What inspired you to travel abroad?
I was searching for new academic and cultural experiences, so I decided that going abroad was the best way to achieve this. At the moment, I’m studying veterinary medicine at Messina University in Italy - however, we don’t do many practice activities. I chose Spain because I wanted to experience the teaching methods at the universities here. I also chose Spain because I heard that Spanish are very welcoming people.
Street view with European architecture
Why did you choose ALE Zaragoza?
I came to Spain through the governmental program ERASMUS+, which is a good option for students that want to enrich their curriculum. It is the most common program among Italian students and it supports the whole European Union.
I was looking for a school that could help me to learn Spanish in a short period of time, and I found ALE Zaragoza. I chose them because their communications grabbed my attention. I felt super comfortable interacting in the classes with the students and the teacher because they limit the number of students in the class. It was perfect for what I needed.
What was your favorite part about Spain?
My favorite parts of Spain are the parties, the people, the activities available to do in the city, the local soccer team, Casgo Antiguo - which is an urban district delimited by the medieval fence - and “La basílica del pilar”, the most popular church in the city.
In terms of university, they have an excellent structure and different methods of teaching—it made the experience more enriching.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
What made my experience abroad extraordinary was definitely the people from Spain. They are always willing to help and they are really kind and polite.
Architecture and structures of La fiesta de Nuestra Señora del Pillar
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
My local staff was incredible. They were always available to solve any problem.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I wouldn't have done anything different. Because when you are in an unknown place, you need to discover.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
In the morning, I took Spanish classes at Ale Zaragoza, then I came back home to have lunch, and in the afternoon I had classes at the university. During the night, I liked to go out with my friends to see different places in the center of the city.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
What I liked the most was walking around in the city to visit new places.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
The accommodation was an apartment for two. My favorite part was the living room, it was well equipped.
Train passing through European city
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
If you are completing a degree, it is important to know the necessary classes at the university to make the diploma equivalent. Renting an apartment in the very center of the city is helpful. Always search for different places, people, and experiences.
Would you recommend your program/provider to others? Why?
Yes, I would. It's a new opportunity to get to know new places, learn new idioms, and it’s a good way to get a different academic experience.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
The biggest benefit of traveling abroad is becoming a different person than the person that you were before arriving.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
A trip where I can get more knowledge and have more cultural experiences.
