Today we had the RaffaMUN debate at the school. We each had to represent a country or federation during a simulation of the United Nations. All of us had to debate about a specific topic which we researched beforehand. The parents of the Italian students catered during the breaks and lunch pause with tasty Italian food. At the end of the day we already started creating resolutions to try and solve the debate and form a solution which everybody agreed to. We’re glad that we had the opportunity to experience this educational and unique event.
In the afternoon, we took the metro to the center of Milan, that was already a fun experience. When we arrived, the Italian students gave us a city tour. They showed us the most beautiful and famous places in the city. We saw the impressive Duomo, which was very big and really beautiful. After that, we also went to the famous shopping center Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, where everything looked very fancy and special. We also visited the Castello Sforzesco and some other monuments in the city. It was really fun to discover everything and learn more about Milan. The good weather made it even better. The sun was shining, and that made the whole experience more enjoyable. After the tour, we got some free time. We could walk around the city by ourselves and explore at our own pace. Some people went shopping, while others found a nice place to eat or just enjoyed the atmosphere. It was a very nice afternoon and an experience we will not forget. Milan is a beautiful city with a lot of things to see and do. We would really like to go back there again. Tonight, we are going to the bowling, which will be a fun way to end the day.
In the morning we went to school and we waited in the classroom until we started. Mrs. Paoletti came and told us all about what we had to do that day, after she explained everything we started working and everybody made their opening speeches for the RaffaMUN project.
After the break some students of class 4, that already had experience with RaffaMUN, helped us with a simulation of the project. In that way we could learn all about how everything works and how we will have to behave during the project sessions. It was very fun and we all got a random country and a subject to represent and talk about, during the simulation we learned a lot about how the following days would go, then the lunchbreak came and we had a fun time on the campus of the hospital where we ate in a nice cafe.
We started the morning with a two-hour bus ride to Sirmione, a beautiful town on Lake Garda. Once we arrived, a guide took us on a tour through the city. We walked through charming streets, saw the historic site of “Grotto Catullus” and enjoyed amazing views of the lake. It was really interesting to learn more about the place while exploring together.
After the guided tour, we went out for pizza with the Italian students. It was a fun moment to relax, talk and enjoy some authentic Italian food together.
In the afternoon, we had some free time. Everyone could choose what they wanted to do, so we explored the town in small groups. Some of us had a drink on a terrace, others enjoyed delicious Italian ice cream, and of course we all spent some time looking around in the local shops.
Tonight, some of us are heading out in Cernusco, which we are really looking forward to. It’s been a day full of new experiences, good food and great company!
Rachelle Vandewalle, Andrea Heyman & Thibaut Cuypers
This afternoon, after lunch, we went to the lovely Navigli area and there we visited some of the most beautiful spots there are to find here. The Italian pupils gave us a little tour and nicely explained the history of some gorgeous buildings. It was a lovely experience to walk around such a beautiful area in Milan together. We had a gelato with the whole group at a local gelateria, there were lots of delicious flavours to choose from. After that, we had some free time and walked around on our own. At the end, we met up with the whole group for an “aperitivo” in a cosy café. We all had an amazing time this afternoon and evening.
The day started in the school where we got some explanation about the United Nations and got questions about our view on the problems in the world today like the war in Iran. Then we got some information about the RaffaMUN project we’re doing later this week. After a little break we had 2 speakers that talked about plastics and decarbonisation and asked us some questions like what we already know about plastics. We found it really interesting.
Yesterday was the start of our trip from Belgium to Milan, and it was already a great first day. In the morning we went to the airport, excited for the journey. Before boarding the plane, we spent some time at the airport where we ate a few things and relaxed while waiting for our flight. Everyone was looking forward to arriving in Italy and meeting our exchange students.
After the flight, we finally arrived in Milan. When we came out of the airport, our exchange students were already waiting for us. It was really nice to finally meet them in person after talking before the trip. Everyone went with their own exchange student and their families, which made the moment a bit exciting but also a little nervous.
Later in the evening, we all met again with the whole group. Together we went to a pizzeria. It was a very nice place and the atmosphere was great. Of course, we had to try real Italian pizza, and it was super delicious. We talked, laughed and got to know each other better. It was a perfect way to start the exchange and to spend time together as a group.
After dinner, everyone went back home with their exchange student. It had been a long day of traveling, meeting new people and discovering a new place, so we were all quite tired.
In the end, it was a very successful first day. We are all excited for the next days and for everything we will experience here in Milan.
