Hi! My name is Elena, and I am really excited to be your Budapest-based trainer for the project “Feeling Italy Anywhere”. Let me tell you a bit about myself: I am Italian on my father’s side and Hungarian on my mother’s side and I have lived and learned for multiple years in both countries. Currently I am a part-time Italian teacher and a university student, studying International Relations. I am a United World Colleges alumnus, where I was able to learn for two years in a multi-cultural environment in- and outside of the classroom.
Having studied in three different countries and multiple education systems inspired me to think outside the box and look for learning possibilities beyond a rigid curriculum. I quickly realized that knowledge is all around me, and that learning methods go beyond the “Pomodoro Technique”. My most memorable learning experiences often include different forms of art, interpersonal communication, and travelling. Being so keen on learning inspired me to re-think the way I teach as well. For example, I swapped dreadful vocabulary lists role playing games. And even though a trip to Rome might be out of budget, thanks to digital tools and the vlogs of content creators, students can profit from experiential learning from the comfort of their homes.
The many districts, cultural hubs, and sights of Budapest are a perfect environment for transdisciplinary learning and the exploration of new learning methods. As someone with dual citizenship, I take pride in knowing the many aspects of Hungarian heritage, as well as the best places rooted in Italian culture, all in one city. I believe that learning is the thread that connects student, teacher, and environment, but the latter is often not used to its full potential. For this reason, I look forward to sharing with you the unique learning experience that comes from discovering the Italian language and culture in any corner of the world: this time, in beautiful Hungary.
