Exchange at LUISS, Rome
During the spring semester of the 2018-2019 year, I studied as an exchange student at the University of Rome LUISS.
LUISS is a private university, therefore it has perfect conditions for studying, leisure and student life. Cases with the latest repair. Separate territory, which is allowed strictly by passes. Language cafe, where you can relax and chat but using foreign language. Food and coffee machines (using coffee beans!) everywhere. Photo studio and loft with MacBooks. Spaces where everyone keeps quiet and can study by himself. Cafeteria with tables in the street, where delicious croissants and paninis are sold. Benches and swings in the park on the territory, pinpong, basketball court. Shuttle between university buildings as well as bike rental and own car sharing. Moreover, LUISS, like many European universities, is open 24 hours a day. Everything helps you to study. I spent about 10 hours at the university every day and did not get tired of it, because at LUISS each student can find something for themselves, develop in various fields and, of course, enjoy studying.
I studied 4 subjects within my professional field and Italian. Each exchange student can choose disciplines from any department (Business, Politics, Finance, Law), any level (bachelor, master) and in any language (English, Italian). All students are also given the opportunity to learn Italian by level of knowledge of the language. It was especially important for me, since I chose Italy because I study Italian at the HSE and want to practice it as much as possible.
Rome is the city which for six months became my second home. The city-museum, the walk on which never bothers: The Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, Villa Borghese with the extraordinary Pincio Trail, the Vatican, the district of Trastevere, the beach in half an hour by train etc. Rome is a huge number of motorcycles, small cars, because the roads in Rome are mostly very narrow. Rome is peace of mind and the delight of every second of life, which is transmitted from the locals, who are not in a hurry and always smiling, even at rush hour on public transport. Italians are incredibly open. On the street, in the university, in the store, in transport - everywhere they are trying to talk to you, ask for something. When they meet, all Italians kiss on the cheek, first to the left, then to the right (even professors say hello this way). Thanks to all this, all the time I was in Italy, I had a feeling that I was at home that I was not a stranger.
In addition, speaking about the rest, I want to mention the organization ESN LUISS which organizes thousands of events for exchange students, ranging from cooking classes, excursions around Rome, going to clubs, ending with trips to various cities in Italy for a few days. The guys from this organization, student - volunteers, have become friends for me on whom you can always rely, whom you can ask for advice and help.
And of course, that part of my exchange that will forever remain in my heart is people. Italians, LUISS students, professors, and, of course, exchange students with whom we became family. In LUISS guys from many countries, from different continents, speaking different languages come. Now I have friends all over the world with whom I would like to keep in touch.
Exchange for me is the best period in life and which will be remembered most of all about student life. When you come to another country, communicate with people from different parts of the world, your consciousness expands, you begin to think more widely. You understand that the world is so small but at the same time there are millions of unusual places. Opportunities open up for you and most important is that you are not afraid to use them. To participate in exchange program takes courage but this is what changes you for the better.