Alma Mater and La Dolce Vita: A Perfect Blend

Ah, La Dolce Vita – the Sweet Life. Imagine starting your day with a cup of espresso, riding your bike or Vespa to school or work, and ending the day with an Aperitivo with loved ones. Living without worries, embracing life's pleasures to the fullest.

After my exchange year in the States, I was determined to study abroad for university. I began exploring my options, considering factors like the friendliness of locals, tuition fees, quality of education, living standards, and overall cost of living. Initially, I was drawn to the Netherlands, with Italy not even on my radar. However, the Netherlands didn't quite meet all my criteria; while the quality of education and living standards were high, other aspects fell short. Intrigued by my peers' enthusiasm for Italy, I began researching universities there and discovered the University of Bologna. As the third oldest university in the world and the oldest in continuous operation, it immediately captured my interest. So, I applied and was accepted, solidifying my decision to pursue my studies in Italy.

During my time at university, I had some of the most memorable years of my life. As a student eagerly exploring everything and starting to truly experience life, I had a rich and diverse experience in many aspects, which I'll share in the upcoming sections. So, let's dive in!

University of Bologna: Students and Campus Life

Let's begin with the University of Bologna. The university boasts five campuses across the Emilia-Romagna region: Bologna, Cesena, Forlì, Ravenna, and Rimini. Depending on your field of study, you may find yourself at a campus other than the main one in Bologna – just like I did! 😊

During Roman times, Bologna thrived as a significant city with a population of twenty thousand, featuring impressive buildings and a grand theater. While it maintained its prestige throughout the Roman Empire's reign, its decline paralleled that of the Empire, leading to a gradual reduction in its boundaries.

The Bologna campus sprawls across the city, unlike the other four campuses that are more centralized, featuring amenities like gardens and libraries all in one place, creating a traditional campus environment. In contrast, the Bologna campus offers a unique atmosphere where the entire city becomes your campus.

As the oldest university still in operation, University of Bologna has fostered a vibrant student culture in the cities where its campuses are located. Students comprise nearly half the population in these areas, leading to a variety of activities available for students outside of school hours. In fact, Bologna transforms into a lively student hub in the evenings. Additionally, there are many discounted activities specifically for students.

Each campus hosts a diverse community of international students. Studying in Italy not only provides an enriching educational experience but also offers the opportunity to build lifelong friendships with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

I studied Economics and Management entirely in English. My class comprised approximately 40 students, with over a third of them being international, which made it easier for me to blend in initially. The quality of education was very good; and most professors actively engaged with students during classes, a teaching approach that I deeply respect and appreciate in the student-teacher relationship.

To add, Italian students are incredibly ambitious, striving to be at the top of their class and aiming for perfect scores in every exam. This leads me to a significant point I'd like to discuss. I believe that practical knowledge is just as valuable as theoretical knowledge. However, this perspective isn't as prevalent among Italian students and the education system as I observed.

To be candid, I could have dedicated more time to studying for my exams. Yet, I could never match the relentless studying habits of my Italian peers. Throughout my studies, I also prioritized internships, volunteer programs, and certificate courses. In contrast, it seemed that only a small portion of my Italian friends engaged in activities beyond their academic commitments.

If you're considering studying in Italy and plan to stay after graduating, it's crucial to prioritize your grades. Maintaining high academic performance significantly boosts your chances of securing a job post-graduation. While participating in extracurricular activities is valuable, a key lesson I learned is that in Italy, grades often take priority.

The Culture and its People

In my experience, Italians are genuinely warm and welcoming people. They're friendly, always ready to lend a hand during tough times, and their spirited nature makes interactions lively and enjoyable. Being Mediterranean myself (from Turkey), I've found it easy to connect with other Mediterranean cultures. In Italy, I noticed many cultural similarities. While people are generally very friendly, learning even a little Italian can greatly enrich your understanding of the culture and make casual conversations with locals much smoother.

Unlike the northern and northwestern European countries, Italians are known for their warm hospitality, often welcoming you into their homes without prior appointments. They take great joy in sharing their delicious cuisine and will happily feed you until you can eat no more—a characteristic I greatly appreciate and share as a Turkish person.

Life truly embodies La Dolce Vita. When you picture Italy, you likely imagine narrow streets lined with vibrant houses, bicycles and vespas parked along the way, and quaint cafés where people converse passionately with expressive gestures. This isn't just a picturesque scene—it's a reality you'll find on nearly every corner throughout the country.

The country is genuinely beautiful, a testament to the Italians' deep love for their culture and heritage. They preserve their traditions diligently, only making changes when absolutely necessary. This commitment to their roots infuses every corner with rich history and character. I admire their dedication to preserving their culture and history and hope that this mindset will inspire other countries to do the same.

Let's delve into the food culture. The further you venture into local areas across the country, the more authentic and delectable the cuisine becomes. While you can still find tasty dishes in more urban and central locations, I found that my Italian friends always recommended hidden gems known only to locals, just a bit outside the city.

Each region boasts its unique food culture; the shape, sauce, and taste of pasta vary not just between regions but also between cities. The same goes for pizza. Some regions even debate passionately about the ideal shape of pasta and the perfect accompanying sauce. One of the things I loved most about living in Italy was witnessing Italians passionately discussing and debating over food. It's a timeless tradition!

I could fill pages recounting my enriching experiences in Italy and the invaluable lessons I learned during my time there. However, the list would be endless. I wholeheartedly recommend that everyone consider experiencing Italy, whether through work, study, or volunteer programs, as it offers so much more than can be captured in mere words.