After being stationed in Italy, family hosts exchange student

by Airman 1st Class Megan Friedl
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

4/16/2014 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Spending seven years in Italy can make some people want to stay there for the rest of their lives.

However, while being in the Air Force, Airmen don't always have that choice. That was the case with the McBride family. Since they could no longer stay stationed at Aviano Air Base in Italy they wanted to bring some of Italy with them to their next station.

Master Sgt. Anton McBride, 375th Force Support Squadron sustainment services superintendent, came to Scott Air Force Base with his family in November 2011. When they got here they were missing the culture in Italy. One of Anton's daughters, Antonelle, 17, who is now a Senior at Mascoutah High School, decided to contact the American Field Service exchange program. She brought it up to her parents and they decided to host a student. Antonelle found a student on the website who was coming to the area who plays tennis and also plays the flute, just like she did so she thought they could be a good match.

After many emails and video chats they finally met in August 2013. They threw a "Welcome to America" party in honor of Francesca Barbieri, 17. Neighbors, co-workers, friends and family of the McBrides came to welcome Francesca with smiles and American gifts. The whole family bonded with Francesca. Antonelle said she especially bonded with her because of similar interests and their same age. At their high school they played tennis together in the fall and are now running track together too.

Sydney, 10, Anton's younger daughter, plays games with Francesca such as a hand game called Sardina, which is Italian for "little fish." They like to play the Uno card game, too, which is not played in Italy.

Both Anton and his wife, Carmen, said they are very excited about the exchange and are glad both of their daughters have made such great connections with Francesca.

"We actually got lucky, because they act just alike," said Anton. "It was good from the start."

Francesca said she is enjoying her time in America and some of her favorite American things are bacon, and cookies and cream flavored ice cream. She experienced some very American holidays, like homecoming, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Easter. She even participated in marching band.

"I never marched before and didn't know what to do. It was so hard at first, but then I learned how to do it," Francesca said. "I am now in concert band, and am first chair."

She has also volunteered with the Scott Exceptional Family Member Program and rang bells in front of the commissary and Base Exchange for the First Sergeants Association.

"I wanted to come to America from watching American movies," said Francesca. "I thought America was cool and I wanted to improve my English, too."

From the experience so far she said she likes having a second family and being able to always rely on them.

Francesca's exchange ends in June, soon after she graduates with Antonelle, but she plans to come back in August.

Carmen said, "We genuinely love Francesca and it's going to be sad to see her go, even if it's just for a short time."

Antonelle said her friendship with Francesca has grown and they have so many similar interests that they both plan to go to college together next year majoring in linguistics, and be roommates in an apartment at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.

Anton said, "I would recommend other military families to host exchange students, because it's a great way to learn more about different cultures and you can build a relationship that lasts forever."