I nostri testimonials: Navila - Indonesia

About myself 

As an international Master’s student in Communication Strategies, I’ve always loved exploring the sweet spot where theory meets creativity. My journey started in Indonesia, where I earned my Bachelor’s in Communication Science and spent a lot of time diving into communication theories and research. While I valued that academic foundation, my true passion came alive when I began applying it in the real world. Working as a designer and illustrator in the creative industry, I’ve come to realize how much that theoretical background actually grounds my visual work. It simply helps me think more deeply about the audience and how a message might land. For me, communication is all about that journey: from pixels to people

Why did you choose the University of Padua and our degree programme in Communication Strategies? How did you learn about our institution? 

When I was looking for the next step in my academic journey, I spent a lot of time researching online for a Master’s programme that could help me bridge the gap between theory and hands-on practice.  When I looked at the curriculum, courses like SEO in Web Design and Immersive Technology immediately caught my eye. It felt like the perfect playground to combine my academic background with my creative side. Beyond the academics, a wonderful coincidence sealed the deal for me, my brother had actually done an exchange programme in Padua a while back. Hearing about his experience firsthand gave me that extra push of confidence I needed to apply. Plus, once I researched the city and realized it is a true student town, moving across the world felt a whole lot less intimidating and much more like an exciting new adventure.

How has your experience been so far? What aspects of our university’s culture or values have resonated with you the most? 

My experience so far has completely exceeded my expectations. One of my favourite things about UniPD is just how international the campus is. I’m constantly meeting people from all over the world, and simply chatting with classmates from different backgrounds has completely broadened my perspective. Coming from Indonesia, the Italian education system was a bit of a shift for me, but I absolutely love the flexibility here. Being able to customize our own study plans and choose our exam schedules gives us a real sense of independence. It really teaches you how to take ownership of your own journey.

On top of that, the university culture is incredibly welcoming. There’s a perfect balance between the city's rich history where you literally get to study inside beautiful, historic buildings and a vibrant student environment that makes it easy for internationals to feel at home. 

What are the main features of your degree programme? 

The main feature of my degree programme is definitely its cross-disciplinary approach. It perfectly blends different fields, offering hands-on, practical courses that let you apply what you learn right away. What I love most is the incredible opportunity to learn directly from active industry professionals. For example, in my Immersive Technologies class, both of our professors are working professionals in the field. Because the course is completely practical, the lectures are engaging, highly relevant, and honestly just so much fun. Getting that kind of real-world insight inside the classroom has been amazing, because for me, it is so much more exciting to learn by actually doing the real thing instead of just reading a textbook

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

My biggest piece of advice is to really do your homework on the curriculum. Take the time to explore the university website and look closely at the specific courses offered within your programme. You want to make sure that what you are genuinely passionate about aligns perfectly with what the programme actually teaches. When it comes to your motivation letter, honesty is key. Don't just write what you think the admissions committee wants to hear. Instead, focus on connecting the dots between your unique background, your personal interests, and exactly what the university has to offer. Clearly state why those specific courses excite you and why your past experiences make you a great fit. Showing that you truly understand the degree and how it bridges your past with your future goals will make your application stand out

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

If you are thinking about studying in Italy, my biggest piece of advice is to not let fear hold you back. It is completely natural to feel anxious at first, I certainly did, but there are so many fun and exciting experiences waiting for you here that completely outweigh the uncertainty. Settling into Padua has been a wonderful experience because the environment and the people here are genuinely warm and welcoming. Whether it's fellow students or locals, everyone is incredibly helpful, which makes navigating a new country so much easier. You’ll quickly find your rhythm, make friends from all over the world, and realize that you're part of a very supportive community. It might feel scary right now, but taking that leap is entirely worth it

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

When I’m not studying, the first thing I usually do is call my family or friends back home, because homesickness is definitely real! Staying connected keeps me grounded. However, since moving here, I’ve also started being a lot more active. It has helped me stay disciplined and clear my head, so I love going for runs around my neighbourhood. If the weather is nice, my friends and I love spending time outside in the local parks, having picnics, or just soaking up the sun. And of course, since I am already in Italy, I’ve been checking off a huge bucket list of places I've always wanted to see. I love traveling, there is an endless amount of beautiful history, art, and nature just a short train/bus ride away. That being said, I’m also a big fan of just staying in and relaxing at home. After a busy week of classes, sometimes nothing beats a cozy day indoors to recharge my batteries.