November 1, 2024

Imagine stepping off a plane in a whole new country, going to a new school and even joining a new family—all 4,000 miles from home. This is the life of Tommaso Cicioni. In August of 2024, Cicioni, an Italian senior, embarked on a unique journey as a foreign exchange student at Copley High School. Eager to make new memories and experience something that many students only dream of, he found a warm welcome from Copley students and teachers. 

“I was really interested in discovering new cultures and living the American dream,” Cicioni said. 

Few teens are equipped to leave their family behind and come to a new country where no one knows them. Cicioni knew the challenge going in. Despite the obstacles of adjusting to cultural differences and being away from his family, he found comfort in his soccer team, which helped him feel at home. 

“I met a lot of people, like former exchange students, who told me that the first month would be hard because you don’t know anyone,” Cicioni said. “I like it because my soccer team immediately made me a part of the group.” 

Not only did Cicioni need to adjust to being away from his family, he also had to adapt to the many differences between Copley and his high school in Italy.

“We have oral tests where we go to the blackboard,” Cicioni said. “It’s like a quiz but in real life. The teacher asks you questions or problems, and you need to do it in front of the class. Here, quizzes are more common. [Copley students] have long quizzes [each] week, whereas in Italy we have one or two quizzes a month.” 

Cicioni loves how hands-on the work is at Copley—something he never experienced in Italy.

“It’s different,” Cicioni said. “We have [fewer] grades and stuff like that. Here you have more practical work. In physics we’re building machines like wooden cars and it’s the first I [have done] something practical. I usually only study them in a book.”

As most people would expect, Cicioni misses many Italian customs and traditions. 

“On Sunday, all my family eats together—my parents, uncles, grandmothers, cousins and their families,” Cicioni said. 

Cicioni takes his mind off missing his family by hanging out with his friends on the soccer team. He loves going to football games (another activity which he normally isn’t able to attend). His friends have also introduced him to restaurants that are uncommon in Italy. 

A recent favorite? Raising Cane’s Chicken. 

“That was magnificent,” Cicioni said. “I really like it. I do love Cane’s.” 

Cicioni was surprised by how long Americans stay at their friends’ houses to socialize. In Italy, according to Cicioni, homes are very private and if you linger too long in someone’s house it would be deemed as overstaying your welcome. He clarified that Italians are very careful about who they bring into their homes and who they share their time with. 

“I can’t have lunch or dinner with someone I don’t respect,” Cicioni said. 

As Cicioni continues his journey at Copley High School, he remains enthusiastic about embracing new experiences and building lasting friendships. His adventure suggests that courage and resilience is required to step out of one’s comfort zone and thrive in a completely new environment.