I nostri testimonials: Aina - Spagna

About myself 

I was born in Barcelona but raised surrounded by vineyards, in the Catalan region of Alt Penedès. Growing up while being in touch with a deep wine and gastronomy culture fuelled my absolute biggest passion in life: cooking. I genuinely believe that food is one of the most powerful tools for bringing people together, sharing traditions, discovering new cultures and enriching yourself.

While culinary arts are definitely one of my number one interests, sometimes I need to slow down. To do so, I enjoy diving into a good book during my free time to disconnect from the world. Also, whenever I can, I love to travel, explore new places, and immerse myself in different cultures and ways of living.

When it comes to my background, I studied Advertising and Public Relations at Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, with a special focus on business communication. This naturally led me to work in the marketing world. I've always loved seeing how ideas turn into real projects.

My curiosity has also taken me into some amazing experiences outside of work environments, like volunteering at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics 2026 inside the protocol team. Being part of such a huge international event from the inside was an amazing and enriching experience.

I consider myself an optimistic and enthusiastic person, always curious to discover new horizons. I genuinely enjoy facing new challenges because they push me to think differently and keep me forward. I always look at every experience, whether easy or difficult, as a great opportunity to keep learning and growing. I believe that having a proactive attitude is essential to making the most of every day, and I am always ready to embrace whatever comes next with a smile and a desire to learn.

Why did you choose the University of Padua and our degree programme in Italian Food and Wine? How did you learn about our institution? 

Choosing the University of Padua and the Italian Food and Wine programme felt like a natural next step for me. Growing up in the Alt Penedès taught me from a very young age that food and wine are much more than just simple products. They have the power to embody culture and traditions, and to bring people together. During the third year of my bachelor’s degree, I decided I wanted to dive deeper into this world, and I looked for a place that shared this exact same appreciation for authenticity and quality.

What really made me choose this specific programme is how well it connects with my background. I studied Advertising and Public Relations, and I see this master’s as the perfect bridge. I want to back up my communication skills with real, solid knowledge about what makes high-quality food and wine special, from how it is made to how it is valued. My goal is to understand the sector from the inside out so I can help promote and protect traditional products in a global market. And, therefore, where to do so if not Italy?  

The University of Padua instantly caught my eye because it perfectly combines its amazing history with a fresh, modern approach to food sciences. I first found out about the institution when an Instagram ad about the master’s popped up on my feed and completely caught my attention. It felt like a sign, so I immediately started looking into the course. As I researched more about top international options, this specific Italian Food and Wine programme kept coming up as a major reference worldwide, so I knew I couldn't miss the opportunity to apply.

What are the main features of your degree programme?  

For me, the main feature of this master’s is that it focuses on how to manage, protect, and promote high-value foods and wine, using the Italian food system as a reference. Instead of just studying food from a generic or purely industrial perspective, we look closely at how history, culture, and the land itself make these products so unique and completely different from regular, mass-produced items. It’s all about understanding why a specific product can only exist and taste the way it does because of where it comes from.

What I find most interesting is its multidisciplinary approach. This means we don't just focus on one single angle; we learn about everything that goes into the complex system of high-quality products. We look at the whole picture: from how they are made and their nutritional qualities, to their sensory properties and the specific laws that protect their authenticity.

Another huge part of the programme is learning how to use all these special characteristics to create smart marketing, product valorisation, and consumer communication strategies. Ultimately, the programme gives you the tools to understand the product from the inside out so you can tell its story properly and help consumers appreciate its true value in a globalized market.

How is your experience going? What aspects of our university’s culture or values have resonated with you the most? 

My experience so far has been incredibly rewarding. Moving to Padua and starting this master’s has pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. From day one, the atmosphere here has been so welcoming and full of life. It is amazing to share a classroom with people from all over the world who share the exact same passion for food and wine. This has helped me to open my eyes to new realities and discover new life-approaches.
When it comes to the university’s culture and values, the aspect that has resonated with me the most is how much they value their traditions and historical legacy. 
I have also been amazed by how connected the university is with the city itself. Padua is essentially a university town, and the institution works hard to make sure international students truly connect with the local life. There is a constant buzz of cultural activities, events, and initiatives specifically designed to help us immerse ourselves in the city's history and lifestyle. This open and welcoming environment has made it so much easier to feel at home and adapt quickly. 

What advice would you give to prospective students when it comes to preparing a successful application? 

If I had to give one main piece of advice to prospective students, it would be to take your time. Preparing a successful application is a process that shouldn't be rushed, so start early and make sure you manage every step carefully.
First and foremost, be meticulous with the requirements. Every programme has its own specific checklist and paperwork. Take the time to read through everything thoroughly, organize your documents, and double-check that you meet all the criteria. Controlling these details from the very beginning will save you a lot of stress and ensure your application actually gets evaluated.
When it comes to writing your motivation letter, my biggest advice is to make it real and sincere. Don't just write what you think the admissions committee wants to hear and avoid using generic templates. Take a deep breath and really think about your own story: Why do you want this specific master's? How does it connect with your background, and what is your true passion? If you are honest about your motivations, your unique essence will shine through.

What advice would you give to students thinking of studying in Italy? How have you settled in here? 

Thinking about studying in Italy is the start of an amazing adventure, but it is also a highly significant life change. While it is a wonderful and beautiful experience, it is important to acknowledge that finding yourself far from home in a completely unfamiliar place is a real test and a major cultural shock. My biggest advice to anyone considering this step is to make sure you are truly motivated to face the challenge. It is a beautiful opportunity to discover a new version of yourself, but it requires resilience. In fact, I believe prospective students should feel incredibly proud of themselves just for trying.

When it comes to the practical side of moving here, my advice is to be extremely patient, especially with the housing search. Finding a place to live in Padova can feel a bit like a puzzle at first, but it is definitely not impossible if you stay persistent.

Personally, settling in here has been an incredible journey. Of course, the first few weeks required some patience to figure out the local routines and get used to a new environment.  It's funny how sometimes even the simplest daily tasks can feel like a bit of a cultural shock. However, sharing this adventure with classmates from all over the world who are in the exact same boat has been the best support system.

What do you like to do when you are not studying? How do you like to spend your free time? 

When I am not studying, I like to balance my free time between staying active, unwinding, and fully enjoying the local lifestyle.

To clear my head, I love going for a run around the city, read a good book or enjoy a gelato. I am also making the most of my weekends travelling and visiting new parts of Italy, exploring different towns, landscapes and discovering new spots.

However, since moving to Padua, I have also developed a brand-new hobby: I have very quickly fallen in love with the local aperitivo culture. It has easily become one of my favourite ways to spend an afternoon or evening. I love how people gather in the bars after a long day of work or classes just to enjoy a drink, share some laughs, and talk about everything and nothing.