ISS group aids parents, children Published April 28, 2010 By Staff Sgt. Justin Weaver 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- Parents with children in an Italian school now have a resource available to help them deal with potential cultural differences. The Italian School Support Group was created by two parents eager to provide a support network for their own children enrolled in the Italian school system. "Currently there is no such group or mechanism available at our current location for those who choose this avenue of educational offering," said Maj. (Dr.) Kristi Dreyer, 31st Medical Operations Squadron physician and head of the Italian Support Group. "Educating your child in a foreign environment, much like anything else, does not come without its frustrations and challenges." Maj. Dreyer believes that just like a foreign exchange program has a built in support system, the Italian schools should have something similar in place. "I believe it is important that we provide support as best we can in all aspects of these endeavors; that includes supporting the families with resources, the children in knowing they are not 'the only ones' and passing on lessons learned to others who may want to explore this educational option but are hesitant due to perceived barriers (real or imagined)," said Maj. Dreyer, who has two children in the Italian school system. "When we are stationed in a foreign country, we as military members now have an opportunity to provide our children experiences they might not otherwise have due to financial or physical constraints of the location." When Maj. Dreyer found out she was getting assigned to Aviano, Italy, her daughter jumped at the opportunity to go to an Italian school despite not knowing any Italian. "Our daughter, who is in seventh grade, made the decision to go when she learned it was an option prior to our PCS," Maj. Dreyer said. "I was able to connect with someone here prior to our arrival who had a daughter her age in the Italian school. They were pen-pals through e-mail for six months prior to our arrival." Having that connection established made it easier for the Dreyers to transition to the Italian school. Although it's been difficult, they have learned as they go along to manage and use the resources available. Maj. Dreyer hopes this group will provide another avenue of support for parents and their children. "I would like to have this become a revolving meeting," she said. "Our biggest issue besides providing support and reassurance to our children is conveying what they are undertaking is an opportunity of a lifetime." Despite needing tutors to help her daughter through school, Maj. Dreyer sees the benefits far outweighing the challenges. "My son and daughter both have classes that would never have been offered in a US school unless we had them in some specialty, private institution," she said. "My daughter is not only learning Italian but German, plus she has three types of math classes and exposure to art that is beyond comparison." The support group meets the third Wednesday of the month at 5 p.m. in the Community Center. To reserve a seat, or for more information, e-mail kristi.dreyer@aviano.af.mil.