Carsten's Italian Education in Rome!

Ciao a tutti! My name is Carsten Davis and I am raising funds to travel to Rome for an educational language immersion program. During the COVID-19 pandemic I took a great interest in Italian language and culture. I am absolutely obsessed with the language and I've continued to learn and practice it for 3 years now. I was entirely self instructed using online resources and textbooks until this past year where I connected with an Italian teacher from Bergamo from whom I regularly receive lessons to this date.

I recently applied and was interviewed for a language immersion program abroad called EF (Education First) Languages, which has a campus in Rome, Italy. Here, students travel to and stay for an extended period of time to exponentially improve their understanding of the Italian language, history, and all aspects of Italian culture through complete immersion. Students receive roughly 20 hours of classroom learning each week and venture into the city to practice conversation skills with locals. Students also stay with an Italian host family during their time there, allowing them to experience what life is like in Rome as a local. My trip would be between January 5th and February 14th of 2025.

Traveling to Italy and being immersed in a world that I've admired for so long is an absolute dream of mine. Being accepted into this program is such an incredible opportunity and I would love more than anything to be able to take part in it.

I am a full time running start student through Spokane Falls Community College in Spokane, Washington - which essentially means I am working towards completing my first 2 years of college while simultaneously receiving my high school diploma. When I receive my Associates degree in June of 2025 I plan to transfer to Gonzaga University to complete my Bachelor's degree in Italian Studies. I see this upcoming immersion trip as a precursor to my continuation into higher education and my career. In fact, this immersion program will earn college credit.

As I'm attending school I am also working part time a The Old Spaghetti Factory in downtown Spokane. 70% of my paychecks have been directed into education and travel savings, which will help offset costs for this experience.

In my entire life I've never felt more of a fascination and passion than I have with the Italian language. I am ecstatic at the opportunity to go. If you can help in any way by simply sharing this page or with any donations no matter the size I would be beyond grateful. These funds will go to my airfare, school tuition, and housing. Thank you so much for taking the time to read about me and I'll continue to post updates!

Grazie mille a tutti voi. Ciao!

-Carsten