Interview of the Month

Student Studying for 6 Weeks in Milan, Italy

“Before travelling I had only heard the word “ciao” and I didn’t know if it meant hello or goodbye”

This was your first time abroad?
As I am a freelance journalist I travel as much as I can. Italy was quite a challenge, especially for the language. I chose Milan because I am very interested in fashion and the cosmopolitan view of the Italian mass media.

What did you like the most about Italy?
As I am a very culturally sensitive person I enjoyed very much discovering the local traditions. I remember going to the street market to buy some oranges. I was starting to pick the ones I thought were the juiciest when I was abruptly interrupted by a crazy seller who treated me as if I had insulted him somehow. Later on I learned that in Italy picking up a fruit for inspection is considered a sign of disrespect towards the knowledge of the seller who has the proper experience and is there to do it for you. These are the experiences I will never forget from Italy and that I keep on telling to everyone that asks me about my trip.

How was the experience of learning Italian in Italy?
Before travelling I had only heard the word “ciao” and I didn’t know if it meant hello or goodbye. Anyhow I decided to go to Milan and learn the language by just interacting with locals. After a month of that I figured it was also important to properly learn it so I took an Italian course.

Did you have the possibility of visiting different areas? Which ones did you like the most?  
I went to Rome and Venice since they are a must when you go to Italy. At least to take those pictures everyone wants to see when you get back, Piazza di San Pietro, the Coliseum, the gondola trip, etc.

What did you like most about the school?
The school staff was like a family to me. I met incredible people and we had a great time during lessons.

What did you like the least about your experience?
During the second week of my course I found myself stuck and frustrated. I felt I knew thousands of segregated words but wasn’t able to make a complete sentence. I was about to give up but my teachers were very supportive and encourage me to find out that progress is not a matter of one day.

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