Languages student Claudia Espinoza on exchange in Italy.
By journalism intern Monique Gilmore
Griffith University Italian student Claudia Espinoza recently returned from Italy where she worked at a primary school (the Convitto Nazionale Paolo Diacono) as part of the GriffithGlobal Mobility program.
While in Italy, Claudia took on the role of English language assistant, an experience she describes as unforgettable.
“Having a passion for Italy and Italian pushed me to enrol at Griffith and although learning the language at university for the past two years has been an absolute delight, nothing compares to the experience of traveling and being immersed in a different cultural practice,” Claudia said.
“I had the chance to work closely witheach and every one of my students. I listened to their impressions on different topics, laughed with them, cried with them and most importantly, learned from their vivacity and innocence.”
When asked about how the Griffith mobility program benefited her, Claudia had a glowing review for the once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“I am immensely thankful for the experience that I was able to undertake, both from a professional academic level and a personal level,” she said.
“Griffith University has always been of immense help and support for me — from providing excellent education, to supplying all the resources and tools necessary to facilitate my studies.
“It was in fact the first time that I had worked with children, as well as a revelation for the possible professional and personal paths that I will consider after finishing my degree.
“I feel like a completely different person: A citizen of the world, a global pilgrim thrivingon new challenges with an interest in culture and language in all its different manifestations.”
Part of Claudia’s assessment for the subject included creating a blog in Italian comprising of her impressions, observations and research on different cultural aspects about Cividale.