Abstract

The essay is a study on the Italian high school, which involved 448 students from 47 countries, who attended a schoolyear in Italy. Two questionnaires at the beginning and the end of school year 2010-2011 and 12 final interviews surveyed their ideas, perceptions and representations of the Italian school context they have observed in the double perspective of outsiders and temporary insiders. Data analysis points out cultural axes of the Italian school, some of which known and debated, others less visible to those who observe them only from the inside. Critical remarks on the teaching approach, on organization, timing and curriculum stand out within an overall evaluation of their school experience in our country that, although valued under some respects, is marked by boredom and few would recommend others to do.