Ciao, Venice! Unforgettable experience in Italy through mobility program
Maria Zhiteneva about the trip: "I spent the fall semester at Ca'Foscari University in Venice, and this mobility program gave me a lot of bright emotions, as if I was living a whole new little life!"
Accommodation
Venice offers the opportunity to live in the city itself, on its picturesque islands or on the mainland. The most common option is to live in the Mestre district on the mainland, which is easily accessible by train or bus from Venice. University campuses are scattered throughout Venice, creating a unique atmosphere. For example, my economics campus is only 15 minutes away by bus. For some guys, it was only 5 minutes to get to the science campus in Mestre.
When I was looking for a place to live for six months, I chose the student residence. It is a place where mostly international students from Ca'Foscari and exchange students live. It's impossible not to make new friends while cooking in the communal kitchen, working out in the gym or just relaxing in the cozy lobby.
Socialization
As I mentioned before, living in a dormitory helps you to make new friends. The university also actively organizes various events and parties - the whole month of September was full of activities. It was especially interesting to meet and socialize with other students because each student has their own unique background. I made many new friends from Colombia, Korea, America, Lithuania and other countries!
Studies
Education in Italy is characterized by a comfortable approach: here you can retake exams, which allows you to improve your grades. This method of learning helps you not to be afraid of making mistakes and to try again. At Ca'Foscari there is no strict division between seminars and lectures, as there is at the Higher School of Economics. It is mostly lectures, but the lecturers interact actively with us. Some subjects have practical classes, but they are also different from the usual seminars - the teacher usually solves all the examples by himself. In general, studying at Ca'Foscari has turned out to be quite pleasant: the teachers are friendly and always ready to help.
Conclusions
At first, you slowly fall into the Italian dolce vita: getting used to the leisurely lifestyle, enjoying a cappuccino and a croissant in the morning, watching TV every day and communicating in English. And before you know it, you're standing there with tears in your eyes, saying goodbye to your friends.
But that's the beauty of the exchange: time is limited and you learn to appreciate every moment. I am forever grateful to the Higher School of Economics for giving me the opportunity to spend six months in Italy!
