Okay, I'll be honest - I've delayed this next entry, simply because I haven't had much inspiration to discuss any topic which would be relevant to our Italy experience. Today, I scanned the "news" (I use quotes as I don't personally consider CNN.com as the most valid news source). . . Volcanic activity in Iceland . . . Tax day . . . AI dumps two performers (really? this is worthy enough to be even on CNN.com?) . . . and then it appeared - a big group of principals are being fired in Kansas City, MO. All 150 of them. They are being required to re-apply for their jobs (and the school district is cutting 1/6 of them).
Which makes me think of the educational system in Italy. Much like it is for us, their system is free and compulsory, from 5 - 16 years of age. This policy has been around since the mid 1800's - WAY before the American educational system was developed. From 1920's to 1962, they did try to install a Fascist system (legge Gentile), where at 14, students chose whether to go to trade or educational tracks. We'll talk about various ways in which the Facist ideals are seen throughout Italy (in architecture, in daily life, etc.), but this one didn't stick. They returned to the original plan after 1962, and have continued it until then.
We will be attending a University-level program. In Italy, the laurea program was a 5-year program, similar to a combined Bachelor-Masters degree. Starting in 1999, studies were separated between Bachelor's program (3 years - 25 contact hours equaled one credit)and a graduate program (2 years). This makes it easy for students to transfer to another school after 3 years of study.
Our school where we will attend is the Societa Dante Alighieri, where you'll be taking classes in the mornings, during the weekdays. Classes aren't necessarily topic-focused (as it is in your daily school) - to more effectively learn the language, you participate in speaking, reading, cultural studies, and even art studies. The school even includes a FANTASTIC culinary school. DA is internationally-recognized, and has a history of infamous students, from cultural attaches to diplomats to Miss Universe 2004!
DA seeks to give you the best experience possible. They limit class enrollment (you might even all be in one small class together), and the teachers are AWESOME. Ask past Italy group members on Facebook - they all have fond memories of their teachers (Enzo, Leticia, etc.).
DA also handles our homestay placement, and they always seek to put us into their best homestays! We will find out our homestay placements a week before our departure date, so don't worry too much about these right now - just know that I'm familiar with most of their regular families, and they are outstanding. (Will talk about homestay gifts as we get closer to our departure date)
Please, give me inspiration - ask me questions! Send me notes!
un' abbracio,
Laura :)
http://www.dantealighieri.com/
