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What motivated you to participate in an overseas experience?

Since I was 8 months of age I have been travelling and moving to different countries with my family, which is the biggest reason for my interest in a study overseas experience. Travelling and exploring new cultures were also a few other motivational factors.

What was the highlight of your Exchange?

The highlight of my exchange semester was being able to travel to different countries on the weekends all around Europe, from tropical destinations to negative temperatures, but it all allowed me to reach my goal of visiting 20 countries before the end of the year. Another major highlight of this experience was being able to meet all different kinds of people from across the world that you can connect with, that end up becoming some of your best friends.

What challenges did you face during your Exchange, and how did you overcome them?

The main challenge for me was the culture difference and settling into a new country by myself where 80% of the people speak Italian and there's very few English speaking people. (So, Google Translate was my best friend)

What was your biggest takeaway from your experience?

My biggest takeaway is that, say yes more to doing things out of your comfort zone, because its only when you’re uncomfortable that you learn and grow. And I am so grateful I said yes to this experience, because now I have a best friend that I didn’t know I needed, all the way across the world.

Do you have 1 piece of advice you would tell other students thinking about going on Exchange?

Stay present in the moment, everything about this experience is so surreal that sometimes you might forget how excited you were to be on an experience like this. Even if you don’t feel like it because you’re missing home, remind yourself that this is only temporary, but the memories you make will stick with you for a lifetime.

What new skills or knowledge did you gain from the experience?

Academically, I learnt about the fashion industry through a course at my host university, which was interesting and great for my future aspirations. Personally, I learnt how to adult for the first time, from doing the groceries to cooking every night, calling the plumber for some maintenance work and so many more things.

What is something that would entice you to travel back to Italy?

The main reason I would choose to return to Milan would be for the memories, since it is a smaller city compared to some others and given that I travelled a lot around Europe I have some other favourite cities. 

How did participating in an Exchange influence your personal growth?

As a Type A person, this exchange experience taught me that you cannot have everything go as planned and it is ok when things don’t work out as you anticipated. So, coming to terms with that and stressing less about things that are out of my control is a big one!

How did this overseas experience impact your academic or career goals?

My experience at Bocconi University has had a huge positive impact on my academic and career goals, since Bocconi is crowned as a prestigious university in Italy, and I believe it is ranked 4th in Europe; and I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to be a part of the University.