14 Days. Five Incredible Cities. Thirteen Students. Three Teachers. Countless Unforgettable Memories!
In September, I had the pleasure of accompanying thirteen very excited students from St Albans Secondary College, assisted by Ms Janet McKenzie and Mr Nick D’Aglas, to travel to Italy on the SASC Italy Study Trip. What followed was an unforgettable adventure filled with history, art, culture, food, laughter, friendship – and, of course, plenty of gelato!
From the moment we arrived in Rome, it was clear that this was going to be a very special trip. After a long journey from Melbourne, the students were soon walking through the ancient streets of one of the world’s most extraordinary cities.
Rome – Walking Through History
Our Roman adventure began with the magnificent Colosseum and Roman Forum, where students were transported back almost 2,000 years as they explored the remains of the heart of Ancient Rome. We continued to Palatine Hill before discovering some of Rome’s famous landmarks, including the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. Of course, there was also time to enjoy that essential Italian experience – a delicious gelato in the sunshine!
The following day brought one of the great highlights of the trip: the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica. Standing beneath Michelangelo’s extraordinary ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and walking through the magnificent basilica gave students the opportunity to see the Renaissance and the history they had studied in the classroom come alive before their eyes.
Rome wasn’t just about the famous landmarks, however. We also spent time wandering through its quieter streets, discovering beautiful piazzas, fountains, churches and hidden corners. These were often the moments when students really began to feel what everyday life in Italy was like. Students had the opportunity to eat at a variety of restaurants where they ordered their, meals, asked questions and described their food all in Italian!
Naples and Pompeii – History, Culture and Pizza!
Our day trip to Naples and Pompeii was another memorable adventure. In Naples, students explored the historic centre, enjoyed the lively atmosphere of its piazzas and, most importantly, experienced authentic Neapolitan pizza!
We then travelled to Pompeii, where the past suddenly felt remarkably real. Walking along the ancient streets, past homes, temples and marketplaces, students gained a fascinating insight into everyday Roman life and the catastrophic eruption that buried the city.
Firenze – Renaissance Masterpieces Come Alive
Next stop was Florence, the spectacular home of the Renaissance. Walking through the historic centre, past the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and River Arno, students were surrounded by the very art and architecture they had been learning about in class.
The San Lorenzo Market was particularly exciting. Students had the chance again to practise their Italian with local vendors, browse the stalls and shop for souvenirs – putting their classroom language skills to genuine use in the real world.
A visit to the world-famous Uffizi Gallery was another highlight. Standing in front of masterpieces by artists such as Botticelli, Michelangelo, Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci was an experience that simply cannot be replicated in a textbook.
And then came Pisa! Students had the obligatory photographs attempting to “hold up” the Leaning Tower, while also exploring the beautiful cathedral and baptistery surrounding it.
Venice – A City Like No Other
From Florence we travelled north to the magical city of Venice. There was something incredibly exciting about arriving at Santa Lucia station and suddenly finding ourselves surrounded by canals, bridges and boats instead of cars and buses.
Using our Vaporetto passes, students explored the city and its famous Rialto Bridge, discovering the extraordinary maze of canals and magnificent palaces along the way.
The following day we visited the spectacular Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica, learning about Venice’s fascinating political, religious and artistic history. Students then had the opportunity to explore further, including the Rialto Markets, while continuing to put their Italian skills into practice.
Milano- Finishing in Style!
Our final destination was Milan, Italy’s famous capital of fashion, design and cuisine. After another train journey, students explored the city before visiting the breathtaking Milan Duomo.
Standing beneath its enormous Gothic façade, surrounded by thousands of marble statues and soaring spires, was a fitting way to conclude our Italian adventure.
Students and teachers also had the amazing opportunity to attend the Giorgio Armani exhibition to celebrate Fashion week in Milan.
More Than Just a School Trip
While the incredible places we visited will undoubtedly remain in our memories, what made this trip truly special was the students themselves.
Over the course of our journey, students navigated airports and train stations, ordered food, communicated with locals, used Italian in authentic situations, learned to manage themselves in unfamiliar surroundings and, most importantly, supported one another.
There was plenty of laughter, plenty of walking, plenty of pasta and gelato, a few tired feet – and an enormous number of photographs!
But there was also a wonderful sense of independence, resilience, friendship and confidence that grew each day.
For our students, Italy was no longer simply a country they had studied in an Italian classroom. They had walked through Ancient Rome, stood beneath Michelangelo’s masterpieces, explored Pompeii, admired Renaissance art, tasted authentic Neapolitan pizza, travelled by Vaporetto through Venice and stood beneath the magnificent Duomo in Milan.
They had experienced the language and the Italian culture for themselves.
As we said arrivederci to Italy and boarded our flight home, we knew that we were leaving behind far more than a collection of famous landmarks. We were bringing home memories, friendships, stories and experiences that our students will hopefully treasure for many years to come.
A particular thanks to Signora McKenzie and Signor D’ Aglas for their assistance, enthusiasm and expertise.
Thanks Italy, for an unforgettable trip! – Grazie Italia, per un viaggio davvero indimenticabile!
Signora Piera Bentley – Italian Teacher