The newest member of Bridgeport’s Abraham family is 16-year-old Maria Louisa Oosi. From Sardinia Island, situate off the cost of Italy, Maria is an exchange student, staying with the family for the entire 2015-2016 school year.

 

It is the family’s first experience with an exchange student, Tammy Abraham said, adding that the idea was that of her daughter Taylor, a Bridgeport High School junior. Taylor was inspired to share the idea with her mom after returning from a July educational European tour which she took through her BHS French class.

 

“She enjoyed it so much and after she got back, she asked if I would consider having an exchange student,” Tammy said. “We looked up the program and asked for information and within one minute, I got a phone call.”

 

The exchange program is through EF Educational Tours. After completing paperwork, the company sent the Abrahams a list of students who might be a good fit for them.

 

“They gave us a list of four kids. Taylor and I sat down and went through them. They don’t give you a last name or a photo. They want you to select a student based on their personality and the things they like,” Tammy said.

 

It seemed Maria had a lot in common with Taylor, especially her interest in tennis. Taylor has played two seasons with the Indian Tennis Team. The girls hit it off immediately. They have a lot in common, including hobbies and their sense of style. They are also exactly the same size and can share clothing and shoes, Tammy said.

 

“They dress similarly and Maria was only allowed to bring one suitcase, so she and Taylor can share a wardrobe,” Tammy said.

Taylor’s group of friends have embraced Maria too.

 

“Last weekend, she even spent the night with a couple of girls, so she’s starting to make her own friends too,” Tammy said.

 

As Tammy’s family has Italian roots, some of her family members are familiar with the language.

 

“Both of my parents can speak a little Italian to Maria,” she said. “They get a kick out of it and she does too.”

 

Maria understands English very well and speaks it also.

 

“Verbalizing is a little more difficult, but she’s becoming better and better at it,” Tammy said.

 

Maria also speaks French. She has studied the language for several years. At BHS, she is taking French, as well as English, math and foods/nutrition.

 

Maria has shared with her host family how different school is in her country. It does not resume after summer nearly as early as it does here and it runs from 8:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. six days a week.

 

Also in Italy, students attend specialty schools which concentrate on specific areas such as math, science and language, among other topics.

 

Maria has acclimated well at BHS and in the Bridgeport community.

 

“She is in Student Council with Taylor and hopes to try out for the girls’ basketball team,” Tammy said.

 

She has attended high school soccer and football games. She has been bowling and to her host family’s church. Next month, the family plans to attend a Pittsburgh Pirates game.

 

So far, she likes the food in America, even the Italian dishes.

 

“She gave my meatballs a thumbs up,” Tammy said.

 

The Italian food is similar to what she is accustomed to in her home country – with a few exceptions.

 

“She said our sausage is spicy and theirs is not,” Tammy said. “So she doesn’t order sausage.”

 

With regard to food overall, she was surprised at the large portion sizes in America. Her stay in Bridgeport marked the first time she ever ate a pepperoni roll. Soon, she is going to cook for her host family and treat them to her lasagna. They look forward to that, Tammy said.

 

Maria communicates regularly with her family in Italy, including her parents and twin sister. 

 

Editor's Note: Pictured top and bottom are Taylor Abraham and EF Educational Tours exchange student Maria Louisa Oosi of Italy. Pictured middle is Tammy and Taylor Abraham.