Voices from Abroad: Alessandra Martinengo

London, ON (Canada), Exchange Program: Richard Ivey School of Business
Hyderabad (India), Campus Abroad Program: Indian School of Business
Ahmedabad (India), Double Degree: Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad

After the "snowmageddon" storm in London, Ontario

If I have to look back and think about my five years spent at Università Bocconi, I realize that I was lucky to have so many unforgettable international experiences. I had the chance to participate in three different academic programs and attend classes in some of the best universities in the world.

The first time I packed my bags and moved to another country was for the Exchange Program at Ivey (Canada). There, I had my first exposure to business outside Europe and to different learning experiences. From marketing to supply chain management, from finance to HR, we students were supposed to discuss cases in class, support our opinion and lead the class. Thanks to this first experience, I developed my confidence and my ability to talk in public.

However, I immediately realized that the learning was not coming only from the classes but even more from outside. Learning through interaction with people from all over the world, from different cultures, looking with different eyes at the same thing. Learning more about myself, realizing my limits and my strengths, my fears and what made me happy.

This became clearer with my second international experience, the Campus Abroad in India. A group of Italians thrown in the center of India, going around and exposed to different colors, smells, foods and people. Yes, people, lots of people. Eyes, curious eyes that look at you, full of life and excitement. And that is exactly what made me addicted to this country.

Indeed, I have decided to take part in the Double Degree Program and ended up living in India for one year and a half. Not only was I enrolled as a full student in one of the best universities in Asia but I also had the opportunity to meet and interact with few of the most brilliant students I have ever met.

Alessandra dancing at a festival in Ahmedabad

In addition, I have also worked for an Indian company. Imagine me, during the orientation session listening to the words: "We are Indians, for Indians." By myself I was thinking: "and I am Italian, what am I doing here?!" I have to admit that once again I was surprised with the people, how much they were willing to help me out, listen to my opinion coming from a distant land, let me integrate, be comfortable and give my contribution during the internship.

Indeed, I have decided to come and move to India. It will be for four months, one year, five years, forever? I cannot answer that question but I am sure, whatever the length of my stay will be, it will be a scary, amazing, happy rollercoaster from which I do not want to jump off.

So, drop your mindsets, go out of your comfort zone, explore and take risks. I am sure, it will be a hell of an experience.