Initially, I was exploring different academic opportunities in Italy, but after learning more about the University of Padova through their informative webinars and experiencing how supportive and responsive they were, I became very interested in UniPD!
I would recommend the Mobility Studies programme because, in addition to being taught in English, it also offers a diverse range of modules and provides the students with a unique opportunity to study in a growing field with both a global and local perspective. What's more is that due to the programme being relatively new, there is a strong sense of community and collaboration among students and professors, which gives us a more personalized academic experience.
So, if you're looking to study in a dynamic, supportive environment with a dozen of opportunities for personal and academic growth, I highly recommend the University of Padova and our innovative Mobility Studies programme.

The Mobility Studies programme at the University of Padova, offers a unique multidisciplinary approach to understanding the mobility or immobility of people, artifacts, books and even ideas. The programme is structured to provide students with both theoretical foundations and practical insights into the complex dynamics of migration, travel, and social transformation. The main features of the programme are its international perspective, the multidisciplinary approach and its flexible curriculum. The degree also stands out because due to the programme being relatively new, there is a personalized and collaborative atmosphere, with close interactions between students and professors. This creates an enriching learning environment where students feel supported and encouraged to develop their ideas.

Even though there are many excellent courses in the programme that equip us students with the knowledge required to strengthen our academic paths, if I had to choose one, it would be Ideas and Cultures in Motion. This course delves into the mobility processes of the early modern period (15th to 17th centuries) that shaped societies in profound ways. It explores key historical events, such as religious wars, forced migrations, and the invention of the printing press, drawing connections between past and present movements of people, ideas, and cultures.
What makes this course particularly interesting is its exploration of the political, economic, social, and cultural implications of these processes. It focuses not only on the impact of exile and diaspora but also on the lasting consequences of mobility on religion, literature, and society. The interdisciplinary nature of the course allows students to examine these issues from multiple perspectives, enriching their understanding of how history's mobility patterns continue to influence our world today.

When preparing your application for the Mobility Studies programme at the University of Padova, I’d recommend you to be genuine and reflective in your approach. You should elaborately articulate your motivations and explain why you are drawn to the study of mobility. Take time to reflect on your personal experiences, academic background, or extracurricular activities that have shaped your interest in this field, such as studies in history, social sciences, or cultural studies. Demonstrating that you’ve carefully considered how the programme fits your aspirations will then showcase your commitment and genuine interest in the field, which can eventually make your application stand out.

When considering studying in Italy, I think some important advice I can give is not to take learning Italian for granted. While many academic programmes at UniPD are offered in English, being able to speak an A2-B1 level of Italian will increase your chances of securing an internship or a part-time job. Socially speaking, being able to communicate in Italian will allow you to navigate your everyday life easier, from interacting with locals, ordering food, shopping or dealing with administrative matters. In addition to that, learning the language will help you be more engaged with the Italian culture, history and local traditions. Even if you’re not fully fluent, making an effort to learn the language will help you feel more confident and comfortable in your new environment.

I try to keep a balance of work and rest and activities outside of academia. Playing the violin is a passion that by connecting the mind and the body is both a creative outlet for me and also a relaxing way to unwind after a full day. I also enjoy dancing because it’s joyful and I’m most confident when I’m dancing. In addition to the physical activities, I like reading on the topics I’m interested in and then discussing them with my favourite people over a drink. I appreciate engaging in deep thought-provoking conversations and I take pride in being both a good listener and a good conversationalist! What’s more is I enjoy going for a stroll around the city, especially in a city as vibrant and charming as Padova!