Business exchange programme

Business Degrees often have a business exchange programme as part of their course. This is a great opportunity to experience a new culture as well as develop your skills.

When Siobhan Williams, a student at Leeds Metropolitan University studying a BA in Business Studies, was offered the opportunity, as part of her course, to study in Italy for 5 months as part of an exchange programme, she jumped at the chance! X-CEL caught up with Chloe to talk about her experiences in Italy and why she would highly recommend students to travel as part of their degree.

1) What made you decide to go on this exchange?
The reason I chose to go on an exchange in the first place was the fact that I love travelling and I wanted to see what it was like studying and living in another country. There were a few places I could go, like Australia, Holland, Australia, but I chose Italy, one because I love Italian food, I'd never been there before and it was quite close to home.

2) What  were you the most nervous about?
At first I was extremely anxious about going, and got really scared, I was almost going to back out! I felt very nervous about the fact that we (me and my housemate from Uni, who came with me) hadn't sorted out anywhere to live which was rather worrying, and a big factor was that I didn't speak a word of Italian, I thought that no-one would like me and I'd hate it and want to come home straight away!

3) What  were the people like when you got there?
The people at the university were very approachable, they all spoke a degree of English, which was good, and they helped us out and gave us some pointers about living in Italy.  There were also some exchange students that had been studying there for the first semester as well, so they were really helpful and gave us some good advice.  There was a big majority of Americans and they all seemed to stick together a bit, but all seemed quite chatty because everyone was in the same boat not knowing anyone.

4) What sort of people did you meet? Did you make any friends?
As I said previously there were a lot of Americans, a lot of whom have become great friends, and I'm sure I will keep in contact with.  At first, the Americans seemed a bit guarded towards us (the English girls), and didn't really seem friendly especially the girls but since the semester has gone on, they have become much friendlier towards us. I have also met some Spanish and French students who are very nice.  The Italians that I have met at the university are friendly and they try and improve their English with me, so it hard for me to learn that much Italian.

5) How did you cope with the language barrier?
At first I never thought I was going to learn any Italian, even though at the beginning of the course I had a three week intensive Italian language course, I felt like I could barely even have a basic conversation, I felt I was constantly saying I don't understand, can you talk more slowly. I also hardly ever seem to be able to practice my Italian because all the Italians, as soon as they hear I am English, talk in English, to improve it, which is rather annoying.  But now I feel I can have a decent conversation and get around OK.

6) What do like most about the Italian Culture?
My favourite thing about the Italian Culture is the fact that the Italians are so family orientated, even though the children live with their parents until they are 30, which I find rather strange, but I find it a really nice community.  Every evening, or every other evening, and Sundays at a particular time, the Italians will go out with their families or friends for 'passagiata', they just walk around, chatting and socialising, and meet people on the way, who become part of their social circle.  I also love the Italian food; they take so long over a meal, with lots of different courses and wine.

7) Did you get to see Italy? If so, what were your favourite parts?
I have been lucky enough to see quite a bit of Italy while I have been studying there, I have been to Milan, which was rather disappointing, it wasn't what I expected, but I still did some shopping.  The university organised a trip to Verona and Venice, and I think I may have to say that Venice is my favourite place, and I am definitely going to return to, we went during the huge carnival where everyone was dressed in amazing costumes and wearing masks, and it was so crowded, but it is definitely a sight I will never forget.  I have also been to Lake Garda and Lake Como, which were absolutely beautiful. Rome, Genoa, Cinque Terra, I also hope to go further South to Sicily when I return.

8) Tell me about a couple of memorable experiences?
I think one of my most memorable experiences would have to be Venice; it was just like nothing else in the world, I'd seen pictures before hand, but to see it in reality was absolutely amazing.  Especially with the carnival in full swing, it was out of this world.  The costumes that people were wearing were incredible, and some of the masks looked exquisite.

9) What advice would you offer other students who are wishing to studying Italy?
I think to anyone wishing to study in Italy or anywhere abroad, is just to live it to the most that you possibly can, it will be one of the best experiences of your life, and you will be very lucky to have the opportunity.  If possible try and travel around as much as possible, getting to see different parts of Italy is fabulous. Most importantly-enjoy yourself.

10) What will you miss the most about studying in Italy?
I think the one thing that I will miss the most will have to be the people that I have met whilst being there, I have met some amazing people and hope to go and visit them wherever they live.  I will definitely return to Italy, purely because I will miss the food so much, but it will probably do me good to loose a few pounds!

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