I nostri testimonials: Carl Harvey - Filippine

Student of Biology of Human and Environmental Health

"Padua enticed me since it is an international and student city. It is also perfectly sized: big enough to be convenient but small enough to be comfortable" 

About myself 

Hi, my name is Carl Harvey, and I am from the Philippines. I came to Padova two months after graduating high school in 2022. Studying abroad was not a life-long dream for me, but it was an idea nurtured during the pandemic. I was searching for new opportunities to discover myself and to grow. Deciding to move halfway across the world was difficult, but the journey was transformative.
As of writing, I am in the third year of my bachelor's degree. It has been a wonderful experience so far, even after all the necessary adjustments to get to this point for my academic and professional career and personal life. Not surprisingly, I am focusing on adaptation for my thesis. How do living beings cope with changes in their environment? I can discover captivating stories while looking for an answer.
A little bit more about me: I love parks, cafes, and museums. They are all avenues for storytelling if you pay close attention. I love being in nature, especially the sea. Going to these places is an escape from the everyday toil. Ultimately, I am on Unibuddy, so please check out my profile if you are a prospective student reading this!

Why did you choose the University of Padua and the Biology of Human and Environmental Health degree programme? Why would you recommend it to other students?

Being a student here was an opportunity I could not miss and, thankfully, one I could grab. My journey began at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. I remember sitting in front of my computer late at night when I was searching for international universities in 2020, and one of the search results was the University of Padua. Back then, I had a different programme in mind because the Biology of Human and Environmental Health (BHEH) programme was not available until the application cycle for the 2022-2023 intake. It was a last-minute decision to include it in my application; the rest was history.
I chose the University of Padua mainly for the degree programme. The offer was unlike anything I had seen elsewhere, yet it covered what I wanted to do. I also heavily considered affordability and cost. Besides, Padua enticed me since it is an international and student city. It is also perfectly sized: big enough to be convenient but small enough to be comfortable.
I would recommend it to other students if they are passionate about human biology, which also includes how humans impact the environment and, in turn, how environmental changes impact us. I also recommend it for students unsure about what they want to do in biology since the degree encompasses a comprehensive list of subjects relevant to being a modern biologist. If you want to focus on other specific areas of biology or something more traditional, it might be best to choose a different one, such as a general biology programme.

What are the main features of your degree programme?

The Biology of Human and Environmental Health degree is an innovative inter-university undergraduate degree by the University of Padua and the University of Bologna. It introduces you to an interdisciplinary and multi-level analysis of biological processes and phenomena in the context of health in a rapidly changing world. In the third year, you can specialize in one of two curricula: Human Health in Padua or Environmental Health in Bologna.
You will gain an understanding of biological reality in the modern world in a human sense, exploring a complex relationship between us, the environment, and those that exist in this environment alongside us. The laboratory skills you acquire are modern molecular biology techniques with an introduction to the technologies that precede them. Put together, I believe the course orients you to conduct cutting-edge research in biology.
Moreover, classes are held regularly at the same time and place, unlike most other degree programmes. It is very convenient. For most of the programme, the campus is Fiore di Botta, one of the newer buildings of the university. It is beside a beautiful park where you can hang out before and after classes or walk during breaks. The student cohort is international and diverse, providing an intercultural learning experience.

Is there any class/subject that has stood out to you so far?

It is hard to say. With my degree, I can see a wide range of disciplines within biology, and it keeps me challenged! I enjoy figuring out how seemingly distant concepts eventually connect. You explore various perspectives and approaches and try to integrate them at the end of the day. Thanks to this, you get to explore what you find exciting.
One class that I loved was “Global Change and Human Biology.” It first caught my eye when I was applying to the programme, and I reaffirmed my fascination with biological anthropology after taking the class. The course underscored the role of evolutionary perspective in biomedical science research. It redefined what studying human biology entailed in my mind. Seeing how research is in this discipline sparked my interest in doing it myself. I have chosen to do my undergraduate thesis on a project inspired by the course.
Two other courses that stood out are “Human Anatomy and Physiology” and “Biochemistry.” I have found the former intriguing since I was young, but the latter was a pleasant surprise. I realized how much I enjoyed it afterward, especially when I did an internship connected to it.
In my third year, I enrolled in the Environmental Health curriculum taught in Bologna. All the subjects stood out to me nicely because the class size is smaller, so you can engage more with your classmates and the professors. What I’m studying now is also more closely aligned with my preferences.
I enjoy learning a subject better after taking the exam, but my passion for it develops during the semester. The professors are approachable if something makes you curious, so feel free to reach out. Since most courses are introductory, most of what the professors teach is only a modest part of what they do daily!

