ETC Reuniting with Prior Students - Newsletter

CIAO NEWS ITALY 2024

Team ETC

At ETC, we stand in awe of the collaboration, warmth, and joy that come from helping students achieve their dreams and explore the world. Our community, comprised of students, local coordinators, field managers, staff, host families, and parents, is a gathering of like-minded individuals who share a passion for learning and fostering global connections. We love our students, and within our homes, they find a welcoming space that truly feels like their own.

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Reunited and It Feels So Good!

I reunited with some of the biggest pieces of my heart. These are just some of the 14 kiddos we’ve hosted that we call forever family. They all came to my son’s wedding this past May and consider each other as brothers and sisters. - Teresa Thompson Harry/France/2022-23 Franzi/Germany/Fall 2011 Filippo/Italy/2014-15

Special Sauce and Place in Our Hearts!

I was the LC for Hortensia and Sabrina's school year. Hortensia was and still is a ball of energy. Sabrina spent several weekends with us over the year and she learned and loved my family’s recipe for meatballs and sauce. - Michaela Ricciardi Hortensia Pisani/2021-22 Sabrina Giattini/2022-23

Game Night! Game On! It was so fun to share the things that were special from his time in the U.S. with his family in Italy – hours playing Catan around the kitchen table, ranch dressing on pizza, and his favorite homemade cookies. There was nothing better than a hug and “Good night, Mom. I’ll see you tomorrow,” from Gabe every night. Not only is Gabe part of our family, but I’m so thankful to be part of an amazing Italian family, too. Gabe Margaritelli/2019-20 - Kristie Halander WWW.EDUTRAV.ORG

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Play Your Cards Right. Dealer Takes All!

Francesca was a student in my second year as an LC. Her host family had an emergency and she stayed with my family for a few weeks while they were out of town. She was the best partner in playing cards that I have ever had!

We had a great day together in Florence and I can’t wait for her to visit the U.S. in the future.

Francesca Vurchio/2018-19 - Kristie Halander

Sisterhood, My Forever Friend!

Cecilia and my 4-year-old daughter had a super close relationship. At least once a week they would create funny videos displaying their fashionable shoe choices.

I could've cried buckets of tears getting to just hug her neck again. She's still very much our daughter, just more mature than the last time we saw her. Cecilia Falivene/2023 - Meegan Brownley

Eternal Ties, Paella, and Chili!

We really enjoyed sharing the U.S. and our families' traditions with her and learning about hers as well. We were able to have her natural parents visit at the end of her stay here. I visited Julia and her family in Spain.

They taught me how to make paella and I taught them how to make chili. We are talking about our next visit hopefully this summer!

Julia Asenjo/2022-23 - Nicole Nittle

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When in Rome!

We met up with our exchange student Angelica Busa and her parents for coffee.

They took us to Chiesa di San Luigi de Francesi, where we saw the Cappella Contarelli by Caravaggio. They wanted the Jessica’s to show their name tags and take photos because we have so many Jessica’s!

Angelica Busa/2019-20 - Jessica Gutierrez

Brave Explorer, Family Forever!

When we hosted Lilli she came to us during the pandemic. We thought she was so brave to travel alone and so far from her family. We had many open discussions about how her family did things. It was a true cultural exchange.

She and her family became an extension of our family. Lilli Enge/2020-21 Marissa Reisner

Quarantine Bonding Adventures!

We hosted Emma during quarantine! Our first student ever and one of the few students who stayed in the U.S. while many were called home. We stayed home and did lots of crafts, movie nights, and backyard sitting! In Italy, she surprised us at the train station, helped us to our hotel, and then showed us around the area. We had an amazing lunch with her parents! She also met us in Rome which was a treat! Emma Born/2020 - Chelsea Green WWW.EDUTRAV.ORG

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Memorable Moments, Long Journeys!

The fact they would travel 2-3 hrs each way just to spend the day with me makes our memories all the more special! Thank you, and until next time. Being a part of the kids' lives and moments like this are what makes my job so amazing! - Chriss Stanley Noemi Angelini/2021 Andrea Chiara Pavan/2021 Anna Scotoni/2021

Venice Dreams, Best Day, Lifelong Memories!

Today was a dream. We got to see our exchange student, Donatella, and meet her parents in person! They also got to meet Caleb which was so special. Seeing Madison hold hands and walk around Venice with Do, while we were chatting with her parents, was one of the best experiences. Donatella Bernard/2020 Erica Flora

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CIAO NEWS ITALY 2024

From all of us at ETC for being a vital part of this extraordinary journey.

Your presence enriches our community in ways beyond measure!

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