Our testimonials: Irina
Our testimonials: Irina
Meet Irina from Russia
Student Master's in Food and Health
"You can find many excellent programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, as well as opportunities for international study experiences, as the university collaborates with other top institutions globally"
About myself
I'm Irina, 24 years old, and I used to work as a dentist in Moscow. Almost everyone in my family is in the medical field, so it was a predetermined path for me. I truly enjoyed studying medicine, but the demanding nature of the profession and the lack of flexibility made me reconsider. Besides, I have always had a passion for learning and dreamt of obtaining a prestigious education at a renowned European university. That's how I applied and won the Padua Excellence Scholarship at UNIPD. How did I manage to do it? A love for learning and a thirst to explore the world have always been my driving forces. Additionally, I have a fondness for languages. I have a proficiency level in English, and I can speak some Italian and German, besides my native Russian.
I have traveled extensively and always dreamt of studying in English. This led me to enroll in the Food and Health master's program at UNIPD and later win the Mobility Window program in Australia at Monash University. Studying at these two institutions undeniably transformed my life. I wholeheartedly recommend this experience to all students because it allows you to discover your potential, step out of your comfort zone, broaden your horizons, and become a stronger and more adaptable individual. These qualities are the keys to success in life.
Beyond my academic pursuits, I am passionate about personal growth, mindset and coaching. I am also a blogger with a significant international following on Instagram (@irinkaperelinka). Traveling is another of my hobbies, and I've already visited and lived in 25 countries worldwide. Music holds a special place in my heart; I graduated from a music school with honors, I play the piano, and I sing. Furthermore, I have a sports background as a former aesthetic and rhythmic gymnast. I hold numerous medals from international competitions and even a silver medal from the World Junior Championships as a member of the Russian national aesthetic gymnastics team.
What advice would you give to potential students thinking of studying in the School of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine in Padua?
Always choose what sincerely interests you to study and pursue. Avoid selecting based on prestige or salary potential, as true success in any field comes from passion. Additionally, consider that work takes up a significant part of life, so choose something you wake up excited to do every day, where you can grow and develop. The Agriculture and VetMed School at UNIPD is of a high standard in terms of education, organization of studies, and cultural enrichment. There, you can find many excellent programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, as well as opportunities for international study experiences, as the university collaborates with other top institutions globally. I, for instance, spent an entire semester studying in Australia at Monash University through the Mobility window program.
Application tips: how to build a successful profile
Consider this carefully well in advance. In my case, I always had a passion for learning, which led me to graduate in Dentistry with a perfect GPA of 100%. I was deeply engrossed in my studies, which inspired me to write research articles, conduct experiments, participate in conferences, and volunteer in schools, teaching children about oral and dental care with the support of Colgate. These aspects are crucial for gaining admission to a prestigious institution like UNIPD.
For those of you who are studying in a foreign language, like English, as I do, it's essential to prepare in advance by honing your language skills to meet the required standards and score above the minimum threshold in the necessary exams (I took the IELTS). Work experience also carries significant weight. I worked in dentistry and included this in my resume.
Furthermore, it's essential to demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to the university's prosperity in your motivational letter. What can you offer to the institution? This goes beyond just achievements in your primary field of study; it could even include having an international blog on social media platforms where you share your experiences of studying abroad and at the university with a global audience. This mirrors my own experience, and I highly recommend UNIPD to my followers. (My
instagram account is irinkaperelinka.)
Finally, as with everything in life, setting clear goals and striving to achieve them is paramount to success. Anything is possible when you have a deep-seated, sincere desire, as the world will rally to support your ambitions.
My UNIPD Experience: Describing My Time Abroad in Australia
It was one of the most transformative events in my life. I am immensely grateful to UNIPD for providing such opportunities in the farthest corners of our planet and in leading institutions. In fact, there is a magical story connected to this Mobility Window program. When I first stumbled upon UNIPD's website and the Master's program in Food and Health back in November 2021, I noticed that the university conducted joint webinars with Monash University in Australia. Intuitively, I began thinking about possible internships there.
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