PADUA, ITALY — This fall, 17 students and three teachers from Shore Regional had the opportunity of a lifetime to travel to the beautiful country of Italy. The Shore Regional High School International Program, led by Mrs. Alice Simonson, partnered with Liceo Statale Alvise Cornaro (Alvise Cornaro Scientific High School) in Padua, Italy, for the exchange. Italian students first visited Shore Regional for 10 days last spring, which allowed them to be immersed in the culture and daily life of American students. The spring visit was only the beginning for many students as the majority would be traveling on the reciprocal exchange to Italy in October. Parents and students attended pre-trip information sessions led by Dr. Gina Miele, Ph.D., where they learned about where they would be traveling and were able to improve their Italian language skills. Students first arrived in the eternal city of Rome on Oct. 6, where they spent 2 days exploring as much of the city as they could. They made stops at some of Rome’s most famous landmarks, including the Colosseum, Vittoriano, Sistine Chapel, and the Trevi Fountain.

 On Oct. 8, they departed Rome and ventured north to meet their Italian friends, but not before stopping in Florence. The students were taken on a walking tour of the city and were able to have some time to shop. The cohort also was able to reunite with 2022-23 exchange student, Leonardo Sgarzi, for lunch.

When the students arrived in Padua late that night, they were met with cheers, confetti, and many long hugs. Students were immediately whisked away into the daily lives of the Italian students. Four full days were spent with their Italian “siblings” as they went to school, played sports, and cooked family meals. After each school day, the group of Italian and American students were brought to see the beauty of Padua in places like Prato Della Valle, Padova Botanical Gardens, and the Palazzo della Ragione. 

On Tuesday, Oct. 10, the students took a day trip to Verona, home of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. They were also able to visit the beautiful city of Venice and explore its many sights, finishing their night with a classic Venetian Gondola ride. 

On Saturday, Octo. 14, the students were allowed to spend a full day with their host families. Some went to geothermal spas, birthday parties, Lake Garda, and got to meet their host grandparents. Each student experienced a different day as they got to see how the families spent their weekends. Unfortunately, though, all good things had to come to an end, and on Oct. 15, the group had to part ways. There was not a dry eye in the group of students and teachers alike as the Shorestudents boarded the airport bus. Many knew this would only be the beginning of many ventures to Italy, and many of the Italian students were itching to come back to America. The exchange was an overwhelming success, changing the lives of everyone involved forever. When asked to provide her thoughts on the trip, exchange program chaperone and teacher of Italian Ellen Minze said, “This trip was a dream years

in the making! Watching our students make genuine connections with the Italian language and culture they have studied in the classroom was incredible and the amazing, lifelong friendships and memories made will be cherished by all of us. Our shared adventure has made a lasting impression that I am thrilled to say has left each and every one of us forever changed!” The group has since presented on their travels to the student body and Board of Education, who were pleased to know the students learned so much. The International Program will hopefu

lly establish a relationship with a school in Spain, and will continue to strive to create cultural bonds that will last a lifetime.