Most high schoolers fantasize about living abroad, but that dream is senior Penelope Gaspard’s reality. As a student living abroad in Vicenza, Italy, Penelope is surrounded by a rich culture and history. Yet, this poses an interesting question. What is the difference between living in the United States and living in Italy?

Well for starters, you can’t use Fahrenheit as a measurement for temperature there. Penelope says that “The climate in Vicenza is very similar to California in a lot of ways. Hot in the summer, and a little colder in the winter. There is more rain though!” Many students who have visited Italy love the climate, because of its amazing balance between hot and cold. Amir Chaudhry (12) says that “When I visited Italy, I was delighted by the beautiful contrast between temperature. The only thing that I didn’t love was that it is scorching hot in the summer months.” 

The European lifestyle may seem like a dream, but there are some unexpected aspects to it. For instance, “in America you give someone space while waiting in line, but in Europe a line is more like a mini mob!” explains Gaspard. Europe has a high population density, which means that the cities are packed with people! It is estimated that the EU has approximately 449 million people! The United States, which is much larger than Europe, only has about 340 million people! This small detail is something that is often overlooked when comparing the two regions.

Sisters Dhyani Balsara (12) and Diya Balsara (9) both love the idea of living in Europe. Dhyani Balsara (12) remarks “Italy and London have always been dream spots for me. Waking up in the Italian countryside would be a dream come true!” Diya Balsara (9) adds “Yeah me too! How amazing would it be if my sister lived across from me in Europe!” 

As a strong academic and future Duke student, school has been Penelope’s biggest priority. After moving to Italy though, not much has changed in education. Penelope goes to an American school in Italy, which allows her to take AP courses, as well as the SAT! There are likely some discrepancies between Italian schools and American schools such as the language barrier, but there are many similarities nonetheless!

Wouldn’t it be amazing if you could take a train to another country within a few hours? For Gaspard, a stamp on her passport is just a weekend getaway! Penelope has visited so many more countries than most Americans, because living in Italy creates flexibility for travel! Gaspard has visited so many different places, such as Greece, Germany, Prague, London and more! 

Penelope Gaspard’s experiences show different parts of the world have different values and customs.

“I am an American citizen, but after the past few years of living in Italy I learned so much about the world. Even after I go to college, Vicenza will forever hold a special place in my heart.” states Penelope Gaspard (12).