Study Abroad and Domestic Study Away

During my semester in Brussels, Belgium I studied at the Brussels School of Governance (Vrije Universiteit Brussel). In this fresh context, I encountered a new challenge: balancing my life with three languages. First, Italian is my native tongue. English, for university courses and conversations with fellow students. French, given that Brussels adopts it as lingua franca. Later in my experience, I took an introductory Dutch class out of genuine curiosity. Adjusting to this new reality was challenging at first. New educational system, new people, and a different way of life. As time passed, I learnt how to navigate this unfamiliar, and often intricate, life in Brussels.

Without my friends met along this journey, this could not have been possible. Bonding with other study abroad students enriched me in various ways, especially under a human side. Especially during our nights out, I witnessed how strong our group became. We did not need to plan anything, just a message on the group chat and ideas would flow naturally. The peak was reached during our group trip to Amsterdam. In this city, we shared unforgettable experiences and moments of true cohesion. Nonetheless, I spent time travelling to other destinations. A visit to Aachen, from where Charlemagne controlled the Holy Roman Empire, onto another in Dinant, famous for the inventor of saxophone. In my view, an important aspect of travelling is understanding how locals live.

Throughout my trips, I could sense the strong sense of belonging to their land. In Amsterdam and Brussels, residents prioritize personal freedom. In Flanders and Wallonia, communities come first. Experiencing new perspectives is key for adapting to new environments. Living in Brussels, where I arrived as a total stranger, became a great opportunity for exploring myself in depth. I acknowledged my fears and capabilities. Gradually, I overcame these obstacles. For this reason, I firmly believe that gradual progression is the best model of learning. Both in higher education and life, we commit mistakes or encounter issues. Only with gradual and continuous effort we can realize ourselves. I am extremely grateful for this experience abroad.  

Fortress and town of Dinant: