Milan Moments: Embracing Culture, Cuisine, and Connections

I am beyond grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in the UTS Global Short Program in Milan. As part of this enriching experience, I studied at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore with an amazing group of tutors and peers from all corners of the world.

in Milan. As part of this enriching experience, I studied at the Università Cattolica del Sacro

Cuore with an amazing group of tutors and peers from all corners of the world.

Before I headed out, I was feeling all sorts of things. Since I’d never travelled abroad before, there was a mix of excitement and nerves as I was about to dive into a completely new foreign experience. Despite all those thoughts swirling around, one thing was crystal clear: I was absolutely sure about taking part in this exchange.

there was a mix of excitement and nerves as I was about to dive into a completely new foreign

experience. Despite all those thoughts swirling around, one thing was crystal clear: I was

absolutely sure about taking part in this exchange.

The course structure itself was well-planned, affording us enough time to uncover Milan, interact with fellow students, and form enduring friendships. Throughout my stay, my friends and I frequently gravitated towards Caffè De Amicis. Tucked away like a hidden treasure, this spot became our panini paradise – a place where we shared ideas and stories.

with fellow students, and form enduring friendships. Throughout my stay, my friends and I

frequently gravitated towards Caffè De Amicis. Tucked away like a hidden treasure, this spot

became our panini paradise – a place where we shared ideas and stories.

The program laid a strong groundwork for uniting students and seamlessly introduced us to the Milanese way of life. I relished immersing myself in the culture, learning from a diverse array of international peers, and embracing the social fabric of the region. I had the chance to explore some of Lake Como’s beauty and admired Venice’s stunning lagoons.

I jumped into the Italian summer festivities at a local event hosted by “Eatily.” Accompanied by a fellow classmate from Birmingham, we wholeheartedly embraced the festive energy. Dancing to live music, mingling with locals over drinks, we fully immersed in the vibrant atmosphere. This experience was like a language boost as I engaged in spontaneous conversations and navigated the celebration effortlessly.

During my time in Italy, I had the opportunity to cook with an Italian family in San Miniato. Despite the language barrier, I was able to make most connections between Italian words and context, enabling me to comprehend their instructions. This experience transcended the confines of a language class, offering a hands-on exploration of Italian culture and language.
We chose to wrap up our chapter in Navigli. This place had a vibe like no other – a fusion of local authenticity and international allure. As the evening unfolded, we exchanged our final “ciaos” and “grazies,” savouring a timeless Italian tradition – the aperitivo.

Studying abroad in Milan has been nothing short of a dream come true. Italy’s rich history, vibrant culture, and the warm embrace of its people have made this journey truly unforgettable. The multifaceted nature of Milan’s academic and social landscape has provided the ideal backdrop for growth, reminding me that learning is not just an academic endeavour, but an exploration of self and society.

Emily Nicholls
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
New Frontiers in Brand Communication and Consumer Engagement in Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy
Global Short Program Travel Scholarship Recipient