Jana Feller, a Global Project and Change Management student from Windesheim, will be living and studying in Padua (Italy) this semester. For WIN, she is reporting on her experiences.‘
‘Erasmus life’ happens fast. It has already been two months since I arrived in Padua. Naturally I have been going through different stages simultaneously during this time. From being excited and anxious in the beginning, to nervous about starting my classes and happy about meeting new people. And of course, a constant feeling of enjoyment thanks to the Italian food. That certainly didn’t change!
Birthplace of Tiramisu
While I study a bachelors degree in business administration, I am focusing on topics of sociology, history and politics here. I consider this a great addition to my general knowledge, but also personal interest. I am very happy about having started an Italian course. That one is actually ending soon already, hopefully leaving me with a (very generous) A2 level Italian.
As to my personal adventures, me and my roommate visited Treviso, a small, picturesque village. There we had a lot of Tiramisu, which was born in this very same place. I also went to Venice for another two times, using this trip to entertain my family who came to Padua for a few days, as well as a visiting friend of mine. Besides Venice my friends and me also explored Bologna. And while both cities are beautiful, it was especially interesting to see Bologna to experience another bigger city and take in its charme.
Hike in the mountains
Another day in October I used the beautiful weather to go on a (literally and figuratively breathtaking) hike in the mountains with other international students. In general, I went to some markets in Padua, tried out some of the many libraries and had coffee with classmates and people that are slowly becoming friends. I took some walks, enjoying the changing colours of the trees and went up another mountain, this time in the evening.
Autumn vibes
Another highlight of October was a little trip back to the Netherlands to visit my girlfriend to celebrate Halloween together, enjoying a few cozy days.
Since I am back, I was blessed with some more sunny days, yet now that the time has changed from summer to winter. Dutch autumn vibes are also slowly to be felt in Padua. The sun is out less frequently, and the evenings have become chilly. This means that I will most likely be found in either cafés or snuggled up in bed, drinking tea or hot coco.
What else there is to come? I am not sure yet but certainly will report back about it. Ciao ciao and alla prossima volta!
