We’ve had lots of Italian students study at ELC Boston this season. Flaminia is one such awesome Italian person. She’s been in the program for two months now, and we love her graciousness and enthusiasm. Flaminia will leave soon, but we were lucky enough to catch this interview before her last week of courses.
I think I’m just proud to be doing well in my studies. I like it here. I love Boston and think the city is very good for young people. So many activities and events all over. My English was not so good at first, but now I’m able to understand a lot. I’m thankful and proud especially of the progress I’ve made because of my housemates and host mother. They have been so helpful in improving my communication.
All the sports activities with Katherine were my favorite. They’re free, athletic, and so funny. I’ve played in a few softball games that were great. And even my very first week, I participated in the ELC Field Day. We are always the silliest when we play outside.
I’ve really enjoyed my time in Aisha’s American Culture class. She’s such a good teacher. She’s funny and warm and human so my time in her class is always good. Also, studying culture is important. I understand the people here better because of all I’ve learned and studied about different cultures.
My music. I list to my music every time. A lot of times when I need to think better I listen to music. Some of the American artists I like are Rihanna and Drake. I don’t always know the lyrics, but it’s good practice for my translating.
Dance! I love every kind of dance. Some like hip-hop and reggaeton are so nice to dance with. When I’m with my friends at home, we dance a lot. I also enjoy cooking. And for the potluck lunch here, some of the other students and I made lasagna and a delicious tiramisu.
I like the casual, “What’s going on?” For me this phrase is good always. It means you care if you ask this question. And usually that you’re friends.
My favorite foods that I’ve had here were cheeseburgers and lobster. The American cheeseburger is amazing- with the cheddar cheese and toasted bun, yum. We have burgers in Italy, but not like the ones here. And I love the lobster I had at Legal Seafood. My favorite restaurant in Boston isn’t actually American food. It’s a Japanese place called Wagamama. Their ramen is seriously tasty and it was my first time trying this sort of dish.
My advice is to just speak with everyone everyday. This is the most important advice I can give and this is the way to really improve your English. Also, don’t be shy- absolutely don’t. There are many nice people here. And remember not to speak your native language. That’s the rule of the school, and it’s a good one. I suggest you take part in the activities. You should meet people, sit with them at lunch, and explore the city with them. Make friends. I think this is a good school. Very beautiful, with very beautiful people and the best place to study English!
I absolutely want to come back. I am already making plans to return to ELC Boston next summer. And I told my sister to study here as well. When I return to Italy, I’ll be in my second year of university. I need to work really hard because my career is tough. Hopefully, if my plans succeed, I’ll work in the fashion industry here in New York, or maybe Paris.
