What inspired you to travel abroad?
I always wanted to study abroad, learn a new language, and meet new people. It was not my intention to start studying during the pandemic, but the situation turned out like this, and it was a nice experience.
I was planning to go to study abroad from the first year of university, so I started studying English, and Italian with a lot of time. This allowed me to travel feeling safe in the language and being able to focus on other things. I first traveled to China to study the Chinese language and then to Italy.
An exposition of different portfolios presented by students
Why did you choose Scuola Moda Cesena?
I decided to take a course on CAD software because it completed my previous studies in fashion design, and it was an opportunity to interact with people who speak Italian and practice the language.
The course was useful to me, it is a very specific tool for working in fashion. If you are not yet working in fashion you can take a more generic or basic course like pattern making or illustration. Teachers are very nice and they can teach at different levels as each student requires.
What was your favorite part about Italy?
Living in Italy is a very nice experience, the place is stimulating, and the food is very good. Summer is a good time to come to Italy, since in winter it is really very cold. The best part of being here was the experience of life in the city, the people, and learning the language.
With a minimal base of language study, I was able to learn very well in just one year. Cesena is a small town, but the people are very friendly and speak Italian without any strange accent which allows students to learn the language well.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
New people and new places. Meeting new people and new places is always fascinating. I think it is the interaction with unknown people and places that allows one to grow during an experience abroad.
They say that traveling connects you with yourself, and I think it is very successful. The best part of traveling was visiting historical places. Italy is full of super ancient places, archeological excavations, and special places like the city where Dante found inspiration to write his books.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The staff was very friendly; they helped me throughout the process and guided me very well. At first it was difficult for me to speak Italian. I understood it well, but I did not feel safe. The teaching team is very available and they had the patience to explain things to me as many times as necessary, making me feel calm even when I was making mistakes.
That helped me a lot to improve the language. At all times I had support to carry out documents and procedures, Italy can be very bureaucratic and sometimes things are not clear for foreigners, however, the school always guided me and helped me in these processes.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I would have preferred to travel in a calmer time, not during the pandemic, in order to have more freedom. Luckily now you can lead a more normal life, since most of the restrictions have been removed. I had studied Italian for almost 10 years before coming to Italy, because my plans changed over time and I decided to travel to other places before coming to Italy. It would have been useful to resume my Italian lessons before coming. It would have made my arrival much easier. Luckily there are apps to study Italian.
The whole group after the school event for closing the academic year
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
Get up in the morning to go to the city center, have a coffee in a local cafeteria (the breakfasts are delicious), go to study and finish at noon, go to the beach or go for a walk. In general, during the week I did a fairly basic routine, I even joined a gym so as not to follow my routine. During the weekends I would go to see places, go to the mountains with friends, or go for walks in the forest to eat at picturesque restaurants. It was a very regular life from Monday to Friday.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
The beaches, the landscapes, and the restaurants. Cesena is very close to the riviera romagnola, a beautiful tourist area which can be reached by bus, train or even by bicycle. Around Cesena there are large parks and this is the Casentinese party where I have sometimes gone to stay in a little mountain house. Without a doubt the food in the area is delicious, Italians love to show off their good food and there is always a new restaurant to visit. They hold fairs and markets where you can try typical dishes.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
When I arrived I stayed at a friend's house until I got a room to move. It is very easy to find rooms for students. It is a university area and many people have large apartments in which they rent rooms to students.
Moving is a time of stress and uncertainty, but everything is easily resolved. It is important to carry out the documentation and the necessary permits, on that you have to be very attentive, but you can always ask the school staff for advice, who know how to guide you very well.
What is one thing every future participant should know about the Intensive Fashion Course in Italy before their program begins?
Study a minimum base of Italian language and organize the arrival: accommodation, transportation etc. Regarding my program in particular, it is necessary to have previous knowledge of tailoring and to understand well how the production of clothing works.
In my case, I already had work study experience in the field. Anyway, the teachers explain everything to you and help you. It is important to be attentive to the necessary documentation, to have health insurance, perhaps travel insurance, and obtain an international driving license. Traveling in times of pandemic, it is super important to pay attention to the necessary requirements for arrival in the country.
Would you recommend Scuola Moda Cesena to others? Why?
Yes! I think it's a good program at a good price. One of my priorities, when choosing a program abroad, was to have free time. I had already studied at another university abroad, and I did not have much free time.
It was very annoying since it is an opportunity to travel and get to know the place. School closed on Fridays, so in general I had long weekends and that allowed me to go wherever I wanted. I once had to change my schedule so I could take a whole week off. The school was always very supportive.
The whole group after the school event for closing the academic year
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
Learn a new language and meet new people. Live new adventures... Even the most difficult moments leave you a lesson. Like that first period when you leave a place and you don't know anyone, that all the little problems seem impossible to solve.
Completing all the documentation upon arrival, learning to use public transport, making new friends is all a challenge and being able to overcome these challenges helps you grow and function better even when you go back to your regular life.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
I have not gone back home yet... But I feel I know myself much better now. I get used to being away from my family, I miss them a lot, but I also learned to spend more time with myself and I value more time with my loved ones when I see them, since I don't see them as often as before.
From each place you visit, you take a small part with you. Be it the food, the way of speaking, or even the way of the world. Each new place shapes you and your perspective. Travel is the best way to grow.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To have the possibility of living a complete experience and not just being a tourist. Being able to get into the minds and culture of the local people and see things from another perspective. A trip is truly unforgettable when you spend enough time in one place to create your routine and meet people.
To have a complete experience you have to immerse yourself in the culture. Going to study in a place is a good way to do it, since there are also school trips and opportunities to interact with new people who have similar interests.
