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.