Coming to a new country may seem like a scary experience for many students in high school. For junior Marco Muccio, it was an experience that just could not be passed up, so he went through an interview process, took a test and paid for the insurance.
On Aug. 1, he landed in America ready to face the challenges of being in a new country with people who may or may not be prepared to accept his heritage.
The Oracle got the chance to speak with Muccio about his time thus far in America, and he spoke about such things as McDonald’s, Italian-American food and Disney. The Oracle also spoke to his host brother, sophomore Ryan Santello. He spoke of how Muccio actually came to live with him and what he thought of him and his new house member’s relationship.
ORACLE: How do you like your host family?
MARCO MUCCIO: I like my host family because they really help me. My host mom helps me with my homework when I am having problems understanding, and my host brother, Ryan, helps me around school when I am making new friends.
O: Have you had Italian food in America yet?
MM: Yes, I went to Maggiano’s in Orlando last week, and it was very good.
O: Is America what you expected it to be?
MM: Yes, everything is bigger, and one can find anything here. Plus, I see McDonald’s everywhere I look!
O: What would you say you were most surprised about?
MM: It might sound strange but the organization. Everything is so organized.
O: What is one thing you dislike about America compared to Italy?
MM:The food is so different. I enjoy the food back in Italy more than the food here. Obviously it’s going to be different. I
think Maggiano’s was pretty close, but no other places were as good.
O: How is the school system different?
MM: We have a five-hour school day (from 8:30 to 1:30) without lunch. We also do not change classes, we have one class for the whole day. We study 12 subjects per week so it’s a lot of studying.
O: Do you enjoy America or Italy more in general?
MM: America.
O: What type of music do you like to listen to?
MM: I like rock music, but I love to go to the disco with my friends.
O: What would you say is your favorite thing about America?
MM: People here are awesome! Everyone is so friendly and sweet with me. I love it!
O: Do you plan to come back to America after you have to go back home to Italy next summer?
MM: I want to go to college and study here for sure.
O: What is the best experience you had in America since you got here?
MM: I went to Disney and it was so fun; I really loved it!
O: Best meal you have had in America so far?
MM: The typical McDonald’s was quite the experience. I also ate at a Japanese restaurant here and it was pretty good.
ORACLE: How is it having Marco in your house?
RYAN SANTELLO: It’s different. We learn more and more about Italy, him and the culture every day.O: Did your parents personally know Marco’s parents?
RS: No, we went through the Education First (EF) program. We had to fill out a bunch of papers, and we got to pick the student we wanted to host. It is completely voluntary.
O: What made you and your family wants to be a host family?
RS:We had an exchange student from Barcelona for three weeks because he needed somewhere to stay and we really enjoyed it, so we looked into yearly ones.
O: How close have you gotten with Marco?
RS: We are basically like brothers.
Gaby Morillo / Photo Editor
