Pre-Departure

Hey Everyone! On the 26th of June, 2009 (or a week from yesterday), I am leaving with AFS abroad to go to Italy, and I couldn't be more excited. This is going to be quite different from anything I've experienced thus far and I'm also a little apprehensive because I've never travelled solo before. And that's just one more reason why this experience will be fantastic! I'm really looking forward to this chance at living a different life and being a part of the Italian culture this summer. Earlier, I was granted $2000 from AFS' with the Global Leaders scholarship and this is really what has made this trip possible for me, and my gratitude could fill a country.

So as it turns out, I'm really not very familiar with Italian right now, but my mom has gotten me some Italian tapes which I've just loaded onto my Ipod to prepare with. Only now do I finally have the time to listen to them (because there's been seemingly endless loads of schoolwork, tests, and college stuff to get out of the way) but I'll be sure to study up this week and next! My 4 years of Spanish at school should help a bit as I hear Italian is similar in some ways to Español, but I know I can't count on it get me by. Also, I have a Culture-Shock Italy book (I hear these are really helpful) to learn some of the biggest differences between our culture and Italy's so I can avoid miscommunication with my host family and do my best not to trip over any cultural faux-pas (though I know I probably won't be able to avoid them entirely!). Lastly, of course, I've got a handy little English to Italian pocket dictionary, which my parents say I'll get a lot of use out of in the coming weeks.

Speaking of host families, I just got mine a couple weeks ago. I have a host mother who seems very welcoming, an older host sister (who I've had been chatting with through email this past week and who is very affable and entertaining) and an older host brother (who plays guitar like me!). My host mom and sister speak English quite well, though I do hope they speak Italian with me so I can learn it. I can't wait to meet them. Back when my mom and dad went abroad - before the days of email - the first time they talked to their host family was the day they met them in their respective host countries. Technology is so great; I've gotten to know my family a little before I leave and now I won't feel like a total stranger.

Looking toward friday!