My name is Sara, I am 27 years old and I come from Italy. I graduated in European and Non-European Languages and Cultures, a program that allowed me to explore not only languages but also the cultural, historical, and social contexts of different countries across Europe and beyond. Currently, I am pursuing a specialized master’s degree focused on teaching the Italian language and culture to foreigners, which perfectly combines my passion for languages, teaching, and intercultural communication.
I decided to join the EYE program because I was eager to gain practical experience abroad and challenge myself in a professional environment different from my own country. For a long time, I have been fascinated by the idea of living and working in a new cultural setting, especially in a city like Izmir, which is vibrant, historically rich, and a crossroads between Europe and Asia. I felt that this experience could push me out of my comfort zone and help me grow both personally and professionally.
One of the main motivations for participating was also the recommendation of a colleague who had previously taken part in the EYE program. Hearing her positive experiences, the skills she developed, and the connections she made convinced me that this was an opportunity I could not miss. I wanted to test the knowledge I had acquired through my studies and see how it would translate into real-life teaching situations.
Since arriving in Izmir on March 20, 2025, my experience has been nothing short of transformative. I was initially nervous and a bit scared about living so far from home and adapting to a new culture and language environment, but these feelings quickly turned into excitement and motivation. The local people have been welcoming and supportive, and my Host Entrepreneur has been incredibly kind, always ready to provide guidance and help, even beyond work-related matters.
Professionally, this internship has allowed me to apply the theories and methodologies I learned during my studies. For example, I have had the chance to design and deliver lessons tailored to students of different ages and linguistic backgrounds, which has sharpened my ability to adapt teaching strategies and materials. I have also developed new skills in classroom management and intercultural communication, essential for anyone working in language education today.
On a personal level, this experience has helped me become more independent and flexible. Living in a city so culturally diverse and historically significant has broadened my horizons and made me appreciate the value of diversity. I have learned to embrace challenges, find creative solutions to problems, and communicate more effectively across cultural boundaries.
Overall, the EYE program has been a key step in my journey toward becoming a qualified and confident language teacher. It has not only deepened my professional skills but also enriched my understanding of people and cultures, which I believe is fundamental in education. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to continuing my path with renewed enthusiasm and experience.