As part of ISI initiatives to enable students to gain valuable work experience in an international environment, the Institute is offering a number of internships and community service opportunities in different fields. During this Spring 2013 term, two of our students will see their internships credit-approved. Megan Morris, a communication major at Penn State, is currently working for the ISI Newsletter, and Roger Williams University’s Brianna Riposa is teaching English at a nursery school. Read what Riposa has to say about her experience:

“I am the fortunate student that has the opportunity to partake in a credit-approved internship at the small Catholic school in Prato, Italy. I am majoring in Elementary Education and minoring in Biology and Environmental Science. Someday, I hope to become a memorable and effective middle school science teacher. For my internship, I’m teaching English to a kindergarten class made up of mainly 4 year-olds and a preschool class of mainly 3 year-olds. I have designed a mini-curriculum for the next three months to cover shapes, colors, numbers, and food. I travel by train into Prato and teach an English lesson twice a week. I find myself constantly thinking about what kinds of activities and lessons these students would enjoy. I’ve been working with this school for three weeks now and it’s already an incredible experience. Both the teachers and nuns are welcoming and courteous. The young Italians are like little sponges; absorbing everything that I say and do. I’m learning so much about Italy’s culture, tradition, and lifestyle. Although I’m still struggling with the language, being completely submerged in an Italian setting and relying on body language with a few known words, is a tremendous help. I absolutely love working with this school, and I am excited for the countless memories and lessons that this community will teach me.”

Brianna Patricia Riposa, Roger Williams University