Study Tour - Italy

The School was thrilled this year to re-introduce International Study Tours as part of our rich offerings to students.

Excitement and enthusiasm accompanied the group of 29 students and 4 staff throughout the 18-day itinerary across Il Bel Paese. Our students quickly understood that the dream of visiting Italy that had been nourished in their Italian classes by learning the language, culture, and history was to present them with many opportunities to enhance personal growth, step out of their comfort zone, and learn about themselves, other people, and places.

Experiences such as a private visit to the Prato Campus of Monash University and attending a special presentation at the Scuola di Italiano per Stranieri di Firenze Società Dante Alighieri provided students with insights into future study possibilities in Italy.

A two-day immersion program at Scuola Dame Inglesi, Vicenza, a school in the tradition of Mary Ward, where our students facilitated language and cultural activities, gave rise to confident interactions using Italian language skills.

The two full days spent with our generous literary guide, author, and friend Letizia, traversing the Cinque Terre will remain forever in our hearts. At the Franciscan Monastery in Monterosso al Mare, Padre Renato spoke to students about following their own true ‘Camino’. This was an unforgettable spiritual experience.

A chance encounter with the head of the Spanish Church in Rome at Santa Maria in Monserrato degli Spagnoli, who was moved by the reverence of our students while they paused to reflect during their Mary Ward pilgrimage, presented a unique invitation to view priceless works of art.

There were so many memorable events, such as attending the Papal Mass in Piazza San Pietro on Easter Sunday, participating in a fresco art class using gold leaf in Florence, preparing a three-course meal at a cooking school in Verona, and having our own private dining room at Laguna Libre Eco Ristorante and Jazz World Music Club in Venice.

Travel affirms the importance of a continual pattern of learning and awareness throughout one’s lifetime. Some say the true meaning of travel is getting to know your companions, creating irreplaceable memories, while others maintain that travel allows you to find your strengths and define your values. For the staff on tour, one of the most rewarding aspects was witnessing the development of confidence in our students. By effectively using their language skills each student proved they can successfully navigate a foreign country and they are more capable than they believe.

‘Chi ha imparato andare oltre, puo arrivare ovunque.’ ‘Whoever has learned to go beyond, is able to reach any destination.’

Attributed to Paulo Coelho