From 11th to 12th March 2002 we had a meeting in Monza among Swedish, English and Italian students. In this conference we've compared some aspects or difficulties among us. So I've intervewed the groups of Freeway International Team asking these three easy questions:

1. have you experienced any difficulty about communication with the other guys? Do you think it's a good way to learn English for us? And in general to learn a foreign language?

English opinion: Communication between students in England and Italy is quite difficult. Some of our students have e-mailed students in Italy and have had no reply, however, we all agree that we could make more of an effort with e-mailing. Another problem with e-mail is that some students use symbols or abbreviations which makes it difficult for others. We think that freeway is very good for learning languages.

Swedish opinion: No, we have learn much English so it's not a big problem! We think that freeway is a good way to learn English.

Italian opinion: We haven't had some problem to communicate with other guys during the conference, but probably sometime they talked too fast for us! In any case this was a good experience because it was nice to talk with our corresponding. So we can say it had been better to communicate directly among the other guys more than to write articles.

2.what are the differences of culture or lifestyle that you have found? what do you think about it?

English opinion: We have noticed some differences in the culture of Sweden. For exemple, some students live on their own. The Swedes also seem very enthusiastic about their traditions. During the trip in Italy we noticed that some students work very hard. Also, we find it quite strange that teenagers don't drink alchool, however your Italian students smoke much more than us.

Swedish opinion: We meet our friends at home in the houses...not outside very often!

Italian opinion: We didn't see many differences in our habits, but we see much more differences between our and their society or culure, for example they can't drink alcool until 18. some of us have found other guys very chill about communication and they had few ideas to propose, maybe they was shy! But not with Italian boys...!

3.what are your conclusions about this type of meeting? Have you got any new ideas or suggestions for the future?

English opinion: We felt that the meeting was a great opportunuty to travel and to meet new people. However, the work achieved by different groups varied. Some students took it more seriously than others. Our suggestions for the future are to get more countries involved! For exemple America, France, Germany, Spain and Wales!!! We could use the exchange schools and get to know more people.

Swedish opinion: Well, we had a good time and we hope that this Freeway-progect will continue!!!

Italian opinion: This experience was very useful for the Freeway Project...but probably we'd have had more time to talk with the guys, to focus on the important communicative aspect and to spread out our articles into the web.

If someone want to add something, please write to Dora Pinato(free8@itcgbianchi.mi.it)