Written by Emily L Wisely
Harding Universityoffers several programs that enable students to travel to countries throughout the world and gain new perspectives and fresh insight from different cultures. Many students are familiar with theoverseas academic curricula, as well as the short-term and long-term international missionaryprograms, such asGlobal Outreach.
While most of the overseas opportunities are offered to those currently enrolled at Harding, there are also several that apply to graduates who still want to travel and share their faith with foreigners.Avanti Italiais one of those programs. Translated “Onward Italy,” Avanti Italia is based inScandicci, Italy — a suburb of Florence — and consists of a team of college-graduates who are eager to spread God’s love.Those involved in Avanti Italia have committed two years to giving free English lessons to Italians. They use the Bible to teach the new language to their students, and since it is a personal setting, theAvanti team membersform relationships with their students.
Two recent graduates of Harding are still settling in Italy for the program. Jillian Shackelford, who flew to Scandicci almost two months ago, says she decided to come to Italy for a couple reasons.
“After studying abroad inFlorence, I fell in love with Italy and had decided to continue learning the language…and I had no idea what I wanted to do after graduation,” Jillian said.
Although she has heard about Avanti, she didn’t seriously consider it until the parents of her good friend, Emily Woodroof, looked into applying to be the new on-sitedirectorsof Avanti. Emily, who is also new in the program, had a similar draw to Avanti. Like Jillian, she had studied in Florence and knew she wanted to return some day. The missionary aspect fit in with her goals as well.
“I wanted to do some sort of mission work. This was a good time to concentrate solely on that,” Emily said. “Also, I knew that if I went ahead to grad school immediately after graduation, I probably wouldn’t come. So here I am!”
Emily’s decision to participate in Avanti with her parents was an encouragement to Jillian.
“It made me realize that I could commit too, seizing the opportunity to serve the Lord in a place [and] with the people I loved,” Jillian said. “Not only is Italy a beautiful place with a rich heritage, it is a place full of beautiful people to whom relationships mean a great deal.”
Emily and Jillian have stayed busy attending language school four hours a day for each weekday. Both women agree that the language barrier is the most difficult adjustment, even though they each have practiced Italian for several semesters.
“The study is fairly intense, but coupled with the necessity of speaking with Italians everywhere you go, it really helps your ability to comprehend and respond appropriately,” Jillian said. “One thing’s for sure: the Italians are great about being patient with those who are learning… that makes the adjustment a little bit easier.”
Emily still struggles, as well, but the Italian classes she completed as an undergrad are paying off.
“I am so grateful that I studied Italian before I came,” she said. “It has been so rewarding being able to communicate and to see someone’s face light up because you took the time to learn their language.”
Since Jillian and Emily are still both in language school, they are limited to a small number of students each week. As they improve their Italian, they will acquire more students- but no more than 15, since the intimate setting encourages the development of relationships.
“Lessons are open to anyone,” Jillian said. “Therefore, the ages, levels and special interests of my students vary greatly. This makes for a very interesting experience. But I love it.”
Emily mentioned that she will finish language school next month, and will begin teaching 19 five-year-olds at a nearby daycare — and none of them know any English. The Avanti Team also plans to coordinate a weekly English conversation class.
Avanti Italia continues to grow in members and spread the Good News in humble service. There is no special degree required, or any previous knowledge of the Italian language.
“If anyone is considering this program,” Jillian said, “they should know that Avanti Italia is a structured, Christ-centered program that gives the opportunity of a lifetime to experience, not only all of the wonderful things Italy has to offer, but also the unfathomable ways the Spirit can work in their life.”
Jillian and Emilyhave another 22 months ahead of them, and they are both thankful for this opportunity to teach English in Italy.
“I believe that no matter where we are, God is always supplying us with opportunities to serve Him by serving others,” Jillian said. “All it really takes is an open heart and a willing, committed spirit. The Lord provides the rest.”
