Università degli Studi di Padova

One of my main goals in going to Italy was to become confident in my command of the language. At the beginning of my study abroad experience I could understand basic phrases, but at times I was just not used to being so immersed in another language. Sometimes I just needed a break because it took a lot of energy to focus on the Italian and understand everything. The main way that I learned Italian and became confident with the language, was by making close Italian friends and limiting my interactions with English. Every experience became a learning experience: buying a train ticket, going to class, reading books in Italian, everything became an opportunity to improve my skills. Now that I have returned from Italy, I still look for ways to continue to improve. I send e-mails to my friends there often, read books in Italian, and watch Italian films...all to maintain the level of Italian I acquired while studying abroad.

I suggest that you really get to know the country. I enjoyed traveling through Italy, more than throughout Europe. It really gave me a sense of what Italy's culture and people are all about. I definitely recommend to people who have ever thought of studying abroad to go for it. It is an amazing experience and is an incredible road of discovery!