I really enjoyed my life in Maryknoll from the beginning to the end.

During my year there, I attended different subjects, such as English, Mathematics, Visual Arts (VA), Physical Education (PE) and Physics. Sometimes, I would take part in Other Learning Experience (OLE). Some differences I notice in teaching would be how Science is taught. While Italian schools mostly focus on the theoretical aspects and rarely use the laboratories, Physics and other Technology Science lessons here use a more practical approach, so I was very happy and surprised to be able to do some experiments in the lab. VA was a very interesting subject that I had never tried in Italy, even though I’m not very good at drawing or painting. Sometimes, the teacher even mentioned arts in Italy, which made me feel proud and allowed me to learn more about both Italian and Chinese cultures. 

PE in Hong Kong seems to be much more important than in Italy. Unfortunately, sports are not very valued in Italian schools, like how there’s no such thing as school sports team, team colours or Sports Day, which is a bit sad for a sportlover like me. If you want to do sports in Italy, you have to join a local club depending on the sport you want to practice. During my time here, I joined the athletics team, even joined the inter-school competition with other girls. I found the training quite similar to my practice in Italy, but the main difference is that in Italy we don’t train at school. I believe any school should focus more on physical education like Maryknoll. It helps students stay healthy and develop their skills. I also joined Sports Day, where I proudly won four medals in long jump, 100 meters, class relay, and team relay.

I have always loved Asian culture, which is one of the main reasons I chose Hong Kong for my exchange. Held at Maryknoll with the help of local students, AFS Hong Kong organized Cantonese classes for all exchange students. This club also helped me get closer to other Maryknoll students, and I made many friends through it. With my friends and host family, I visited many beautiful places and 
tried lots of delicious food — one of my favourite aspects of Hong Kong culture! 

I’m sad that I can’t eat the same food in Italy, because even if we have Chinese restaurants, the taste’s just not the same.My year in Maryknoll has been unforgettable. I would like to thank my class teacher, Ms Chu, who always helped me throughout the year — with lessons, classmates and any doubts I had. I’m also grateful to all the other teachers who 
supported me during my time in Maryknoll. I’ve learned so much not only about Hong Kong’s culture, language, and school life, but also about myself. I have made wonderful friends and faced new challenges, hence have grown up to be a better person. I will always keep this experience close to my heart and hope to return to Hong Kong one day.

Federica Parisi
Maryknoll Secondary School Exchange Student