Fashion, food, music, and cars, are a couple of things people think of when they hear about Italy. However, I would say that Erasmus in Italy is much more than that.
For the past semester, I studied at the University of Bologna, which has a multi-campus structure in 5 different cities: Bologna, Forlì, Cesena, Rimini, and Ravenna. The campuses are organized by field and level of study, so if you’re interested in having an exchange semester at the University of Bologna, check out the location of your courses!
I studied in the Forlì Campus, which I feel content to describe as the Mediterranean version of Tartu.
It is a picturesque city, situated in Emilia-Romagna, Northern Italy. In Forlì you can reach almost any place on foot, which is also highly encouraged due to the beautiful atmosphere! While last year I was amazed by the Street Art of Tartu, in Italy I had an amazing time walking through the grandiose Italian portics and on narrow cobblestone streets. It feels like a vintage movie set. Piazza Aurelio Saffi (which is the main square), holds the main events of the city, such as the Christmas market, marathons, and exhibitions and it is also the main meeting point for many students.
One of my favorite places in Forlì is Parco Urbano Franco Agosto. I can call it the highlight of my semester abroad, because it is the best environment I ever found for both relaxing and studying. What makes it so impressive is the hundreds of rabbits hopping everywhere around the park! People can feed them if they want to or they can simply lay on the grass among them.
Indeed, students also have the possibility to study in special areas provided by the university. The Teaching Hub is the most popular place where students go to study. I would say that it is similar to Delta Building in Tartu in terms of modern architecture and facilities. The University’s campus is big, similar to a park, due to the numerous green spaces and sport areas.
Other popular places for study are the libraries, where you can also book a room for study groups. Students also enjoy writing their assignments at the University’s canteen and cafés, while enjoying a tasty cappuccino and a pistachio brioche on the side.
Pro tip: enjoying an exchange abroad with your friends can be great, but it’s even better when you meet other international students and discover new cultures! Sticking to your own groups is not fun when you have such an international opportunity. Get out of your comfort zone and don’t be afraid if your English is not the best, everyone is there to develop new skills and share ideas!
The best way to meet new people is by joining the activities organized by Erasmus Student Network or other international student associations. I went on many trips organized by ESN Bologna, which gave me the chance to travel around wonderful Italian cities, try the local cuisines, as well as to make new international friends, and hear about their experiences.
All in all, being part of an Erasmus+ programme is an experience that for sure can fulfill both your professional and personal experience. On the one hand, attending courses at a different university helped me discover new methods of learning and highly enriched my theoretical knowledge. The professors have impressive academic backgrounds and are always open to discussions and debates with the students. On the other hand, facing the challenges of living in a new country, taught me how to act under pressure and how to communicate in delicate situations. Therefore, it was an unforgettable experience that I recommend to any student!
The University of Tartu has many partnerships within the Erasmus+ programme (as well as other programs). The applications are done solely through the online platform, which is easy to access and will be open soon, so it’s worth checking the university’s website for more details! If I can be of any assistance, feel free to contact me as well.
Buon Appetito!
