Arte al Sole: An Italian Cultural Adventure for International Childrenis a summer day camp with programs offered in Stresa, Lake Maggiore; Panicale, Umbria; and Lucca, Tuscany for summer 2012, offering children an opportunity to explore the art, science, history and culture of these regions through a fun, engaging curriculum in English.
Milk Bar Milano is now offering prenatal courses! Visit our Events page for more details.
Transitioning to International School when Relocating Abroad: An Interview with Elementary Principal Elizabeth Khoury of The American School of Milan
We receive many inquiries here at Italiakids.com from parents seeking answers to important questions on issues related to transitioning their children between their home school and an international school abroad while relocating for specified periods of time. Many thanks to American School of Milan Elementary School Principal Elizabeth Khoury for offering this expert advice.
Can you please describe the program at ASM?
Since 1962, the American School of Milan has offered a first-class, education in English to American and international students. With our International Baccalaureate program as well as the American High School Diploma, ASM students are put through a rigorous academic program that prepares them for the best universities anywhere in the world. Our student population is made up of over 50 nationalities, so we are a true international school, committed to working with families from around the world. Our aim is to provide a rigorous education while also meeting the diverse needs of ex-pat families and we have a long history of helping families transition from schools around the world.
What are the most critical aspects parents need to attend to in transitioning from one curriculum to another?
Many parents who are enrolling their child in our school from another country are concerned about the difference in curricula. Particularly those families who will be returning to their home country after a year or two abroad raise concerns about how to ensure that their children will be able to re-enter their home country schools with ease. ASM, like many international schools around the world, has a written curriculum that reflects the standards of our home base, which for us is the United States, whereas British schools have curricula which follow the British system. Important questions that American parents should ask the school they are considering are as follows:
-Is your school accredited? If so, by whom?
-Is there a written curriculum?
-What state or national standards does the curricula follow?
-What does your report card look like?
For parents of high school students, the idea of moving abroad for a year or two can be daunting, as college acceptance is the next big rock on the horizon. The following questions will help determine if the school you are considering will meet your high school child’s needs:
-Is your diploma recognized by the United States as a valid diploma allowing entrance to US colleges and universities?
-What resources are available to support students who are in transition (guidance counseling, peer mentoring, etc)
-What kind of collegiate preparatory support is available? (college counseling, help with application process, college fairs)
-What is the grading scale for the GPA and how is the GPA calculated?
-Do you have the National Junior Honor Society or the National Honor Society?
-Are varsity sports offered at your school?
-Do you offer service programs to allow students to volunteer or get involved in extra curricular volunteer work?
It is not uncommon for a family to ask for grade level standards or curriculum overview to compare with their home school’s program.
How do children benefit from moving internationally?
Families that have the opportunity to relocate for a period of time, who are able to locate a reputable and accredited school, will be offering their children the chance to live and learn in a new place, one that will expand their horizons, and the chance for travel and additional language learning will give their children a wonderful educational experience that they will bring back to their home country and which will continue to serve them for a lifetime. ___________________________________________________________________________________
Italy's Lake Maggiore doesn't get as much press as its more famous neighbor, Lake Como, but I'd recommend it for a family vacation anytime. Kids will love the trains and boats, and the whole family can gape at views after a cable car ride. Visit small islands, take a boat around a great castle-island, play on a sandy beach, and participate in the late-afternoon Italian passeggiata, walking on Stresa's or Cannobio's lakeside promenade with a gelato.
Where to stay
Stay in Stresa if you've only got a few nights. If time allows, add a few nights further up the lake. A great hotel for families in Stresa is La Luna nel Porto, and I highly recommend the apartments at the Cannero Lakeside Hotel in Cannero Riviera (near Cannobio). A few miles further up the lake, across the Swiss border, is the fabulous kid-oriented Park Hotel Delta.
What to do
Boat to Islands
From Stresa hop on the boat to visit the islands Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Madre. Kids love boat rides and these islands are quick to visit, though visiting all three will take you a full day. Isola Bella in particular has beautiful gardens.
Flowers, animals, a playground and a picnic!
