likely my favorite part of the trip was visiting the Eiffel Tower and the friends I had made while there,” said Lauren Pringle, a student on the French trip.
While both trips were different culturally, both destinations offered foreign sights, sounds, and tastes. Each student got to see what a day in the life of a typical citizen could be like and also got to experience a more tourist-centered experience.
“In Italy I felt like most of the time we were touring cities and getting to experience Italy through that view,” said Soltelo.
The tourist locations weren’t the only stops. Both countries offered their own beauty and identity through nature and buildings.
“There were tons of pretty churches in France and I thought they all offered something so special for each area we visited,” said Pringle. “I also loved visiting the Roman ruins while there.”
While both separate groups visited their countries, they were able to help develop their language skills and use them effectively.
“I do think the trip helped with my French. When we landed in Amsterdam for our layover, my first instinct was to speak French,” said Pringle.
By the end of the trips, both students reported feeling tired and grateful to be back home.
“Even though my trip to Italy was so much fun, I was really happy to be back home and to be with my friends and family again,” said Soltelo.
