Our students’ reflections on their Italian language tour

If you hadn’t already kept up to date with Domremy’s day to day posts (Grazie Signora Heddle), during the recent holidays, a group of 16 Italian students embarked on an amazing trip around Italy. 

Throughout our trip we were able to immerse ourselves in Italian culture and language, explore the beautiful landscapes and cities of Italy, learn and engage with Italian natives and build experiences and memories that we will cherish for the rest of our lives. It was an incredible experience that we will remember through high school and beyond and it was an opportunity that we would recommend for future Domremy girls to experience a glimpse of the Italian lifestyle, which is crucial when engaging in Italian study at school.

Travelling on a 22 hour flight away from our home, friends, family and school life, was a stepping stone for us to grow as young individuals, and explore the unforgettable experiences the world has to offer. Being able to have this experience during our teenage years made us more appreciative and cherish every moment of our trip, which we will be able to look back on when reminiscing about the highlights of our time in high school. At first, we were nervous but mostly excited about the journey that was awaiting us. Through the iconic cities of Milan, Florence, Rome and Naples, to the seaside views of Sirmione, Venice, Burano, Sorrento and Capri, and the historic towns of Verona, Bologna, Pompeii and Herculaneum, we spent days filled with our enthusiastic and informative tour guide Helen, along with other local tour guides, while also practising our Italian skills, eating Italian food, shopping and exploring the breath-taking atmosphere, views and architecture that Italy has to offer.

It was a chance for us to create a strong bond with other girls from grades 10-12. We made irreplaceable friendships and will forever remember the moments we all spent together. The fun nights hanging out in our hotel rooms, the mornings and evenings getting ready together, chatting about the days to come and all the exciting moments we had already experienced on this wonderful trip, continuously grew our connection with one another. We not only grew closer with the students, but also with our incredible teachers, Mrs Clarke, Mrs Vari and Mrs Silva, who all showed immense love and care towards us on this trip and ensured we all had the safest and most enjoyable experience possible. 

This trip not only improved our knowledge of Italian culture and language but also taught us the values of respect, friendship, adaptability, cultural awareness and gave us all a sense of responsibility and independence as young women. We were able to see the world through a new lens, and come back home refreshed and uplifted. And if you think you’re rid of us after graduation … we will see you at the airport in 2026. Arrivederci, Alla Prossima! 

You can catch our travellers in Italy in the compilation video on our YouTube Channel here.

Sophia P and Sophia D, Italian Language students