Officially I have been two months living in Rome, Italy. My, these first two months have gone by quickly, but have been packed with lots of learning and lots of fun! As of right now, my favorite thing here is the group of AFS students who are living in Rome. We often meet up and do activities with each other, so even though I am away from home I feel like I am part of a family. Below are some pictures from many different outings with AFS students. (#1- Walking Via del Corso with Tobias (Paraguay) on Halloween. #2- International hug an exchange student day with Sing(China). #3- Lazio camp at Santa Severa. #4- Celebrating the birthday of Lola (Belgium) at Piazza del Popolo).

That being said, I do not mean I don't feel that way in my host family. They have been very warm and kind to me during my exchange here. I also am still chilling in my home with my two dogs, cat, hamster, turtles, fish, and this strange bug my little host brother found.

As for school, I am slowly and surely being integrated into the class as a normal Italian student. I participate in all of the tests and exams and even have done a couple of interrogations. It's all very different and quite difficult (except English class), but it's a challenge that I enjoy and put lots of energy into.

In summary, things have been going very good here overseas. I am excited to see what the next eight months have to offer for me! (P.S- here is the link to the month two video created by my friend from Thailand, Kia).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9UOlqyGZbw

Check out my friend's Youtube page for videos about activities and life in Rome! Kia is an exchange student from Thailand, be sure to like and comment on his videos!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7d-NBH3kpw  <<<--- Video of our first month in Rome!

First Month in Italy

Alright, during my first month in Italy, I have been checking items off the list of things to do in a lifetime. For example, seeing the colosseum, visiting the Vatican, and exploring the vast center. My first month spent living in the city of Rome has been stuffed to the brim with history and life. I have learned some very important things, such as finding my way home from any point in the city and figuring out how to follow along with the lessons in school. More importantly, I've learned things like the metro ride to school is the best time to do homework. I also know how to find the best Siciclian restaurant near my home. 

Anyway, it's an understatement to say that lots has happened in this first month. However busy it has been, I have loved every second of it. Another thing that I have become very fond of is the little community of AFSers that are placed in other schools and host families in this city. I see them when we get together for meetings, go to events, or when we just want to hang out. I have not just enjoyed learning the Italian language and culture, but also Thai, Chinese, Swiss,  Serbian, Paraguain, and Turkish cultures and languages as well. I think there is nothing quite like taking a bunch of foreign students and sticking them in a city where they learn and grow individually, but also know that they have each other. Sometimes when I'm having trouble sleeping at night, I will just think that there are lots of us spread out across this big city all doing the same thing I am. By thinking this, I have this feeling of safety and security. It has been a short time that I have known them, but I am looking forward to the rest of the year to come. 

I also have entered the school orchestra, I am very excited to start rehearsal and take part in the trips with them. This first month has been a blast and I am looking forward to many more to come!

The first couple days of school in Italy have gone very well! My class was very welcoming when I arrived on the first day. Many were curious and interested in what things are like in the United States. I got a good earful of English as well, for almost every student that I spoke with wanted to practice/show their English skills. I must say many of them speak quite well. Makes me think even more that there should be stricter language requirements in America high schools.

On the first day during history class, the history teacher let me come to the front of the class room and tell the class a little bit about myself and they asked me many questions. I have already made plans with some groups of students in my class to go out and explore the city!

One thing that shocked me was the number of kids in my class that smoke--over half of them after class are walking around with self-rolled joints of tobacco. They are all very nice, though. Their class has never had an exchange student, so it is very new for everyone! Today I had school, but normally school only goes from Monday until Friday--there is no Saturday class. My youngest brother, Felipe, helped me prepare my backpack before the first day of school(: He made sure that I had all my materials. I am missing Fargo, but I am loving Rome! I hope all that are in school back home are enjoying their year. A big hug from across the ocean!

Greetings from Italy!

I have arrived in Italy safe and sound! I had such a great time getting to know all of the AFS'ers from all over the world. It's so fun to see other people with the same interests as I go on my adventure. The first few days felt almost unreal. With a mix of flights, languages, jet lag and meeting so many different people, everything felt like a dream! After a good night's sleep, it started to sink in that I am in a different county, and I am very excited.

My family is fantastic, I have already played lots with my youngest brother and explored the city center with my other brother. There is so much to see, I'm not even sure if I can cram it all into one year of being here! Anyway, I have started my Italian classes, which I will be taking twice a week, and school will be starting soon for me. Greetings from Italy!

Countdown to Italy

The days before my departure are counting down fast! I have already booked my plane ride to New York City, where I will be having my orientation with the other AFSers. I have been finishing up my Rosetta Stone practice and the packing and shopping has already begun. I will miss my friends and family in Fargo very much, but I am looking forward to spending a year abroad going on new adventures and making new memories. I still plan on attending a music school while I am over there. I get more and more excited as the days count down until September 1rst at 6:00am when I make the first step of my trip departing for NYC!!

Fundraising Sale

There will be a fundraising event!!!(:
May 22-24th. 
 Italian shoes, Italian Biscotti, and many other things available.
 Money raised will go towards my AFS tuition. 
Bring the whole family! 
At 348 9th Ave. S Fargo ND
May 22th Friday- 4:00pm to 8:00pm
May 23rd Saturday- 8:00am to 4:00pm
May 24th Sunday- 12:00pm to 5:00pm

I have created a couple social media sites that you can follow to see what I'm up to!
Instagram- @afsalessandro
Twitter- @AFSalessandro

I am selling my old mountain bike. It is durable Diamondback, great for a middle school kid. Was purchased NEW at Great Northern Bike Company, lightly used. Not a cheap department store bike. Cell- (701)-730-6010, $125

Essay Contest

Thank you to AFS scholarships for accepting my essay for a $1,000 scholarship! One step closer to the goal!

             My name is Alessandro Sassi, I am a 16 year old from Fargo, North Dakota. This next fall I will be going on an adventure of a lifetime. With the help of AFS, I will be studying a year abroad in Rome, Italy. AFS is a exchange program that helps connect people and cultures all around the world. Their mission statement is " AFS works toward a more just and peaceful world by providing international and intercultural learning experiences to individuals, families, schools and communities through a global volunteer partnership." As the date for my departure time approaches, I have been thinking very much about what I would like to get out of my exchange experience and what I would like bring back with me to share with my family and community.

 I want to go abroad with AFS because I believe that living in another country for a long period of time is the best way to connect our world culturally. I want to bring things from the United States and share them with people I meet in Italy, as I would like to learn things in Italy that I can bring back to share with people back home. I want to expand my knowledge of the Italian language and experience what it is like to live in the culture of another county. I hope to bring back experiences and information to share. I want to do my part in making the world a more understanding and just place for the future, with the help of AFS this will be a possibility!

The total cost of my trip is $15,000 so I will be taking part in some fundraising over the next few months to help cover the expenses.