ETA Allison Gross and her students connected across oceans and time zones with high schoolers in Turin, Italy, this past month via Zoom.

Despite initial technical challenges (and understanding differing English accents), the high schoolers quickly discovered common ground, bonding over their shared dislike of math and enthusiasm for volleyball and soccer. The Indonesian students were intrigued by the Italian students’ casual demeanor and school clothing, while the Italian students were impressed by how Indonesian traditions of pencak silat, Javanese dance, and gamelan were maintained through extracurriculars at SMAN 1 Sedayu. (The Italians were in near disbelief when hearing about the volcanic activity in Indonesia).

The conversation then organically turned to discussing underserved communities’ rights and dating/societal norms in Italy versus Indonesia– the Indonesian students were surprised by the Italian students’ late nights and social gatherings, while the Italian students were equally curious about the Indonesian students’ more conservative, family-oriented culture.

Despite the notable cultural differences, the Zoom call was a resounding success– some students exchanged Instagram handles with plans to keep perhaps in touch. The students were engaged, curious, and open-minded, and the conversation flowed easily across cultural and linguistic boundaries. Allison was thrilled to have facilitated this connection between her and her aunt’s students, and she looks forward to future opportunities for cross-cultural exchange.

After the Zoom call, Allison and her students celebrated learning about Italian culture by indulging in a pizza party.

Allison Gross is currently teaching at SMAN 1 Sedayu, Special Region of Yogyakarta.