Benedetta Longobardi

Junior

From Naples, Italy

1. Do you have any past experience in America?
I’ve always spent lots of time in America with my parents or on study trips. My journeys here usually last two weeks, this is the first time for me being in the USA for ten months.

2. How does what you’ve heard about America compare to how it actually is?
The only thing that people all over the world can say about America is “fast food”. I’ve found a wonderful country full of friendly people who are always ready to help you whenever you need! America is such a beautiful place where culture and history can surround you all the time!

3. What are the major differences between Italy and America?
The major differences are in school and quotidianity (life of every day) because the systems are totally different. We don’t have advisory, we don’t have lunch at school, teachers are more formal – we can’t email them, we can’t wear shorts or skirts…etc.

4. What other countries have you visited?
I have been to France, Egypt, United Arabian State, England, Hawaii, Bahamas, Austria, Maldives, and Mauritius

5. What are your favorite parts of America?
I love the school and all the scenery of the nature I can see!

6. What have you done so far?
I’ve visited New York, Providence, Jamestown, and met lots of new friends!

7. What would you like to do while you are here?
I would like to improve my English language knowledge, visit Washington and Boston, get high grades at school and so many other things!

8. How long are you staying?
I’ll stay here for ten months.

9. Who are you staying with?
I’m hosted by the Ferrara family.

10. What do you miss most about Italy?
I just miss my family.

11. How easy has it been to adapt/what’s the most challenging to adapt to?
It has been difficult to adapt to the time because in Italy we are six hours later.

12. What do we have in America that you don’t have in Italy?
Open minds.

13. What does Italy have that America  doesn’t?
Food like bresaola or fette biscottate

14. What are your hobbies?
I like sports, I like to read, listen to music, and hang out with friends.

15. What is one thing you would want your family/friends in Italy to see about America?
All the natural views that I can see every morning! They are amazing!

16. Why did you decide to come?
I wanted to live this experience because I wanted to grow up, become independent, and discover a new world.

17. Was it a hard decision?
A bit…there are lots of things that you have to change to choose to do this kind of experience.

18. What is the program called?
AFS exchange student

19.Why did you choose Rhode Island/NK?
I didn’t choose the city, I just chose United States of America as a destination and AFS decided the city for me.

20. Is there anything else you would like to add about your family / NK / school / friends / anything?
I love this city and all you guys! Thank you so much for welcoming me!