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ELC - English Language Center Boston
Student Spotlight – Giulia Genovese! July 13th, 2017

Giulia Genovese hails from a small town in Italy, called Cuneo. She originally came to ELC Boston in January and studied in our IELTS course for six weeks. But after a short time at home (and after a very impressive IELTS showing) Giulia decided to return and join our Cambridge CAE course for another ten weeks and a bigger challenge. When we began this interview, she said, “maybe you should have chosen someone less emotional”. I think Giulia is an example of the best of ELC Boston. She speaks Italian, French, Spanish, and English and she loves traveling, music, and being a crazy person. And we love that she’s crazy! For the past six months Giulia has been a gift to our school. We can’t wait to see what she goes on to accomplish next.

In terms of your experience at ELC in particular and Boston in general, what do you feel most proud of?

Hahahahhaha. The way I improved my English is the short answer. And long answer, I’m proud I survived alone in a big city on the other side of the ocean. I’m proud I didn’t spend too much time alone. I overcame my shyness and spoke to many people and now I have friends all over the world. The work I’ve been doing on myself, personally, and with my linguistic skills also make me feel accomplished. This was primarily an educational experience, but I also feel I’ve improve myself as a person, managed my time abroad pretty well, and had awesome adventures I’ll never forget.

What has been the best activity you participated in and why?

The Potluck. Because we were a lot of people and everyone put in a lot of effort. This activity illustrates what a strong community we have together. It was a really social moment, we had a lot of fun, and WE ATE A LOT!

What teacher at ELC made the most impact on you and why?

I could say what I love about everyone, but it’s too long. Matt spoke to us in a really clear way. Everyone could understand him. He’s serious at times, but also told a lot of jokes and was funny. He wanted us to use, and excel, in American jokes and humor. With Janet I have many personal feelings. I found a friend with her, not only a teacher. She knows everything about grammar, I also love grammar. She was someone I loved having teach me.

What are your hobbies?

Why are you they asking me this? These questions are strange… I like spending time walking around cities. Especially big, interesting cities like Boston. At night is the best, when no one is around and you can really enjoy the scenery without the distraction of people. I spent many nights walking this city, Boston. I like the park and hiking and being outside. But I can’t be strenuous like some people- just being outdoors is nice. I like reading alone. Not when they’re a lot of people around. I enjoy trying different kinds of food and having nice meals. I go to a lot of museums and exhibitions and concerts. Maybe my hobby is also learning languages.

Describe a favorite place in Boston?

Bukowski Tavern. I would go there often to do my homework. It’s next to Hynes Convention Center. There’s a small box that doesn’t look like much, and that’s the pub. My best place on Monday night. Everyone was loving me. People would get distracted by someone doing homework. I think it’s like going to a cafe, except you want a beer while you read and not a coffee. I would do my homework, ask random people random questions, like maybe about grammar structures, and have a beer. My Boston routine was nice. I miss it.

What is your favorite English word or phrase?

Oh no so many. Random is one of my favorite words. Because I consider it a perfect description of me. In Italian we have a word similar, but random in English suits me better, it’s clear and I like the sounds. If you know me, I like a lot of words. I highly recommend collocation. I want to use it all the time and I put it like 5 times in my IELTS writing.

What is your favorite American food/place?

This is a difficult one. The Dumpling Cafe, even though it’s not really American, is amazing. I love it. I miss it so much. Cheap and really delicious! When I was here my first stay in Boston we would go a lot. I ate there before my IELTS exam!

What would your advice be to an incoming ELC student?

Ummm, maybe to be confident, everything will work out. Look forward to this experience changing you and changing the way you face things. Don’t be afraid even if you’re far away from home, you can find a new home in this city.

What does the future look like for you?

Dark and full of terrors. Just kidding, I just need to say something while I’m thinking. I don’t know what’s in the future, it’s such a difficult existential question. Messy. I see a messy future. I’m gonna go to Spain to attend university there for one year. I don’t know, I want to wander around countries where they speak my languages. My many languages. Just wander and likely be messy. Actually messy is another good word that I like. Maybe I should say the future is messy and full of terrors. That seems to fit.

student spotlight giulia genovese