Italian, American schools unite during base tour

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Katherine Tereyama
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  American and Italian middle and high school students shared an educational experience while learning more about one another's cultures during a tour at Aviano Air Base May 9.

Nearly 40 teachers and students from the base's school and Italian students from the Leonardo da Vinci Technical Institute in Nanto began the tour with a history of the Pagliano e Gori airport and the importance of the mission and the relationship between Italy and the U.S.

"It is important for them to understand how to build these relationships," said Lt. Col. Alan Martinis, Italian air force operations group commander. "They see the Italian air base supporting a strong U.S. Air Force mission. It is important for these young men and women to see that so they can continue this partnership in the future."

While students frequently tour the base, this is the first time Italian and American students have toured together in several years. Lt. Col. Scott Vaughan, 31st Mission Support Group deputy commander, is working to make tours like this one a more common occurrence.

"This gives these students a greater exposure to a different language and a different culture," said Vaughan. "This promotes a greater understanding between our cultures and gives them a chance to practice their language skills in a social situation."

Instructors and students alike agreed the event was a success, as students were seen mingling throughout the tour and the sounds of students practicing their English and Italian could be heard all around.

"It is important to meet Italian students and use the language in real-life situations, not just in the classroom," said Francesca Gasparotto, Aviano Middle and High School Italian teacher.

Italian students and instructors also had the opportunity to express their excitement through the help of a translator.

"When I was in school, there wasn't a good English education program and I want my students to have the opportunities that I didn't have," said Adriano Lovo, an engineering instructor at the Leonardo da Vinci institute.

One American student has lived in Italy for 11 years and has made many Italian friends over the years, playing soccer and getting out in the community.

"I think it is very important to do things like this because it shows Italians that we are thankful to them for letting us use their bases and live in their country," said Matthew O'Brien. "We are lucky to be able to live here and we have so much to learn from the Italian culture and from the history of this country."