L’esperienza di Kaavya Tahlani

Buongiorno, I’m Kaavya Tahlani studying in Lakshmipat Singhania Academy,Kolkata. I took part in the “winter in Italy” a short Term program by AFS India. I Applied to this program thinking 2 months is a very long time to be away from home, to be in a completely different part of the world at just 15 years old. Little did I know these 2 months of my life are going to flow like a torrent. Come live a little part of my experience with me through this paragraph.

ITALY AS A HOST COUNTRY/ L’ITALIA COME PAESE OSPITANTE

Italy has had my heart for the longest time now, from the places, people, food and culture everything is so magnificent. My first glimpse of Pinerolo, my Host city, was so warming. A small city filled with snow and heart warming people, piazza Fontana, San Maurizio, Da Vinci and so much more. I visited Florence, Pisa and saw the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Alassio is a place which has a saying that if you drink their water you are to come back to Italy for sure. I can’t count the number of times I visited Turin. Even though I do not know how to ski, I went to Prali, Pragelato, Sestriere and the best experience was watching my Host sister Iris ace skiing. Lago Maggiore, Forte dei Marmi, Aosta were some other places that I visited and created so many memories, each of these places has a story of its own.
Italians have a culture of drinking wine, having an espresso shot after lunch and dinner and most importantly making you a part of their culture. I fell in love with every part of Italy, its culture, food, places and people.

MY ITALIAN FAMILY/ LA MIA FAMIGLIA ITALIANA

These are hands down the most beautiful, loving, caring and respectful people I have ever met. My second mom Cristina Favero she’s a woman who keeps her word, so strong, beautiful and amazing. From the day I met her she’s made sure my exchange was a memorable one. She shouted at me, let me burn her kitchen down, let me break the Christmas tree, dropped me in the middle of work, made me learn Italian numbers, took care of me, tried to cook Indian food for me and loved me. A huge credit for making my exchange the best one goes to her.
My second dad, Gianluca Nardelotto, an amazing musician, who loves his smurfs (puffi), he is an excellent eater with no tolerance for spice (fun fact he actually had to prepare himself beforehand whenever I picked up the knife). He gave me the motivation to try so many types of food, things etc. I bonded with Nardi over our high school experiences in a restaurant, I can assure you I’ve certainly gotten some new ideas to prank my friends with (Grazie Nardi). He made sure to keep me aware and safe of all types of dangers. We had a fixed routine of going to Franks every Saturday in his vintage sutzu. Thanks to Nardi I didn’t get myself killed by Bilie ( hyena). Love you Nardi . Last but not least my forever sister and partner in crime Iris. She’s the most smart, bold, extrovert and crazy ten year old I’ve ever met after me of course. We’ve done everything together from troubling Cristina for Mc Donald’s every single day to blasting music in the house and singing we don’t talk anymore. From taking the Christmas tree down to making popcorn in a cup, from fighting each other to couch sleepovers. This bond that I’ve made with her is going to stay forever. Iris you’re the best. Love you the most.

MY ITALIAN HIGH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE/ LA MIA ESPERIENZA AL LICEO ITALIANO

11th of January, my first day, not knowing Italian or anybody in Buniva, my high school. I was a little sceptical of how they would perceive me, with the Indian accent and no sense of Italian. But then I met my class, filled with so many different and welcoming faces with a thousand questions. Incredible teachers without whom I would have never survived for real, so cooperative and understanding. I visited different classes from all different age groups (some even had 21 year olds!) for one whole month. Each class that I went to was a new adventure and experience. I was answering their questions about India, our culture , background, currency and even some myths! Even though we had the language barrier I made a bond with every class that I visited. Such amazing students with extremely different personalities! From learning a new word everyday to making an entire list, from playing Italian cards to making reels every single day. I’m connected with most of them through social media, video calls, pictures etc. I hope this bond lasts till the next time I visit Italy and forever! Buniva was an adventure that I’ll never forget, thank you.

I’m so grateful for this entire experience, the people that I met, the relationships that I created, the places that I visited. Italy has a very special place in my heart, which can’t be replaced. This is one of the best experiences you can ever get. A huge thank you to everyone who made this possible for me, my parents, all AFS teachers and volunteers.

• Esplorare e immergersi nella cultura italiana: Con l'opportunità di trascorrere due mesi in Italia, l'obiettivo era conoscere a fondo la cultura, le tradizioni e il modo di vivere del paese ospitante.
• Apprendere e migliorare le competenze linguistiche: Con l'insegnamento delle lingue straniere e l'immersione nel contesto italiano, l'obiettivo era sviluppare una migliore comprensione e competenza nella lingua italiana e altre lingue europee.
• Creare legami con una famiglia ospitante: Vivere con una famiglia italiana permetteva di sperimentare la vita quotidiana e stabilire legami affettivi con la famiglia ospitante.
• Conoscere nuovi luoghi e città: Attraverso le visite a diverse città italiane come Pinerolo, Firenze, Pisa e altre, l'obiettivo era esplorare luoghi storici e culturali importanti nel paese.
• Integrarsi nel sistema scolastico italiano: Frequentare il liceo italiano di Buniva e interagire con studenti italiani offriva l'opportunità di immergersi nell'ambiente scolastico italiano e fare amicizia con compagni di classe.
• Favorire lo sviluppo personale e l'indipendenza: Vivere lontano da casa e in una cultura diversa avrebbe potuto promuovere l'autonomia, la fiducia in sé stessi e la crescita personale di Kaavya.
• Scoprire se stessa attraverso l'esperienza: Partecipando a un programma di scambio culturale, l'obiettivo era anche di scoprire nuove sfaccettature di sé stessa e di aprire la mente a nuove prospettive e idee.