ICES Student of the Month - November 2020

ICES extends heartfelt congratulations to Ettore Sabbatini for being selected as the ICES Student of the Month for November! Ettore is from Ancona, Italy and is living with the Gray family in Jackson, Tennessee. He was nominated by his Local Coordinator, Julie Cartwright.

Julie feels lucky to not only be Ettore’s Local Coordinator, but his next door neighbor as well. This has allowed her to get to know him well and support him in his adaptation to life in the U.S.

Ettore’s first challenge was one that is common to many exchange students: understanding English. His coordinator says, “We had multiple conversations that led us down rabbit holes, where we both just ended up confused by the end of it. One time I was talking away to Ettore and he was nodding his head and saying "ahh yes" when his host mom came out and said, ‘Oh, he has no clue what you're saying; he's just nodding and saying yes!’ “

 After sharing a good laugh about this, Julie sat down with Ettore and taught him some tools for getting clarification when he doesn’t understand, encouraging him that people will gladly speak more slowly, repeat themselves, or explain what they are saying to help him understand. Ettore was quick to implement Julie’s suggestions, which has helped his English progress tremendously.

Since school started online, Ettore had to find other ways to make friends. He enjoyed participating in mixed martial arts in Italy, so his coordinator helped him find an MMA class in his host community. He jumped in with both feet, attending three separate classes on the first day—all with great eagerness. His coach says, “Ettore is a joy to have on the mats. Very hardworking and humble. Everyone loves training with him. Although it hasn't been long knowing him, it feels like he's always been a part of the Fightshop family. He's a really good kid.” 

Ettore’s host family agrees. Host mom Leah says, “Ettore has a wonderful attitude. He stays cool and calm even when not understanding all that is going on around him. He is relaxed, laid-back and loves to have fun and get to know whoever is around him. He works hard to get involved in things so that he can really dive into the American culture.” 

Ettore feels the best part of his exchange has been the life experience it has given him. Learning to live in a new place far from his family is challenging, but rewarding. He’s thrilled that his English has improved so much, and was excited to share a recent--and very significant--milestone in language learning:  last week he dreamed in English for the first time!

Ettore is grateful for all that his host mom does to help him meet the goals of his exchange. He’s looking forward to visiting Texas and Florida with his host family in the coming months, and he also has plans share his Italian culture by cooking an Italian meal for them.

Julie says it’s a delight to be Ettore’s coordinator and to see him learn and grow. He is grateful to have such a supportive coordinator, and says, “She helps me a lot and is always available when I need advice. I know I can ask her for help with anything.”

When he returns to Italy, Ettore plans to finish high school and continue his education at university with the goal of becoming a P.E. teacher. He feels this will be the perfect job to allow him to combine his love of sports, kids, and travel.

As the Student of the Month, Ettore will receive a $100 Visa gift card, an ICES t-shirt, and a congratulatory letter from ICES President, John Crist.