Type of housing: On campus

Arranged by: Host university

If returning, I would choose: With a family

Why? Staying with an Italian family would have given me the possibility to learn more about their cuisine and customs. However living in the campus was a lot of fun because I had the possibility to interact with a lot of people who were my age.

Personal comments:
Staying in the campus was charming and challenging in the same time. I’ve learned a lot during that time and I think I was able to grow immensely.

Describe host city: Students equally interact with the local and student community

Activities, Nightlife, Travel: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment

Personal comments:
The historic centre of the town is wonderful. There are many cafes and pubs there. Lecce is also a touristic spot (Baroque architecture; close to te seaside), therefore nightlife was quite intense, especially during the summer time. There were street artists and other artistic events every evening. Just as well, the climate was incredible; I enjoyed the warm evening weather very much.

Course recommendations:
I had the opportunity to decide and choose while I was there, by participating to the courses I was interested in. I ended up changing almost all the courses present in my "programma di studio" but I was very satisfied I could do so. I liked what I studied there.

Personal comments:
I once had a minor unpleasant incident with two Italian teachers of English (women) who seemed to progressively disconsider me during an oral exam of English. They were replacing a British professor who had to remain in England during that period, due to some personal problems. This same professor had once told me I didn't even need to go to class since my English was already very good, and that maybe I should have chosen something a bit more challenging. However, at the exam these Italian teachers who were replacing this professor seemed to have a problem with the fact that my English and my accent were really good (as compare to the rest I imagine). However, I did pass the exam eventually, even if not with the best mark. I honestly can't believe what happend to this day and I consider this to be an isolated incident, not representative for my rate of the overall academic experience in Lecce.

Language of instruction: English

Main source of funding:
A private grant

Other sources of funding:
None

Work opportunities:
It was not legal for me to work

Personal spending habits:
First of all, the cost of living in Italy is higher in that of my home country (Morocco). In addition, I consider being abroad as an experience that has to be exploited fully!

Food, Travel, Nightlife, Overall, Telephone, Housing: was more expensive than at home.

I wish I had known...
Nothing is as hard as you imagine it to be. Trust your instincts and everything will fall into place sooner or later.

In my opinion:
Everybody loved it, you will too!