"All the bureaucratic complications are trifles on the way to a memorable experience". How to go to Italy on a student exchange

Ekaterina Vyalykh, the 3rd year student of the educational programme "Business management" spent an autumn semester of the last year in the prestigious Italian university LUISS (Libera Università Internazionale degli Studi Sociali Guido Carli) in Rome. Ekaterina shares her impressions of her trip and explains why it is definitely worth taking the opportunity to go to a foreign university as an exchange student.

 

Background

I found out about the exchange programme as soon as I entered "Vyshka" University. But for some reason this opportunity seemed extremely unobtainable: I thought that only "special" students could go to study in another country. I lived with this thought for two years until the third year when my classmates went to LUISS. They shared photos, emotions from studying, and then I realized that I could not miss the once in a lifetime chance to go on exchange to another country. Especially since there was only one year of study at "Vyshka" University ahead of me.

Preparation

I can honestly say that I did not read too many reviews and advice during the preparation stage. I knew that I wanted to go to study in Italy, a country of sun, pizza, pasta and love. And thanks to the experience of classmates, I quickly decided on a host university. It was LUISS. On the Mobility Centre's page, I got acquainted with the participation scheme and filled in all the necessary documents. P.S. Don't listen to anyone saying that it is time consuming and complicated! All the information is on the website and it only takes a couple of days to prepare the documents. The main thing is the desire and to do it in advance. ;)

In my year of travel there were all these problems with impossibility to pay by bank cards, etc., but again, in my opinion these are not "problems" when the opportunity to study in another country, travel, meet new people and learn their culture is at stake. Everything can be solved! The only advice is to look for accommodation as soon as you've been approved - there will be much more suitable options that way. I went for the autumn term, and at the beginning of August there were only 2 out of 50 options left, and not the best ones.

Studying and student life

The LUISS's campus is a piece of heaven on earth, with a gorgeous garden and singing parrots. If visual images are important to you, then LUISS is the right place to go. The entire campus is designed to make you want to come here every day. Here you'll find plenty of places to study and relax: the co-working space, the loft, etc.

The learning process itself is built in a comfortable mode, the teaching staff is at the highest level, top leaders of major companies are invited. There is also time for travel. I highly recommend participating in student organizations' events — there are many in Rome: ERA, ESN, ASE, etc. In addition to the events, in Rome itself they organize trips to different cities and it's a must-have for exchange education! Imagine the atmosphere when several buses with students go on a tour of Italy — it's something unforgettable. A whole new emotion and experience when you meet students from all over the world.

Impressions of the mobility programme

As I mentioned earlier, being able to go on exchange is a completely unique experience: new knowledge, acquaintances, cities. I am very grateful to "Vyshka" University and LUISS for this opportunity, because the memories will stay with me forever. I would like to recommend to you: do not be afraid of anything! All the bureaucratic moments are just trifles on your way to an unforgettable experience. You’ll manage to do everything you wish!