Italian Beginner to Graduate to Staff: Arianna Contreras

People

Arianna is in the Italian School.
Arianna in a toga for the festa dei Baccanalia, a festa during the Italian School.

Arianna Contreras, an alumnus of our Italian Immersion and MA programs, spent her second summer as a Bilingual Assistant at our Italian School in summer 2025. 

Arianna Contreras

Academic Year Position: Graduate Student and Teaching Assistant in Spanish/Italian, Syracuse University 
Programs: 7-week Immersion (Level 1); Italian Master’s: 4 Summers Option
Language Schools Position: Bilingual Assistant
Summers worked at the Language Schools: 2

How many years have you spent with the Italian School? 

I’ve been with the Italian School for almost 10 years now. As a Level 1 student back in 2016 to finishing my MA in 2023. I am now a Bilingual Assistant and have been since summer 2024. 

How did you first come to the Italian School? 

I was the catering/dining hall manager and the director of the Italian School offered the staff who were interested in learning Italian to sit in on a level 1 class. I took him up on that offer and have been with the Italian School ever since. 

A group of students hikes in Oakland Regional Park, 2019.
Hiking in Oakland Regional Park in 2019. 

What do you like most about working at the Italian School? 

I really enjoy getting to know the students and helping build community with them.

What do you do during the academic year? 

During the academic year, I teach Italian and Spanish at Syracuse University. I am also currently finishing up my M.A. in Spanish Literature. 

What is one of your favorite memories or events at the Italian School?

One of my favorite memories at the Italian School this summer was watching the Perseid meteor shower with the students at the end of the world at Bennington. It was one of the last events before the end of the program, and it was lovely connecting with one another trying to catch some shooting stars.

Why should folks come to the Italian School to learn Italian? 

The Italian School is a great place to learn Italian and immerse yourself in the language and culture, but it’s also a place where you find a community and build connections. The professors and staff are always around for the students, whether it’s helping them with their homework or playing soccer or volleyball together. At Bennington campus, the students receive the full experience of being immersed in the  Italian language and culture. There’s lots of cultural events like the mozzarella and limoncello workshops, as well as lots of feste! The Italian School is also known for l’opportunità. 

At the Italian School you will have l’opportunità to learn and improve your Italian, as well as meeting amazing people from all over the world. It’s an opportunity that shouldn’t be passed up. 

What is your favorite part of your job? 

My favorite part of my job is spending time and hanging out with students. In our office we have our caffè corner and it’s always fun having students come by per fare un caffè and hanging out, doing homework or just chit-chatting. It’s one of the best parts of being a Bilingual Assistant. 

students work with their teacher at a table in Italian class.

In addition to her role as a Bilingual Assistant at the Italian School, Arianna also serves as an ambassador for our 7-week Italian Immersion Program. Connect with Arianna or one of our other ambassadors for our immersion and graduate programs! 

Applications for summer 2026 at the Italian School open on November 3. Gather your materials to apply to our immersion and graduate programs, which now include an MAT With Teaching Licensure.