Our testimonials: Anila
Our testimonials: Anila
Meet Anila from Kosovo
Student of Clinical, Social and Intercultural Psychology
"As an international student, I have always felt welcomed and encouraged because the University of Padua promotes inclusion, autonomy, and high academic standards"
About myself
I'm Anila Shala, and I'm currently studying for a Master's in Clinical, Social, and Intercultural Psychology at the University of Padua. I'm from Kosovo, a small country with a lot of resilience, and as a kid, I was always curious about the human mind: Why do we think the way we do? What drives our decisions? And hundreds of questions following up. That curiosity led me to earn a degree in Psychology at UBT College in Prishtina. For me, it wasn't just an abstract study; I've been fortunate to put it into practice – mentoring children, co-leading group therapy sessions, contributing to research on learning styles and motivation, and even working as a TV author and journalist where understanding people is necessary. These experiences not only enhanced my scholarly foundation – they instilled psychology into the fabric of how I live and serve.
Why did you choose the University of Padua and the Clinical, Social and Intercultural Psychology degree programme? How did you learn about our institution?
Studying in Italy has always been my dream, but studying at the University of Padua fulfilled this dream even more. I have learned about the University of Padua through history classes, as a prestigious institution, and its connection to notable Albanian personalities. Being a student in this prestigious university with a hundred years of tradition is a pleasure. The Clinical, Social and Intercultural Psychology degree programme won my heart at first sight, because it includes the main areas of psychology in an intercultural context and has an innovative structure. This unique combination gives new perspectives on psychological processes and is important in today’s globalization.
What are the main features of your degree programme? Is there any class/subject that has stood out to you so far?
The Clinical, Social, and Intercultural Psychology programme offers an interdisciplinary framework. Its curriculum is unique, providing knowledge of psychological processes in multicultural environments, considering social dynamics. Every class offers a variety of perspectives and raises new questions for further research, which is so exciting. So far, my favourite subject is “Brain Disorders and Behaviour Across Culture” because it has expanded my knowledge of ways the brain functions and how its disorders appear. Furthermore, I gained a broader perspective on how all of this is manifested, expressed, and understood across different cultures.
What aspects of our university’s culture or values have resonated with you the most?
As an international student, I have always felt welcomed and encouraged because the University of Padua promotes inclusion, autonomy, and high academic standards. The university’s emphasis on research and innovation is fascinating. Furthermore, professors are willing to discuss and collaborate on different topics. Hence, these values together have been such an inspiration to me.
What kind of tips would you give to prospective students when it comes to preparing a successful application?
Be authentic! When you apply, highlight your academic background and your experience related to the programme. Try to be specific and show your interest and motivation for the field of study you have chosen. Furthermore, be careful with your CV and motivational letter; they are important. Most importantly, be precise about what the application is asking for!
What advice would you give to students thinking of studying in Italy?
Studying in Italy is a wonderful experience, but there are obstacles too. Start looking for apartments early because it is a hard process and a competitive market. Another challenge is bureaucracy, but don’t let it disappoint you. Try to learn some basic Italian and attend different events organized in Padua or cities around. Have conversations and build friendships with both locals and other international students; you will learn more about Italy and other cultures in this way. Above all, enjoy the Italian cities, history, art, cuisine, and lifestyle, because it is a unique and unforgettable experience.
How have you adjusted to living here? How has your experience outside of university been so far?
Padua matches my lifestyle; a student-friendly city that balances serenity with vibrant vibes! Finding a house and paperwork was difficult, but that didn’t discourage me from enjoying every part of this city. Museums, parks, and cafes have a lovely atmosphere. Meeting people from Italy and other countries has helped me build new friendships and enjoy this experience even more. I have learned a lot from them, and I enjoy doing different activities with them outside university. Padua is full of life, and I have enjoyed it since day one!
What do you do when you’re not studying? What does the city of Padua have to offer?
There is always something to do! You just have to figure out what you are in the mood for, and Padua always has something to match your vibe. From slow mornings in parks, historic architecture, beautiful piazzas, theatres, and exhibitions to lively nightlife, there is always something to do here. When I am not studying, I like to meander through the city because I always find new streets to explore. There are also several markets, sports activities, and music events that I enjoy attending. Moreover, Padua’s location is strategic for traveling around Italy and other European countries.
To sum up, Padua is one of the best destinations to enjoy student life, and if you are already a UNIPD student, I hope you are enjoying it to the fullest, and if you are thinking of applying here, you won’t regret it!
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