Last night, we welcomed back Abby, our Rotary Youth Exchange student, who shared more reflections on her year in Italy. It’s always inspiring to see how Rotary’s Youth Exchange program helps young people grow, connect across cultures, and build lifelong friendships. We are proud to play a part in opening doors to these life-changing opportunities for the next generation.
Wow, has she improved with her public speaking since leaving us!
Abby took us through her 12 months away, highs and lows.
Abby O’Brien
Rotary Youth Exchange 2024
Milan Italy
Host Club: Milan Milanofiori
- 5 host families which included our Italian RYE student in Sammy’s family for 6 months
- Sammy’s 12 yo sister helped Abby learn to read Italian with children’s books
- Attended Tourism High School rather than mainstream school where she did classes in German, French, English (all in Italian) – English being more difficult than you realise
- Still in contact with her families, friends and other RYE students – many life-long friendships made
- During summer break Abby went on a Eurotour with 55 others on a bus, many countries represented
- Had a cold Xmas but no snow
- Reflecting now on the main experiences over the 12 months
- Public speaking has definitely improved, a lot more confidence to go and introduce herself to strangers
- She has a recipe book written by Nonna Sara on traditional southern Italy food – best focaccia!
