Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

Participating in the Global Short Program in Milan was a great experience where I was able to study as well as immerse myself within another culture. Staying in Milan was not only enjoyable for seeing all of the famous historical landmarks, but for the people that I was able to meet as well. Lake Como was the highlight of my trip. I was able to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake surrounded by mountains as well as the historical streets and shops. Additionally, travelling with a group of students that I had met during the course made it even more of a memorable experience.

Another memorable experience was exploring the city at night, all the streets were busy until extremely late hours which is very different to Sydney’s nightlife. The night-time energy created a sense of community within the city which I enjoyed very much. It also helped how public transport ran for almost all hours of the night allowing for an easy experience getting home late at night.

During my stay I was forced to embrace a new way of living, learning how to balance the coursework that I was given as well as exploring that city and going out at night. Another important thing that I learnt was embracing the cultures of the people that I had met. I became friends with people from all over the world, learning about how they viewed the world around them. These new connections have turned into lifelong friendships that I value very much.

Another highlight from the trip was experiencing the exquisite food that Milan had to offer. With such a variety of restaurants, I was able to try many dishes that I have never had before, I could explore the different culinary traditions. This provided me with a newfound appreciation with how food plays such a vital role in culture.

One key takeaway from this program was that this experience has inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and always be open to trying new things. It has taught me how putting myself in unexperienced situations forces personal growth and helps develop valuable skills.

Emmanuel Androulakis
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy
Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship

For more information about the UTS Global Short Program visit: www.uts.edu.au/thinkglobal