Francesca Cricelli (’00) - Finding Her Voice In Every Language

Francesca Cricelli (’00) arrived at ISKL in Grade 7, newly relocated from Brazil by way of Italy, with limited English and little understanding of international schools. What began as a challenging adjustment became a transformational experience - one that shaped her future as a writer, translator, and scholar. In this interview, Francesca reflects on the teachers who inspired her, the power of multilingualism, and how ISKL helped her discover a lifelong passion for language and literature.

After living in Reykjavik, Iceland, since 2009, Francesca has recently begun a new postdoctoral research position and relocated with her family to Brazil to continue her academic work.

Can You Tell Us More About Yourself?

I was born in Brazil and hold Italian citizenship. I lived in both countries before moving to Kuala Lumpur in early 1995. I arrived mid-school year in Grade 7, with limited English and no idea what to expect from an international school.

My parents moved to Barcelona in 2000, the same year I graduated from High School with the IB diploma—incidentally, it was also the Year of the Dragon. Living in Malaysia and attending ISKL were among the most formative experiences of my life; what I learned during those years shaped every decision thereafter.

Describe Your First Days At ISKL - What Were They Like?

Before my first day, I took an English placement test for English as a Second Language (ESL). A few of us sat at a table, pencils and erasers in hand. Despite studying some English in Brazil and Italy, it wasn’t enough to navigate an entire curriculum.

Initially, I attended only English, Math, and P.E. I didn’t even understand how lockers worked-turn right, then left, then right again. It felt like an alien world. In Italy, we carried every book home daily. I showed up with a bright, heavy Invicta backpack while others wore minimalist, monochrome Eastpaks.

Switching classrooms was new to me, too; in Italy, teachers moved, not students. It was overwhelming and also exhilarating. I’ve always had a sense of adventure. I’d adapted before, moving from Brazil to Italy, and I was ready to do it again. I owe a debt of gratitude to three teachers: my ESL teachers, Mrs. Rosevear and Mr. Thompson, and my math teacher, Mrs. Cannon. Her husband would later teach me IB History. Within a semester, I was fluent in English. They performed a kind of miracle.

Were There Any Teachers Or Mentors At ISKL Who Were Particularly Influential In Your Chosen Career Path?

Every teacher shaped me, but some changed my life. They ignited my love for literature, poetry, translation, and the arts. They taught beyond the syllabus, tying our teenage emotions to the texts we read.

Ms. Colman, my Advanced English teacher in Grades 11 and 12, and Mr. O’Reily in Grade 10, who brought Shakespeare and cinema alive, were central to this journey. Mrs. Tan supported our IB exam prep, and Mr. Trygstad guided my work on the yearbook and The Hornbill magazine. We even had a digital poetry magazine—avant-garde for the '90s!

Mr. Rosevear, my IB mentor and theater director, also played a key role. Later, I realized that my eventual pivot to language and literary studies stemmed from these experiences, even though I initially studied Political Science and Journalism.

My final Advanced English project was a translation and video presentation of Leopardi’s poetry. Ms. Colman taught me how to read deeply - something no university professor has ever matched. It was in her class that I discovered Whitman, Yeats, Eliot, Conrad, Camus, Toni Morrison, Zora Neale Hurston, and García Márquez. That foundation continues to shape how I see the world.

Which Extracurriculars Or After-School Activities Did You Participate In And Enjoy At ISKL?

I was involved in a wide range of activities: Middle School Choir, High School Theater (Thespian), Earth Club with Mr. Hopkins, class Vice President, and some swimming. I joined "Who Cares," went on two Habitat for Humanity trips to the Philippines, and did community service at a children's hospital - an experience that became deeply meaningful. Mr. Crouch, our biology teacher, was our mentor. I also participated in Operation Starship with Ms. Purbrick and competed in IASAS Drama.

Describe Your Most Memorable Moments At ISKL?

There isn’t just one moment that stands out. Learning English, joining Advanced English, acting in plays, and traveling for ISTA and IASAS shaped me.

Friendships were central. I still keep in close touch with Diya Ghosh and Paula Villanueva and fondly remember Jenni Wisung, Isbel James, Jenny Lunstead, and Ian Griffiths.

ISKL was where I came of age. I appreciate that we studied Southeast Asian History - a visionary part of the curriculum. I hope there’s now a class on Decolonial Studies.

ISKL taught us to think independently and study autonomously.

LIFE AFTER ISKL

Do You Feel Like ISKL Prepared You Well For Life After School?

Absolutely. Learning was rigorous yet organic and fun. I breezed through university, graduating on time. My father still jokes that ISKL gave me my organizational skills. If that’s true, I’m grateful - it never felt like excessive discipline, just purposeful structure.

Tell Us What You Did After You Graduated From ISKL?

After graduating, I tried Business Administration in Barcelona but quickly realized it wasn’t for me. I moved to Florence for a BA in Political Science and Journalism. During my master’s in São Paulo, I interned with the UN in New Delhi. I also taught Italian language and worked as an interpreter.

CURRENT LIFE

Can You Share More About Your Professional Journey?

I began informally translating my aunt’s psychoanalytic texts. Later, I taught at the Italian Cultural Center in São Paulo and facilitated for the International Honors Program.

In 2011, I curated a literary exhibition at Casa das Rosas, a museum housing Haroldo de Campos’ archive. There, I discovered unpublished letters by Giuseppe Ungaretti, which led to my PhD in Translation Studies.

While studying, I taught literary translation, published bilingual poetry, and translated novels. My poetry has appeared in journals from Turkey to Iceland. I earned my PhD in 2019, and Mondadori published Ungaretti’s letters.

Read more about Francesca's transformative experience and her fascinating journey after graduation in the latest edition of our alumni magazine, Selamanya, here.