It has been a half of my Erasmus exchange in Italy and so far it has been a very valuable and inspiring experience for me, both personally and professionally. During these months, I have gained a lot of cultural and professional experience that has helped me grow in many different areas of my life. Living abroad has allowed me to become more independent and open-minded in everyday situations.
When it comes to my collaboration with the host entrepreneur, I have gained a lot of practical knowledge related to design and teamwork. Working on real projects and with experienced senior designers has taught me a lot about the professional approach to creative work. I have had the opportunity to observe the entire design process. Thanks to this experience, I am improving not only my technical abilities but also my communication and problem-solving skills. I am also developing new skills and learning from other co-workers every day.
Besides that, living in Italy has given me the opportunity to travel and get to know the culture from a completely different perspective. I have already visited lakes near my city, such as Garda, Iseo and Lago d’Orta, which were truly beautiful and unforgettable places. I have also visited cities like Rome, Milan and Venice, where I could experience beautiful Italian architecture, art and cuisine. Every trip has helped me understand Italian culture better and appreciate the diversity of this country. I am still planning to visit a few more places before the end of the exchange because I want to make the most of this opportunity.
One of the main challenges of the exchange is that some people are afraid of using English. I didn’t expect it to be such a problem among people my age. However, I managed to handle this aspect as well. I am learning Italian and it motivates me to practice every day, even during simple conversations in shops or restaurants. I have also noticed that being forced to use the language in real speaking situations has helped me improve much faster and become less stressed while communicating.
I definitely feel that the objectives of the program are being met. This exchange has already taught me a lot, and I know it will have a positive impact on my future career and personal development. I want to use the rest of my time here to further develop my vocational and language skills, gain even more experience and travel to a few more places.