I chose the University of Padova because it is a renowned institution worldwide for the study of psychology. I expected to learn new research and intervention strategies, exploring new topics and having the opportunity to learn about the work of researchers engaged in current topics.
Opting for the Developmental and Educational Psychology programme was a natural fit as it aligned with my prior research interests while also integrating an educational perspective, recognizing education as a potent catalyst for societal change.
The programme not only met but exceeded my expectations regarding research. It equipped me with invaluable tools for conducting rigorous and ethical investigations, laying a solid foundation for an academic career. For those interested in intervention strategies, elective courses from other programs are available, offering diverse learning opportunities. The university's flexibility in this regard ensures students can tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals.
Furthermore, I highly recommend prospective students familiarize themselves with the Italian educational system. Understanding its unique format is essential for aligning expectations with the master's degree structure. This knowledge provides insight into how the programme is structured and ensures applicants can make informed decisions about their academic journey.
In conclusion, the University of Padua’s Developmental and Educational Psychology programme offers a comprehensive and enriching academic experience. Its renowned faculty, diverse course offerings, and emphasis on research excellence make it an ideal choice for aspiring psychologists. By immersing oneself in this vibrant academic environment, students can cultivate the skills and knowledge necessary to make meaningful contributions to the field of psychology.

The main features of the programme are the focus on research methodology, research issues in different areas of psychology, and learning statistical analysis and data interpretation. Topics are mostly related to developmental psychology, typical and atypical development, and other childhood-related concerns. The programme involves the study of recent research findings and the presentation of in-class seminars for discussion. Furthermore, laboratories are included and can be chosen by students according to individual interest.

The classes that impacted me the most during my career in the programme were experimental methods, statistical methods in developmental psychology, and advanced data analysis. Such subjects allow me to learn how to work in the R environment, popularly used for data analysis in research. Furthermore, these classes allowed me to fill several gaps that I had about how to plan and conduct robust and reliable studies, in addition to learning to interpret not only the data I collected for my master's thesis but also results from scientific articles. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to take the writing grants proposals laboratory, which provided practical information and very useful insights for searching and applying for applications for academic positions.

Padova is a beautiful city, boasting a rich history and an array of museums and historical sites to explore. Additionally, it offers numerous parks, restaurants, and alternative entertainment possibilities. Being a university city, Padova is alive with student-led initiatives, including events, association participation, discussion groups, and social centres. The city administration also organizes diverse events catering to various interests.
The university itself contributes significantly to Padova's cultural scene, arranging tours of historical buildings, academic events, film forums, and photography exhibitions. Moreover, Padova is renowned for its commitment to the third sector, and thus there are a series of volunteer associations dedicated to the most diverse scopes.
It is a lively and strongly multicultural city, inhabited by people from all over the world that you will meet in your daily life. Personally, I've had wonderful interactions with the locals, who have been kind and welcoming.

I didn't encounter any difficulty in meeting new people in Padova. Firstly, I was fortunate to have wonderful classmates with whom I connected well, and through them, I was introduced to a diverse range of individuals. Additionally, I met many Italian and international people at events throughout the city and through my involvement in volunteer associations. People in Padova are very kind and open to forming new friendships. Moreover, I found the city to be quite LGBT+ friendly and welcoming to different cultures, which further eased the process of making new connections.

I advise new students to embrace new experiences and take full advantage of the opportunities provided by both the city and the university.
Being open to meeting people from diverse backgrounds and exploring different realities is essential, especially given the multicultural environment of the city, which facilitates such interactions. I strongly suggest taking the opportunity to discover new cultures and ways of experiencing the world through people.
It's also important to approach your studies with dedication, as the programme is well-designed and offers valuable opportunities to enhance your academic skills.
I also recommend immersing yourself in the Italian culture and getting to know the locals. Building connections with Italians can be incredibly rewarding.
For students who don't speak Italian, I encourage making an effort to learn the language. Doing so not only enriches your experience in Italy but also makes daily life, socializing, and job-seeking much smoother.