Voices from Abroad: Martina Simoni

Barcelona (Spain), Double Degree, ESADE

Castellers de Vilafranca, human tower show in Vilafranca del Penedès, Catalunya

I don't speak the local language, bureaucracy and deadlines will drive me nuts within the first 2 months, a new flat, new roomies, new friends, no knowledge about local culture and people and new teaching methods and evaluation....so why in the world should I choose to study abroad?

Before heading to Barcelona for my Double Degree experience, these were just some of the questions that arose in my head. And none of them turned out to be a problem, indeed, they were all great challenges and opportunities to get close to and enjoy different lifestyles and habits.

The city is amazing, the sun shines (after studying for 4 years in Milan, this seems impossible!) and people are easy-going and friendly. I had the opportunity to learn two new languages (as I'm also learning Catalan) with a lot of fun which makes even difficult tasks pleasant experiences.

ESADE was also a wonderful surprise. A little campus in a village outside Barcelona doesn't sound that exciting, but I actually think that its remoteness and small size are some of its main strengths. No more than 160 people in the whole Master means more or less 40 people in each class. A familiar environment, where teachers are happy to share their time and experience with students and where formalities are not required encourages creativity and fosters learning. I really feel that my experience in this university doesn't end in acquiring new knowledge and technical tools, but it also embraces the possibility of developing my network and making new and hopefully long-lasting friendships.

Martina with friends in Montserrat, outside Barcelona

I cannot predict whether this experience will help me find my "once-in-a-lifetime job opportunity," but I am definitely sure that it contributed with something new, completely original and fresh to the development of my personality. Also, it helped in "digging" inside me, discovering new abilities and picturing my potential more clearly. This can surely help during a selection process and also, and in my opinion more importantly, let me nail down my expectations about my future job, employer and working environment.

Moreover, living in a multicultural environment (in the Master more than 80% of students are foreigners) widened my horizons and prospects, raised curiosity and filled me with energy and enthusiasm.

So don't ask yourself why to embark on an international experience, but rather, don't miss it. Because it can only enrich your life!