Voices from Abroad: Rossella Rinaldi
Sydney (Australia), Exchange Program: University of Technology Sydney, Business Faculty
Sydney (Australia), International Internship: Rocket Internet GmbH, The Iconic
Sydney (Australia), International Internship: BVLGARI Australia
 Rossella at the Koorana Crocodile Farm |
At first I couldn't believe my eyes: the exchange program had just become a reality! Only afterwards did I realize that the destination would be the best choice of my life: Sydney, Australia. To say that Sydney and the experiences that I have lived there have changed my life would be an understatement. And the funny thing is that it wasn't even my first choice! It was my very first experience abroad, so when applying I decided to select countries where it would have been difficult, if not impossible, to go and live in for more than the duration of a holiday. I didn't have high expectations, even of being selected for the exchange program, but that 3rd choice proved to be the best that could have ever happened to me.
Shortly after my arrival I started to attend the orientation week at UTS, University of Technology of Sydney, where I discovered a new approach to studying and university life. The university offers many free services to all students, such as tutoring and language assistance for assignments (a constant in the every courses), and the opportunity to join sports clubs, cultural and artistic activities. I couldn't join any of these cultural clubs and associations (but no regrets!) because in the meantime I started an internship at The Iconic, a start-up of the Rocket Internet group, which absorbed most of my time. So during the day I was an intern and during the night a student. I have to admit it was a pretty intense and challenging, but in spite of the study and the work load I always found the time to enjoy the lively and fascinating city of Sydney.
 Bondi Beach |
The University of Technology, Sydney proved to be a good choice with regards to education, so to all those who think that the Exchange Program in Sydney is merely synonymous of beaches, sea and fun, I say "you better change destination!" The courses were very demanding because of the workload required after each class, including not only group works and final exams, but also many individual assignments that could affect up to 50% of the final grade. Also the internship at The Iconic resulted to be highly motivational and professionalizing giving me the opportunity to figure out what I really want to become in my future career. The watchword was "flexibility:" every day I was given the opportunity to support different teams and carry out several projects, developing new skills and knowledge in the online marketing and social media management. It also helped me to improve aspects of my character that would have a positive impact on later work experiences.
All this in the beautiful frame of the city of Sydney, in my opinion the most vibrant and exciting of all Australia from the point of view of personal relationships, outdoor activities and entertainment during both daytime and night-time! This city has something spectacular in its atmosphere, its people, and unforgettable colors and landscapes. The lifestyle is very chilled compared to European countries and people always showed me a warm welcome and a never ending willingness to help in case of need. Sydney is a blend of cultures where I have the opportunity to get to know people and cultures that I could never know otherwise. The city's inner heart is made of several parks where people usually do sport, have picnics and enjoy their lunch break, relax and make interesting encounters (possums, cockatoos and ibis among others!). Parks and beaches, urban development and cultural activities make Sydney one of the most stimulating cities in the world.
 Sydney Opera House |
A sports-mad nation, a safe and easy-going city: it was love at first sight! That's the reason why I decided to come back and pursue my life dream down under. BVLGARI Australia proved to be a very good starting point. It gave me the chance to develop new skills and expertise in the field of PR and Communications where I would like to work in the future. In addition, I could also broaden my network of contacts in the Australian PR and fashion industry. But now it's up to me! I am looking for other interesting opportunities to establish my life and professional career in Australia and I don't want to give up. Both the exchange and the two internship experiences have given me the opportunity to learn more about myself and my abilities, but above all to grow personally and professionally. This is the way my experience down under started, a little by chance, and it's still in progress hopefully for a long time, because this is the place on earth that one day I would like to call home.