When Senior Jennifer Ruiz, an AP Italian student, decided to participate in the Italian exchange trip along with some of her fellow classmates, she did not know exactly what to expect. Nevertheless, in late November, she embarked on her journey to Cosenza, Calabria. For the next couple of weeks, she would be living with an Italian family and would get to see what real Italian life was like.

“My experience in Italy as an exchange student was very unique because I lived with a family,” Ruiz said. “It was almost as if I was a real Italian living their daily life. I was welcomed into Sabrina’s family as if I was a blood relative.”

Ruiz spent part of her time going to school where her exchange partner, Sabrina, attended. Ruiz explained the differences she found in an Italian school compared to American high school.

“They don’t receive a lot of homework in Italy,” Ruiz said. “However, they do not seem to be missing out on any knowledge that we receive at our school. There also did not seem to be as much stress among the students.”

Outside of school, Ruiz and the other exchange students explored the region and learned about various aspects of the Italian culture. From the seaside to green hills, the Italian region had plenty of scenery to offer.  The locals seemed to appreciate nature through the way they built their communities.

“The abundance of nature was a culture shock,” Ruiz said. “We don’t have a lot of beautiful, diverse landscapes in Houston. People of Cosenza built around the nature, they did not simply cover it in cement. Also, they walked a lot, and I loved it!”

Ruiz experienced exciting discoveries as she was immersed in a culture that she had not yet experienced first-hand. Ruiz especially enjoyed the people, history and cultural values she found there.

“Some of my favorite things in Italy were the history, how much the family was valued, and, of course, the food,” Ruiz said. “The museums and castles that we visited were some of my favorite things because I love history. A part of me was definitely left in Italy.”

During her time as an exchange student, Ruiz was able to experience the Italian language and culture from una prospettiva nuova, or a new perspective.  The trip proved to be valuable in learning about the Italian way of life and making timeless memories.