Midway Reflection
Thursday, August 8th
Midway Reflection: A Message from your Program Manager
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I can’t believe we have already reached the midway point. I hope you have been following our Instagram account: @gsaitaly2024august. With the stories, posts and reels, I have tried to give you all a small window into what it’s like to be on a Global Summers Program.
In just 13 days, we have visited so many places and done so many things. From exploring the Sorrento coastline, visiting Pompeii, Sorrento itself, the Islands of Capri and Sardinia, to the Eternal city of Rome. We have jumped on planes, trains, buses and ferries. We have also learned how to use the metro, for many students, for the very first time.
I am amazed at how well this group of students has immersed themselves in the Italian culture. Not only are they keeping up with their schoolwork, but they are making time to explore the architecture, history, art and food that Italy has to offer.
We, as staff, have tried to expose them to as many of these incredible places as possible each and every day. Whether in-class, by taking them to so many breathtaking historical sites and gardens, or outside of class by taking them to the “must see” locations in each region. Not to mention, making sure they learn how to identify real gelato and where to find the best gelato and tiramisu. Italy has made all these incredible sites very accessible to teenagers. We have managed to get them into most locations for free, and occasionally for 1 to 2 euros. Incredible, considering most of these sites now cost 25 euros or more for adults.
What is amazing is that we have managed to do all this on foot. After all, the best way to explore Italy and Europe in general is by walking around. We have averaged close to 20,000 steps a day. Despite all this, this amazing group of students has spent very little time at the hotel. Even with all the walking around, they are still taking the opportunities to go out each night and explore some more on their own. From back-to-school clothes shopping, to finding that perfect gift for family and friends back home, to chasing sunsets and new gelato places, they have been doing it all.
I am very excited to share the second half of our program with them. We still have many places to explore, many sunrises and sunsets to chase, more gelato to taste and most importantly many more lifetime memories to make.
Please stay tuned for many more stories and reels to come your way.
On behalf of all the staff on our program, thank you for giving your child this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We will make sure they remember this for a very long time.
Ciao for now,
Bertan
Program Manager
Italy August
