Postcard from Italy

An excited group of 38 students and three enthusiastic faculty facilitators jetted to Italy on May 2 as part of an alternative practicum experience. The group, from Nipissing University’s Brantford campus, will teach English to students from preschool to adult ages in schools in Sulmona, Italy.

In preparation for this international experience, Nipissing students formed a variety of collaborative committees to learn Italian, plan fundraising initiatives, design a trip t-shirt and purchase teaching materials and thank you gifts for host teachers.

After arriving in Venice, the group members began to familiarize themselves with the Italian culture and surroundings. Lively conversations have revolved around their growing awareness of a new cultural context and how these increased understandings will enhance their upcoming teaching experiences.

The students, with faculty advisors Dr. Maria Cantalini-Williams, Dr. Susan Elliott-Johns and Dr. Kim Eyre, will tour the schools in Sulmona and meet associate teachers prior to commencing their teaching placements.??