A final message from the Program Manager

Dear Parents,
After a very successful and memorable month exploring and experiencing the cultural and historical wonders that Italy has to offer, our program has sadly come to its conclusion.

Final exams were held on Monday morning, and by all accounts, students performed well and were confident they had ended their academic experience on a positive note. A celebratory banquet dinner with a farewell cake was held in the hotel restaurant in the Monti area of Rome. Awards were given out to deserving students and we shared many memories and laughs from along the way.

At 7:30am Tuesday morning, we were on the bus and on route to the airport. However, no one seemed ready to go home just yet. They were having too much fun with all of their new friends. So much so, that reunion gatherings are already being planned! Upon checking in, we made our way to the airport gates where we bid students extending their vacation in Italy a fond farewell as staff and faculty accompanied the group through security.

Over the last 25 days together, students relationships blossomed. They learned to be patient, independent, responsible, and have become expert travellers!  Expect to hear some Italian phrases and accounts of the amazing sights and delicious food!

We are a very close group, so please be prepared for lots of hugs and tears as they say their final good byes to each other upon our arrival in Toronto.
But don’t worry, if the Trevi fountain legend is correct we will all be back very soon!!

Ciao!! Arrivederci!!

And that’s a wrap! GSA ITALY 2023 has come to a close.

Today the students completed their final exams and finished packing for tomorrow’s departure.

Tonight we had our final banquet and Last Supper, students and staff got dressed up for the occasion, they dinner was then followed but the awards ceremony that was voted in by students as well as Academic Excellence awards given by teachers.

Tomorrow we head home, this program allowed students to create great memories, begin to explore their love for travel, and be involved in experimental learning.

An experience they will remember  for a lifetime!

Stay tuned for final updates from airport tomorrow.

Ciao!

The time has come!

Today the students woke up and wrote their final exams, a bitter sweet moment for all of us as this means our program is coming to an end. 

Tonight we have our Final Banquet and Award Ceremony. Photos and videos to come! 

Salve!

The time has come for our last excursion, today some students went to Maccarese Beach for a final day in the water and relaxation before exams. 

The day consisted of tanning, swimming, great food and great company. Some students even took some time to study for their final exams on Monday. 

Overall, this was a great way to end off the list of excursions, so many great memories were created! 

Only 2 more days left in the program then we depart, stayed tuned for more pictures and updates. 

A domani! 

Ciao! 

Yesterday was a busy day for the students, some chose to wake up for our early morning activity at 5:30am to see the sunrise by the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. Those who joined got amazing photos and were able to see the popular sights with less people around. 

After our morning classes the students and staff departed for their last walking tour of the program, this took us to the Roman Forum and Colosseum.

Students were able to see the ruins and learn the history behind what is still standing. Ms. Booth’s photography class even went back in the evening to get some cool night shots of the structures.

Our days are slowly dwindling down but their are still so many fun activities and excursions to be done, tomorrow we head on our final excursion  to Maccarase Beach! 

The students are beginning their exam prep as well, to be ready to write for Monday. 

Don’t forget to check out our program’s page on instagram for live action photos of all our students! 

A domani! 

 

Buongiorno!

Yesterday we completed our second walking tour of the week, which took us to the Vatican City. 

After a morning class, the students were able to see the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and inside of St. Peter’s Basilica. Everyone was in awe of the beauty all around them, whether that be from the statues, the frescoes or the views. 

Only one more waking tour today before we head into the last couple of days of the program, so much more to see and gelato to eat! 

Buona giornata! 

A Message from the Program Manager

Dear Parents, Guardians, Family, and Friends:

I wanted to give an update on the Global Summers Italy Program 2023.

Our students have been immersed in Italian culture for some time now.

They can order gelato and pasta, and ask for the bill in Italian!

They can be polite and courteous – in Italian!

They have a clear stance on Naturale versus Frizzante!

Need to hail an Italian cab? Ask your child.

They will help you find your way to an amazing landmark across many Italian cities.

And, they can do their own laundry! Finalmente!!

We have one week left here in Rome and things are just heating up.

We continue to work hard in our courses, and explore new sights each day.

The heatwave is upon us, but don’t worry we have gelato!

A doppo,

Dave

 

This is what dreams are made of!

Our first walking tour of the week led us to some of the main sites to see in Rome. After class this morning the students grabbed some lunch and we headed off to our first stop, the Trevi Fountain. Everyone was really excited to see the fountain, some of them even threw a coin in and according to Italian locals, if done so that means they will be coming back to Rome! 

We then made our way to the Spanish steps, at this location students were able to do some shopping, grab gelato and sit on the steps. 

Today we also learned how to use the metro which will come in handy for the last few days of the program, the students were able to navigate where to get on and off at the different stations and manage their time accordingly to get back to the hotel for dinner. 

Tomorrow we head to the Vatican for our next walking tour. 

A domani! 

We have made it to Rome!

After leaving Sorrento to our final destination, we made a quick stop in Pompeii.

Students and teachers attended a walking tour that led them through the ruins of Pompeii. They were able to see the aftermath from the volcano, Vesuvius.

Once we finished the tour, we continued on to our final destination of the program, Rome. Many fun filled days are to come as we lead up to exams for our courses and the Final Banquet!

Buonasera!

Buongiorno! 

What a beautiful day for another excursion, today our itinerary took us on a day trip to Capri.

Just a half hour ferry ride from Sorrento, the students were able to experience the vibrant, colourful town that is full of lemons and oranges. The students spent some time in Anacapri, Capri, and Marina Grande, we all enjoyed walking into some shops, an amazing fish and chips lunch, as well as some much needed time for refreshment at the beach. 

A great day for all and many more to come. Next we make way to our final stop on the program… Rome. 

A domani!