Is there any advice you could give to prospective students when it comes to preparing for the entry test and submitting their application?

Understand your strengths and weaknesses well! In my opinion, getting a good grade on a test is a matter of how much you know about yourself: your needs, tendencies, and limits. What topics are you already comfortable with? Which ones are still challenging? How do you learn the best?
More practically, look at the exam syllabus and do exercises or practice tests, if available. Have confidence in yourself, but do not be complacent. Trust in your preparation and believe that you know more than you think. And, of course, being well-rested for the exam is essential. Sleep adequately leading up to the exam day, and prepare a way to calm down right before taking the test.
When it comes to submitting your application, be meticulous. Take your time, go through all the guidelines and documents, and make sure that what you have is complete and correct. If in doubt, cross-reference by checking published information, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and sending emails to pertinent offices. Being appropriately thorough can save you energy, money, and time. Lastly, budget your time accordingly and account for possible delays so that you meet submission deadlines!

What advice would you give to potential students thinking of studying in Italy?

The single most important advice I give is to read a lot. You will have to make some significant decisions. Being an international student is not only an opportunity but also a sacrifice. It is already an electric, nerve-wracking sensation to think about studying abroad. Make decision-making less difficult by keeping yourself informed and maintaining a clear head.
Since Italy attracts many international applicants, some will exploit unsuspecting students. If you research well enough, you can equip yourself with the necessary knowledge to avoid falling for misguidance or misinformation. Of course, be mindful of your sources! Reading through various resources and talking to trusted people about your idea to study abroad can help you meaningfully reflect on your plans. There will always be doubts and insecurities about moving abroad to study, so it is consequential that you begin to trust in your resolution to take the leap of faith.
Lastly, embrace the unexpected. It might be the case that the reality will not be the same as your expectations, but this is not necessarily a bad outcome. Most of my best experiences came out of spontaneous and opportune moments. Have a plan for your entire stay to have a sense of direction, but it is crucial that you can adapt. This way, you can appreciate living in Italy even more.

Are you involved in any extracurricular activities? If so, how do they add to your overall university experience?

Yes, I like to keep busy with extracurricular activities. Many free resources are available for students, provided that you show proof of enrollment. These resources include Open Badge courses, virtual exchange programmes, and soft skills training. Different departments also have various offers to broaden your horizons, from film shows and exhibits to workshops and many more. If you are into volunteering, many projects will welcome you!
I learn best when I combine in-classroom lessons with practical work outside. My interests led me to complete the Global Citizenship Program and an online dialogue facilitation training course. I am now the team leader of the Enactus UniPd team, of which I have been a member for two years. The Unibuddy and Buddy4YOUrope projects welcomed me as a buddy this year. My wet lab skills improved when I interned in a research laboratory.
These endeavors are integral to my university experience. I am surprised to see how I can apply what I learn in class in various situations. While my extracurriculars are not always directly related to my degree, they make me reflect on myself. Participating in them also enables me to meet people from all over the university, even outside! Indeed, despite constituting an additional workload to the already demanding university commitment, I get rewarded by improving my skills and building connections.

How is student life in Padua?

I love it! There is something for everyone, so you have the freedom to find what you like or discover new hobbies. It is an international student city where you can find your community. Student life is active day and night, especially in the spring and summer. For example, one of my favourite activities is playing volleyball with friends, whether on the grass, sand, or the hardcourt. Most of the city is accessible on foot, but since I have learned to ride a bike, getting around is easier! I would still go for a casual stroll, of course, as the city has several green spaces for you to enjoy.
Housing, health insurance, and residence permits are three concerns that many international students find troublesome. Housing is a big issue for all students regardless of where they come from, so I suggest searching for accommodation as soon as you know you are coming. Regarding health insurance, you have several options. Just make sure it is acceptable for the residence permit. Do not worry if your documents are in order; getting the residence permit should be straightforward, though tiresome.
When studying, I think most people find a work-life balance. The semester consists of roughly three and a half months of classes and one and a half months of exam sessions. While there is an emphasis on individual study outside of class hours, attending lectures is very helpful to engage your curiosity. It is also an opportunity to introduce yourself to professors who can be generous in sharing their knowledge and expertise. Finally, it is a way to meet your classmates and create a network of opportunities to learn and find support.