Speaker Exchange Student Laura Moyneur
Host Steve Hance
Laura Moyneur graduated from Wayzata High School in 2015 and decided to spend her next year as a Rotary Exchange student prior to beginning her college education. She was fortunate enough to experience Italy, her host country, in two different ways. Laura arrived in Italy like most exchange students, with no ability to speak the native language. Her first host family spoke no English, so Laura's early transition was difficult. She initially lived in the small village of Usola (about an hour's bus ride from her high school) with her host mom, dad, and grandma. Their kindness and Laura's isolation in Usola led her to an intensive and rapid immersion into the language, which ultimately paid off. Laura's second host family included parents and "siblings". They were located in the city of Cremona, just a short bike ride away from her school and the piazza which served as the town social space. She used her rapidly growing language skills to join other students for tennis, dance club outings, and informal get togethers with both Italians and other Rotary exchange students. Watching "Sponge Bob" in Italian with her host brother aided in her growing confidence with the language. She loved the food of Italy, the opportunity to travel with host families, school groups, and Rotary student tours. Laura returned to the U.S. very grateful for her Rotary Youth Exchange experience and committed to continuing her international education. She returns to Europe this week for an exchange semester at St. Louis University's Madrid campus, and plans to major in international affairs. Thanks for sharing your experience with us, Laura!
