Stella našla svoj druhý domov u rodiny Macurovej v Seredi. Vo svojom zhodnotí píše, čo získala vďaka svojmu AFS programu na Slovensku (článok je v originálnom znení).
When I discovered I would have gone to Slovakia, I jumped a lot for happiness: I had done it and, in a while, I would have left Italy to live an incredible adventure. But… where??? I didn’t know a lot about Slovakia: a few information here and there: almost nothing. But I was excited anyway. The unknown was terrifying and exciting at the same time. And from then, THAT type of emotions started: very strong, with heart beating and with big and shiny eyes, which you do not know how to call because they are a mix of completely different sensations.
In five months, I did a lot of things: I lived in another house, with different people who became a family with the time, I studied in another school, built friendships, learnt traditions of a different culture, a new language, traveled alone in a foreign country, saw historical and natural places which tells the story of this country, which became from unknown to known.
I discovered that Slovak language is difficult, but nice, and now I can say I understand it a little bit! My host family has been great with me, they accepted me like a third daughter/ a sister, and I hope I will stay in touch with them forever. The same has happened with my friends, with whom I had a lot of fun, exchanging information about the own culture: we sang Italian songs, they taught me funny Slovak idioms or words, we dreamed together about the future and about some travels we will make together! I’ve also learnt that Slovakia is the country of castles and caves, and the food is very good, especially Bryndzové Halušky!!!
In these five months I’ve changed, not completely, but under many important aspects. I’ve become richer: if before I was open to new experiences and opportunities, now I have the material proof of it and I try to seize all the occasions that are in front of me. I think now I am more open with people too. This experience has given me independence and the awareness of how I am. I think it has made me more curious and interested about the world around me and it has given the start for a series of unforgettable adventures for building memories, relationships and cultural exchanges which will be alive forever.
In the end, I’d like to say that a very important thing is that an experience with AFS is special how it is, and it is incredible anywhere you go (you will know it better after the experience!!!:)) The key word is diversity, the diversity which makes everything more beautiful. For the future exchange students: don’t be afraid to try, to fall, to get up, to learn, to be curious, to DISCOVER, to meet the diversity.