Growth, Gratitude, and Gelato: Reflecting on GSA Italy 2025

Dear GSA Italy 2025 Parents and Guardians,

It’s hard to believe that three and a half weeks have already flown by. What felt like the beginning of a big adventure has quickly become a powerful collection of memories—of new friendships, inside jokes, unexpected challenges, and personal milestones your children will carry with them long after they return home.

By now, you’re probably hearing snippets of their experience—stories about wandering through cobblestone streets, ordering food in another language, or navigating public transit with growing confidence. What might sound like casual travel tales are actually markers of something deeper: growth in independence, curiosity, resilience, and self-awareness.

Watching your children step outside their comfort zones, take risks, and discover who they are in a new environment has been an incredible privilege. The transformation that can happen in just a few weeks is nothing short of inspiring.

This experience also wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our staff team, who helped guide students through each day and provided structure, care, and encouragement along the way.

And most of all, thank you—for trusting us with your child’s summer. It takes real courage and openness to support an experience like this, and we’re so grateful for your partnership in making it happen.

Serving as the Program Manager for GSA Italy this year has been an honour. I leave this program full of gratitude and admiration for the students, staff, and families who made it so meaningful.

Wishing you and your child a joyful August and a smooth start to the new school year.

Warmly,
Filomena (Fil) Wyatt
Program Manager, GSA Italy 2025