Italian exchange students explore suburbs, city
After many months of work, Elk Grove Village hosted six students from their sister city, Termini Imerese, Italy, for three weeks over the summer. Many thanks go out to the families and everyone else who so graciously made this cultural exchange a huge success.
The trip was planned in support of the Sister City agreement to participate in exchanges of cultures and ideas between the two cities. The visitors enjoyed a whirlwind tour of the city and surrounding areas. Their adventures included trips downtown to Millennium Park, the Sears Tower, Navy Pier, Buckingham Fountain, the Shedd Aquarium, the Art Institute, the Magnificent Mile, an architectural tour and their first American baseball game. The Cirrincione family treated the students to a night at the ballgame, from hot dogs and popcorn to a 13-inning game at Cellular Field.
The Wolf family hosted a day spent at Great America. They could not believe how enormous the park was and how much it had to offer, the magnitude of rides, from roller coasters to the thrill of very wet water rides, something for everyone.
The students were able to see top cyclists compete in the Alexian Brothers Tour of Elk Grove. The event, now in its second-year, was a lot of fun and a great experience for the students.
Elk Grove Mayor Craig Johnson made a very favorable impression on the young visitors. They couldn't believe how young he was and what a strong personality he had. The girls were especially fascinated with him.
Among the other highlights of the trip was a Schaumburg Flyers Baseball game where the visitors' names were put up on the billboard, a tour of EGV Municipal Building, Pavilion and the fire department, a splashing fun time at Rainbow Falls, bowling and lunch with the wild elephants and monkeys native to Rainforest Cafe.
In addition to the fun activities, the visitors also went to school every day. The students attended English classes for up to two hours Monday through Friday. EGV Sister City member, Rod Pickett, graciously worked with the students on refining their English.
These are some of their thoughts.
Giuseppe: One of the things that impressed me the most is how people coming from different countries, having different religious cultures live together loving their country and respecting each other. Something that really surprised me was the regular and geometric shape of blocks on the buildings, due to a recent creation of the city and the continuous restoration of public buildings, that allows cities to be always in good condition and beautiful for the tourist. I miss the smell of Italy coming from the trees, flowers and wonderful Italian food.
Eliana: I like how American people live and what they think above all, because they have respect for everything around them. I think what I like the most about America is the kindness of the American people. They have respect for everything around them; they respect the environment, other people and the law. What I like the most is the way American people love and think. I miss the Italian food; American food is impossible to eat everyday!
Laura: When I arrived in America I was immediately struck by the cleanliness and order that I found everywhere. I like the flowers in the city. I like the hospitality and kindness of the people. The buildings in the city are very nice, but I don't see a lot of things in the city that could help me understand the history of the city. I think that is the most important difference in Italy and America. In the end I feel very well in this country and this is the first time I haven't wanted to go back. I miss my family and my grandmother. My words are very simple, I cannot express in words, for my English is not that good to be able to express the kindness I felt in America.
The trip to the airport was very emotional and sad for everyone, saying good-bye to our new friends was tough. An e-mail received from one of the students best sums up the experience of these students. "I often think of the wonderful opportunity my American friends provided for me, they really made me feel like I was part of their family. I miss my American family."
The Elk Grove Village Sister Cities group is always looking to welcome new members. For more information, call (847) 364-7000.