Voices from Abroad: Federico Sacramati
Hong Kong (China) and Taipei (Taiwan), Campus Abroad
Copenhagen (Denmark), CEMS, Copenhagen Business School
Shanghai (China), International Internship, Nuovo Mondo International
 Taipei 101 building |
The second year of my Master of Science at Bocconi was everything but Bocconi and Milan. In fact, I spent most of my time abroad, studying and working in different cities and within different cultures. My international journey began in South-East Asia, developed in Europe and went all the way to China. Hong Kong and TaipeiCampus Abroad started my international career as a student. With this program, I had the chance to visit two great cities in the Far East: Hong Kong (China) and Taipei (Taiwan). HK is a tremendously cosmopolitan city, which embraces a Western metropolitan style (a New York-like skyline and a dynamic atmosphere) and the most traditional features of the ancient Asian civilization (the latter are of course less visible at first sight). Taipei is the capital of Taiwan, the island which politically belongs to China, but that aspires to distinguish itself from it. Apart from gaining an international experience, the program leaves you a remarkable knowledge in an economic subject of your interest (in my case it was a course in Finance). As a result, each day of this three-week program is split into classes, seminars, company visits and trips: not a bad mix!
 Copenhagen boats and buildings |
The CEMS-MIM and CopenhagenThe CEMS Master in International Management is the top-level international degree for Management and International Management MSc students at Bocconi. Within the program, I spent 4 months in Copenhagen (CPH) as an exchange student. CPH is a lovely city, with a great organization and an enviable international perspective. The Copenhagen Business School (CBS), where I took four courses, is the second biggest university in the CEMS network and the most diverse in the network. At CBS I met people from all over the world, I had the chance to deepen my knowledge of their cultures and to share mine with them. I spent most of my time with an international crew with which I regularly keep in touch. The teaching at CBS is very effective, with a bit more homework and less hours in class. Whether your goal is to get a great academic education or to enjoy your time far from your home university, CPH is the right exchange experience.
 Shanghai's skyline at night |
ShanghaiRight after Copenhagen it was time for me to get to work. I decided to carry out my mandatory three-month internship in Shanghai, the most populated city in China. "Shang Hai" is contradictory and excessively Westernized, yet hyper-stimulating and full of surprises. Professionally, I got many insights on the Chinese business code (How should a businessman behave with a Chinese peer?). My Chinese colleagues guided me through this experience, helping me a lot to really get a feel for the Chinese culture. Concerning free time, Shanghai has the widest range of restaurants, clubs and shopping malls I have ever seen. The chaos that reigns over the city is an incredible source of liveliness and joy. During my stay I also visited two nearby cities, Suzhou and Hangzhou, both very charming and great places for sightseeing. If you were to choose among different destinations, Shanghai is undoubtedly the first pick for the curious ones. To leave you with some advice, wherever you have the chance to go, take some time to visit the surroundings. Every place, city and culture will enrich you. Leave your clichés at home, and I can assure you that you will have a great time. As a last thought, it doesn't matter 'where' you go, just pack your suitcase and go!