USC Aiken

« Back to Recent News

Italian High Schoolers Visit USC Aiken

Aiken, SC (07/30/2018) — Several rising high school seniors from Orieto, Italy, visited the University of South Carolina Aiken as part of a two-week exchange program sponsored by Partners in Friendship.

During their time on campus, the visitors had a complete university experience. They met with student-athletes, soccer players, of course, as that's one of Italy's favorite sports; toured a dormitory; and learned about genetics research from students in Dr. April DeLaurier's zebrafish lab. The Italians also saw where Pacers can study in the Gregg-Graniteville Library Learning Commons while riding a bicycle and gained insight on how the admissions process in the United States differs from that in their home country.

"I was amazed at USCA because the dormitory was well designed, all the facilities like the convocation center, the library, the [Student Activities Center] were really awesome," said Piergiuseppe Chiodi, one of the Orvieto natives.

"Also, we don't have sports teams at our universities, and it was great to see all the sports played at USCA. They also have everything available on campus. You don't have to travel to meet your needs."

After the trek all over campus, they were treated to an all-American lunch of hamburgers and hotdogs. Then, much later that night, the Italians taught their American counterparts and host families how to prepare an authentic dish, with ingredients they brought from Italy.

"This experience was so important to us because we finally were able to teach the Americans what pasta is really supposed to taste like and how to cook it," said Camilla Capitini and Caterina Miglietta of Orvieto.

"In carbonara we trust."

The university has a special relationship with Orievto, particularly its famed native son: Livio Valentini, a world-renown artist and sculptor. Valentini was once an artist-in-residence and painted several works specifically for USC Aiken, which are now featured prominently in the Etherredge Center.

Chancellor Emeritus Dr. Robert Alexander and Professor Emeritus Dr. John Elliott recently released their book chronicling Valentini's life, particularly his experiences and ties to Aiken and the works inspired from his time here.

These engagements stem from the strong collaboration between PIF and the university. Since 1997, PIF has provided scholarships for student exchange programs - both those at the collegiate and high-school levels. During even-numbered years, Italian high school students come to Aiken for two weeks, living with host families in the area.

"Last year I traveled to Orvieto, Italy where I lived with Camilla Capitini. My experience there was life-changing," said Katie Clamp, who will attend Mercer College in the fall.

"I was able to become immersed in the culture and became a member of my Italian family. This summer I returned the favor by hosting Camilla in Aiken.

"Through this exchange, we have built an amazing friendship even if there were a few language and cultural barriers. We will be friends for life."

Every other year, Aiken high schoolers head to Orvieto for a similar experience in Italy. Additionally, for many years, USC Aiken students have gone to Orvieto during their summer breaks to participate in archeological digs and telecommunications internships.

The experiences abroad teach students life lessons they never expected.

"Seeing the Italians appreciating American things gives you a better idea of your own culture," said Grey Larlee, a rising sophomore.

"It opens you up to ideas and experiences that you have taken for granted. It makes you think about your own lifestyle."

In addition to visiting the university, Aiken's Italian guests made stops all over town, getting a feel for the unique place Southern Living has deemed The South's Best Small Town.

"I was particularly struck by the Second Baptist church service we attended because there are many songs, they actively involve the community of the church during the service and they share their joy," said Lorenzo Mocetti, one of the Italian high schoolers.

"This joy is not expressed in our Catholic mass."

In addition to taking in local sites, the group also visited Folly Beach, Charleston, the National Wild Turkey Federation, and Lake Murray. The experiences throughout the state and region gave students from both sides of the Atlantic new perspectives.

"It is eye opening to be a part of the exchange because I have experienced the many cultural differences. The kids have very different lives in Italy," said Eric Wertz who stayed with a family in Italy one summer.

"Young people have a place to gather and spend time together in their towns. Young people here have no central place to meet."

Madison Williams, who will attend Clemson in the fall, traveled to Italy as part of the PIF exchange program. She says the experiences there and those shared with her Italian partner have enriched her life.

"It was so interesting going to a place where you don't speak the language. It gives you more compassion and empathy for people coming to the United States who don't speak English," she said.

"It was great seeing Aiken and the U.S. through [her Italian guest's] eyes."

Fellow local student Whit Larlee, agreed.

"Traveling to Italy is amazing, but having the Italians here makes you realize how great Aiken is. The Italians appreciate it more than we do since we see the same things every day," the Clemson-bound Aikenite said.

"I realized that simply being with others and having fun just by spending time together shows that you don't have to spend money on crazy things to have a good time. You can make your own fun."

Media Attachments

Michael St. John, a USC Aiken alumnus who studied in Orvieto, Italy, as part of an exchange program, shares insight with visiting Italian students about Livio Valentini, a former artist-in-residence on campus. The Italian exchange students visited Aiken for two weeks as part of a program sponsored by Partners in Friendship.

Visiting Italian exchange students and their Aiken hosts toured the University of South Carolina Aiken. While at the Gregg-Graniteville Library, the visitors learned how the library staff helps students relieve stress during exam week. Blowing bubbles is a quick and east stress reliever. The Italian exchange students visited Aiken for two weeks as part of a program sponsored by Partners in Friendship.

Alec Jones, right, talks with Italian high school students about the genetics research he is doing as part of Dr. April DeLaurier's zebrafish lab. The Italian exchange students visited Aiken for two weeks as part of a program sponsored by Partners in Friendship.

Copyright © 2024 Merit Pages, Inc. • All Rights Reserved. • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy • Opt Out