Arabella

One month in a new country, a new language, and a completely new environment: Arabella, 16, joined Spazio 3R from Paris as part of an exchange program. What began as a new experience gradually became a journey of discovery, connection, and personal growth...

A new beginning, far from home...

Arabella is a young student from Paris with a passion for drawing and sewing. She didn't specifically choose Italy for her internship; instead, she was selected because of her dedication and motivation at school, something she is especially proud of.

Arriving in Milan for her first experience away from home, she expected everything to feel completely different. "But I immediately noticed some similarities with Paris", she says.

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Building connections beyond language...

At Spazio 3R, Arabella found herself in a completely new environment. "I had never worked in an all-female workplace before. It surprised me, but I really like it."

Even with the language barrier, she found ways to connect with the people around her. Day by day, she built meaningful relationships with everyone in the workshop.

"What I appreciated the most was being able to communicate and truly feel like part of the group, even without speaking the same language."

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Growing one step at a time...

Of course, the first few days came with their challenges.

"At the beginning, it was a little difficult, being in a new country, in a completely different environment, and facing the language barrier."

As time passed, though, Arabella found her own rhythm. She became more confident and gradually felt more at ease. Having other interns around her age, along with the welcoming atmosphere of the workshop, helped her open up and never feel alone.

Her journey is still unfolding, one step at a time, but this experience has already taught her something valuable.

"If I want to work in another country in the future, I know I have to be prepared for everything to feel unfamiliar at first. I need to give myself time to adjust to a new environment and remember that I'm not alone".

Arabella dreams of one day working in an art studio or a museum and becoming an artist.

Spazio 3R has been one meaningful stop along her journey, and we're grateful to have been a place where she could learn, grow, and gain confidence in herself.

Bon voyage, Arabella!