Welcoming New Exchange Student

DT welcomes a new friend 

By: Lacie Naden

Coming to a different country can be scary but for the brave few who choose to study in a different country, the idea is just as exciting. Italian foreign exchange student Gaia Andorno decided it was time to pack up and move to a different country, despite a world-wide pandemic making traveling difficult. Andorno was supposed to come in August, but due to travel restrictions, she just arrived. 

17-year-old Andorno comes to Nebraska from Genova, Italy. She is living with the Stewart family, who was happy to welcome her into their family.

 “I like that the Stewart family does a lot of cooking, and my favorite dish is muffins. Another thing I like is how welcoming they were when I came to live with them, and the jokes they tell are pretty funny,” said Andorno. 

Andorno decided to become a foreign exchange student because her sister was a foreign exchange student who studied in California. Andorno saw the experience as a great way to practice her English and learn about different cultures. 

“I like Nebraksa very much, but it’s different from my country,” said Andorno. 

In Italy, Andorno’s school has no technology; it’s all whiteboards and chalkboards, so coming to a 1:1 school was a new experience. She also notes that Italian teachers don’t interact with their students like the teachers do here, as they’re busy moving from room to room while students stay put.

“I miss Italy a lot, but Nebraska has been great,” said Andorno. 

While Andorno misses her family, friends and good pasta, she is looking forward to trying track because she likes to run a short distance. 

“I can’t wait to experience different things in this country,” said Adorno.