Voices from Abroad: Michael Vecchi
Boston, MA (US), Exchange Program: Boston College
When I arrived at Bocconi I was astonished by the many international opportunities that the university offers. I am really proud to be part of such a multicultural institution that encourages personal development through the discovery and the acceptance of cultural diversity. For this reason I applied for the exchange program with enthusiasm and in August 2014 I left for the US, in order to attend the fall semester at Boston College.
American colleges are far different from European universities. First of all, the education system is focused on practice, rather than theory, so it is not uncommon that final exams count only for a minimal part of the final grade. Classes are small and professors are able to remember students, who therefore are encouraged to participate, debate, work collaboratively and adopt critical thinking. In Boston College I met outstanding people who were able to study, work and be involved within the community at the same time. After this experience my aspirations have changed and become clearer: I want to take more responsibilities within society and give back something to the world.
When I was there, life seemed to flow extremely fast and getting bored was literally impossible. It is hard to explain, but when you are an exchange student nothing looks impossible. For example, during a party I met some Spanish exchange students who were planning to go to Niagara Falls and Toronto and had one more spot available. I immediately decided to join them and the following weekend we went there by car, driving more than 20 hours in 3 days. It is like going by car from Milan to Paris for a weekend and I am pretty sure not many people would be willing to make this effort. However, all exchange students were outstanding and motivated people, able to combine high marks with social life and sports. Travelling with foreign people was awesome and I have been to New York, Cape Cod, Newport and Washington DC.
This period was probably the happiest of my life because I felt extraordinarily alive and responsible for all my decisions in terms of time management and capital budgeting. The exchange program allowed me to grow as global citizen and gave me affinity with different cultures, values and behaviors. In fact, I lived with four students from all over the world: Australia, China, Ecuador and Colombia. I had no problems interacting with them and I learned much about their cultures. For example, we often had dinner all together and everyone cooked something special from his/her home country; in these occasions it was not uncommon that we talked about politics, religion and music. We are still in touch and I believe it is really valuable to have such good friends all over the world.
My advice to prospective study abroad students is to take part in as many activities as they can. Unfortunately time runs fast and you have no opportunity to make it come back. Obviously, never forget that the first concern must be to study hard, but do not miss any chances to fully experience the awesome opportunity that you have. Go to parties, travel, participate in extracurricular activities, try exotic food, make new friends and try to always be flexible and curious. Last but not least, I must warn you about a massive problem: when you come back you will probably feel a gap in your heart and it is going to be hard to get used again to your past life. Do not panic because I found the solution: switch on your laptop, book a flight, and leave again. (Un?)fortunately travelling is the most powerful and dangerous drug in the world.
edited by Jenna Walker