Spend at least half a day at the Villa Pallavicino, in Stresa. The gardens and the lake view are spectacular, but the highlights for the kids will be the 40+ types of animals, the little train that runs to Stresa, and the playground. Bring your own picnic or eat onsite at the restaurant. If you love botanic gardens, don't miss The Villa Taranto in nearby Verbania - another great open space in a spectacular setting along the lake.
Cable cars and views
You've got a few options for incredible lake views via cable car: there's a funicular that goes from Laveno-Mombello up to 1,100 meters (3,600 feet). Sit on the terrace with a drink at the top or even stay in the hotel. Or, from Locarno (Switzerland) take the lift that goes up to Cimetta, with incredible views. A third (and my favorite) option is from Stresa: take the cable car to Mottarone, and enjoy a 360 degree view from 1,385 m (about 4,500 feet).
Adventure park in Baveno
If your kids are a bit older, or need something more physically challenging than a run in a field, take them to the Adventure Park in nearby Baveno. They can wear themselves out on trampolines, do a tough cycling course, walk a suspension route, or try a climbing wall.
The activities above can be done easily from Stresa; the ones below would work from Stresa but are ideally done if you’re based further up the lake.
Sandy beach!
Visit the pretty town of Cannobio and let the kids play on the beach or in the water. This beach was actually granted a European Union "blue flag" for its cleanliness, so go ahead, let them swim.
Incredibly Scenic Train ride
Take the scenic train of the "hundred valleys" from Locarno (Switzerland) to Domodossola. To start, take a boat to Locarno from wherever you're staying on the lake, then catch the Centovalli train to Domodossola (schedule here). The views on this 2-hour scenic ride are absolutely incredible.
·Swing by a castle
The Castelli di Cannero - just one castle but on 2 islands - are in the middle of the lake just off Cannobio. The castle can't currently be visited but the kids will love the view from the boat.
Nearby
Consider hitting these attractions on your way to or from the Lake Maggiore.
Museo Gottard Park in Castelletto Ticino
This museum showcases the history of many different means of transport including trains, planes, boats, cars and motorcycles and even horses. This is at the bottom of the lake and might be a good option if you're looking for something to do on the way to Malpensa airport.
Safari Park
Just south of the lake in the town of Pombia, kids will love the Safari Park, which has animals, rides, and water slides.
Parco della Fantasia Gianni Rodari
Gianni Rodari was a children’s author from LakeOrta, just west of the Lake Maggiore. Allow several hours for this park – it has indoor and outdoor play areas, crafts, performances, a huge outdoor space, and even a library. www.rodariparcofantasia.it
The Swiss end of the lake
If you'd like to spend some time in Switzerland, there is a lot for families to do around Locarno, with great suggestions in this brochure.
Where to eat
La Taverna del Papagallo, off Stresa’s main tourist track, is reasonably priced with excellent food – especially the pizza. Address: Via Principessa Margherita 46, 28838 Stresa Tel (+39) 0323 30411.
For something higher end or for a special occasion, take the boat to Isola Pescatori and eat at Casa Bella. Via del Marinaio 1, Isola dei Pescatori Stresa (VB), Tel (+39) 0323 33471.
One of the best restaurants in the region is Piccolo Lago, in Verbania. The setting, on the shores of LakeMergozzo, is stunning, and the food is incredible. www.piccololago.it
If the kids love boats, the moored boat Il Battello del Golfo has (surprisingly) good food. Address: 28835 Baveno (VB) - Frazione Feriolo, S.S. Sempione, Attracco Imbarcazioni. Tel (+39) 0323 28122.
In Cannero Riviera, Il Cortile is a great bet for fine dining. Excellent food - and prices to match. Address: Via Massimo d'Azeglio 73, 28821 Cannero Riviera.
In Cannobio, try Osteria Vino Divino. Address: Strada della Valle Cannobina 1,28822 Cannobio. Tel(+39) 0323 71919.
Arte al Sole: An Italian Cultural Adventure for International Children
Italy's Lake Maggiore doesn't get as much press as its more famous neighbor, Lake Como, but I'd recommend it for a family vacation anytime. Kids will love the trains and boats, and the whole family can gape at views after a cable car ride. Visit small islands, take a boat around a great castle-island, play on a sandy beach, and participate in the late-afternoon Italian passeggiata, walking on Stresa's or Cannobio's lakeside promenade with a gelato. 