What inspired you to work for your organization?
Passion for teaching and meeting people from other countries and cultures. I also love promoting the region of Salerno and sharing my knowledge. I, of course, like to teach the Italian language, but in my work, I also keep the focus on Italian culture, traditions, and mentality. The main goal is to give a full experience to our students.
Why are you passionate at what you do?
Teaching is my passion. I like to see how the students are getting better in the language and how they are slowly gaining confidence in using the Italian language. Especially in long-term courses, you can see how their skills are changing. My job also gives me the opportunity to meet people from around the world and make new friends.
Lunch and wine tasting with the students of Accademia Leonardo.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I am happy that I can share my knowledge with people from all around the world. I can show them my culture and traditions and explain to them the Italian mentality. But I am not only sharing my knowledge with every student, I also gain some new information. Students come from all over the world, so I am learning so much new stuff!
What challenges do you often face with students, and how do you overcome them?
The biggest challenge is to make students feel comfortable in our school in class and in the city. Many students forget that language is also about making mistakes, but you have to try and try and try over again. And then, of course, the organization of the school. As the Director, I always have something to deal with! But all the problems are always possible to overcome with a smile.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Be always ready for a great experience. Be ready to meet new friends along the way. Try new things and taste new flavors. Discover new lands, not only the natural beauties but also the lands of myths and history. And last but not least, always get the opportunity to taste the food and the beer of the country you are visiting.
What makes Accademia Leonardo special?
The atmosphere of the place. We are here as one big family. Italy is about family, friendship, and food. And our school connects everything together. Our students become part of our Accademia Leonardo family. During their stay here, we like to have caffe breaks and lunches together. But even after your course, we will be happy to hear from you. Many of our students are coming back to Salerno to continue their learning journey with us or just to stop by and say hello.
Mario with his amazing student, Maria.
Why should someone choose Accademia Leonardo over competitors?
For the friendly atmosphere. All the people who are working in Accademia Leonardo are here because they like their job. We want to share our city and language with everyone who is interested. All the teachers love their job, and the girls in reception are always happy to help you with everything. Our school also has a professional kitchen and a chef. So apart from the language you can also take cooking classes and become a master of the kitchen.
What hopes do you have for the future of your organization?
To welcome in our school as many students as possible. To start many international friendships and to let our family grow. I would love to see the classes in our school always full of curious people, smiles, and happiness. My hope is to make our students happy, secure, and teach them as much as we can, not only about the Italian language but also about our culture, traditions, and habits.
Are there any developments with your organization that you would like to share with us?
We are always moving forward. As the Director, I am always watching new trends in teaching, new possibilities, and new materials. We know that our students are putting their free time and money into their studies with us, so we want to give them the best experience. I am also always searching for new activities and places to visit in the area.
What is Accademia Leonardo’s mission, and how do you continue to work toward it?
Our mission is to welcome as many students as possible and then to make the students confident in their use of language. To give them the feeling of the locals when they are in Italy. To give them beautiful memories and valuable skills. As a teacher, I always want the best for my students and everyone in the school is sharing the same goal with me. Our mission is to make people confident in their use of language.
Mario with one of his students, Juana, being given her certificate of attendance.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
Confidence to use the Italian language, motivation to continue in their studies, memories that will always bring a smile, experiences, knowledge of Italian traditions, literature, history, and culture. Learning a new language is not only about vocabulary and grammar, it is about all the topics connected to it, the mentality, and the use of language.
How do you support your participants?
I am always here to give them tips and recommendations on dos and don'ts, but also to help them figure out some difficulties and problems. I know that for many people, it can be very uncomfortable to come to an unknown country especially if you don't know the language best. So, not only me but also the whole team at Accademia Leonardo are here to help out our students.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
It opens your eyes. Every culture and every country is different. There are so many different lifestyles, mentalities and philosophies that are possible to meet only in foreign countries. Every place has something special, something amazing. In my life, I have traveled a lot, I visited places all around the world, and seeing other cultures changed me a lot, for every culture, I take some inspiration, and some knowledge. With every travel I am learning new stuff. The man I am is made by traveling, experiences, and books.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
It gives you possibilities. It opens the doors. With new languages, you have possibility to talk to people from foreign countries. Especially in Italy, if you speak Italian people are more open to you. Here in the south many people don't speak English, so if you are able to talk with them in their native language, they are very welcoming and open. The languages are the gate to the people and experiences.
Mario with his students in Accademia Leonardo.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Don't be scared and worried. Experience everything and be open-minded. Talk to the locals and other travelers, make friends, and gain information. But also be careful, you never know in which situation you can end up, don't risk too much, and always think about the consequences of your action. Before you travel, find out some information about the country, and get ready for everything. But mainly ENJOY!
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel is for me, a little bit strange connection of the words. What is meaningful travel? I think that for me it means the travel that makes me a better person. Traveling improves my personality. It teaches me a lot about the world and about myself. With every travel I am getting to know myself better.
What does ethical global engagement mean to you?
Respectful and reciprocal exchange, building relationships based on mutual learning and benefits. Critical self-reflection, continuously examining one's own biases and privileges. Environmental sustainability, minimizing the ecological impact of educational activities. Authentic cultural immersion, promoting deep engagement with local communities and their heritage.
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
I hope that international education will help to connect people all over the world, sharing experiences, knowledge, and cultures. I also hope international education will become more common and affordable for students. Nowadays, studying abroad is connected with financial pressure and, for many students, also with lots of paperwork (visa etc.). So, let's hope that international education will become more open to people!
