TRAVEL IS THE ONLY THING YOU CAN BUY THAT MAKES YOU RICHER
By Lisa Bazzan and Nadieh Kaldenbach
The Comenius Individual Pupil Mobility project has been part of the educational system of “I.I.S. Primo Levi” for a couple of years. But how well do the students of this school know what this project is all about? We bet that many of you don’t know what this project involves and what it can offer you. That is why we have prepared a couple of questions to give you a better understanding of this amazing program!
“When did the project start?”
“It started on the 12th of October 2014 when I, Lisa, arrived in the Netherlands. This means that we have been participating in this project for over four months. This also means that we have been stuck with each other for four looooooong months!”
“What was your first impression of the country?”
Lisa: “My first impression of the Netherlands was: the next three months will be like living in one giant fridge!”
Nadieh: “My first thought upon arriving was: where have the windmills gone?”
“What did you miss most during your stay?”
Lisa: “In the first few weeks of the project you don’t really think about what you miss most, because you are full of excitement about the project. After a while you realize that what you have at home is really important and you should be grateful to have it all. The thing that I missed most is my group of friends. When going to another country for three months you have to build a whole new life there. Making good friends in such a short period of time is not an easy thing to do.”
Nadieh: “At this moment in time I have just been in Italy for three weeks. Of course I want to see my family and friends again, but this feeling hasn’t developed into a really strong urge yet. As Lisa said, it is all still very exciting and new. I’m trying to build a life here and to enjoy my time. Thinking about home and all that I left behind just isn’t on my mind yet.”
“What have you gained from this project?”
Lisa: “I feel like I have become more responsible throughout this project, as you are on your own without your family and friends to support you. Also, I have become more aware of my ability to adapt, as you encounter many situations to which you have to adapt such as a lack of understanding of the language. Lastly, I have gathered more knowledge about the Dutch culture. I will always remember this project, because it has changed me as a person.”
Nadieh: “This project has so far allowed me to explore a new country, to encounter a new culture and to make new friends. As cheesy as it may sound, I definitely feel that besides gaining new friends I have gained a sister (Lisa). It is said that travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer. This is something I have been fortunate enough to experience first-hand because of this project. For that, I’m very grateful.”
“What will you miss most from the country you stayed in for three months?”
Lisa: “I’m mostly going to miss my Dutch family and the Dutch friends I have made. The Dutch landscape will also be missed because it gave me a sense of freedom.”
Nadieh: “You can probably guess what my answer to this question is going to be. Of course I will miss my new family and friends (just like Lisa), but the one thing we don’t have in the Netherlands is delicious Italian food!”
As you can see this project is an amazing opportunity to get to know a different culture and develop personally. Besides that it has connected us as more than good friends – we have become sisters. Fortunately, the Comenius Individual Pupil Mobility project hasn’t ended yet – we still have two months left. And when this time arrives, we will go back to our normal lives as different people. It will feel like losing our right arms, but that is a small cost to pay for this fantastic experience.
