A recent collaboration between Binghamton University’s Italian Culture and Composition course
(ITAL 251) and Union-Endicott High School’s Italian 4 Honors class gave students from both institutions a hands-on cultural exchange experience across four interactive sessions.
Meeting 1: University Life & Italian-American Roots
In the first meeting, BU students visited UEHS to talk about life at Binghamton University, local history, and the enduring presence of 
Italian heritage in the region. The discussion helped high schoolers understand university culture and connect with Italian-American traditions that are part of their community.
Meeting 2: Italian Market Simulation
The second session transformed the UEHS library into a lively Italian open market. Students practiced conversational Italian while "shopping" for food and clothes, ordering coffee, and handling mock euro transactions. This real-world roleplay helped boost language confidence and brought classroom vocabulary into action.
Meeting 3: Superstitions & Horoscopes
The third meeting focused on Italian superstitions, horoscopes, and cultural beliefs. Students shared and compared traditions, then read each other's horoscopes in Italian. The session blended language practice with cultural exploration in a fun, relaxed setting.
Meeting 4: Travel Simulation
For the final session, students moved through a series of travel-themed stations—passport control, a bank, a pharmacy, a beauty salon, and a luggage store. Each stop offered roleplaying opportunities in Italian, helping students use practical vocabulary in realistic travel situations.
A Lasting Impact
Now in its third year, this collaboration, led by Prof. Samiani, continues to strengthen ties between BU and UEHS. It offers university students valuable teaching experience while providing high schoolers with immersive, meaningful exposure to the Italian language and culture. The program was featured at BU’s Community-Engaged Learning and Research Showcase on April 29, 2025.
Special thanks to Prof. Samiani and her ITAL 251 students: Noemy Annunziata, Emma Barbosa, Angelina DiDomenico, Olivia Goulart, Giovanni Hernandez, Leo Liu, and Grace Mastrangelo.
Ragazzi, grazie mille ed in bocca al lupo con gli esami!
