I nostri testimonials: Valentina - Armenia

Student of Communication Strategies

"I once had a professor who said: When one is in Italy, they become a true creator—they begin to imagine, to express, and to bring ideas to life" 

About myself 

I'm Valentina, and being named Valentina in Italy feels like a small daily privilege; everyone spells it right on the first try, which I definitely can't say about my surname. I come from a tiny town in Armenia. My previous degree comes from the American University of Armenia, where I studied English & Communication with a minor in Gender Studies.
I currently live in Padua, Italy, where I'm pursuing a Master's in Communication Strategies while working remotely as a content marketing strategist. You might think that it's chaotic to work and study at the same time, but Italy doesn't rush people and I am naturally prone to inviting a slower way of life.
At my core, writing is my passion and it's how I make sense of the world. I've always felt a strong connection to academia and research, which is part of why I chose to continue my studies in Padua. Being in an academic environment again feels like coming home to a part of myself that is most alive in the search for meaning. This helps me the way I build my life, which is curious, purposeful, and grounded in values that truly matter.

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

I chose the University of Padua and the Communication Strategies degree programme because I wanted to study in a place that values academic excellence in a research-oriented environment. During my targeted search for European master’s programmes, I came across this one and immediately felt it stood out. It offered the kind of interdisciplinary approach I had been looking for. Also, my capstone supervisor at my home university, who is one of the most inspiring professors I’ve had, had conducted a research project in Padua in recent years and encouraged me to take this step. His support throughout the entire process truly sparked my excitement and gave me the confidence to apply.

What are the main features of your degree programme? Is there any class/subject that has stood out to you so far?

I like how the Communication Strategies programme combines different learning formats such as lectures, lab classes, and a stage programme into one curriculum. I especially love our lab classes because they involve small groups and focused work, which creates space for deeper thinking and more creative collaboration. For example, during the Communication Practices and Inclusion course, I worked on a group project where we conducted a feminist multimodal analysis of online gaming advertisements and created a checklist of recommendations for marketing agencies to design more inclusive gaming advertisements. This course made me realize how theory and research can translate into tools that encourage change. There are still many courses ahead, and I feel genuinely excited about what is coming next.

What aspects of our university’s culture or values have resonated with you the most?

What resonates with me most about the University of Padua’s culture is how socially and politically aware the student community is. I’ve noticed that students here don’t limit themselves to academic life. They actively care about what’s happening in the world and take action through protests and events. People don’t stay silent when something feels wrong. They speak up, organize, and push for change. That takes courage and awareness, and I admire it deeply. I love being part of a conscious, informed, and involved student culture, where you genuinely feel like an academic weapon and ready to challenge systems.

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

My advice to prospective students preparing their applications would be to be honest and clear. It means focusing on telling your story in a way that reflects who you truly are, what you care about, and why this programme is genuinely for you. Before starting the application, spend a lot of time reflecting on yourself because the application itself is just the last step to do as the important work happens before you even start writing.

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

If you're considering studying in Italy, I would encourage you to start learning Italian before you arrive. Italians tend to be open and warm when they hear you trying to speak their language, even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect. I make a lot of mistakes, but I try to push myself to speak. This is actually a piece of advice I continually remind myself of as well, since I also feel shy and insecure about speaking Italian. Eventually, I realized that the only way to improve was to push through that discomfort.

What do you do when you’re not studying? What does the city of Padua have to offer?

When I’m not studying, I try to make the most of what Padua and Italy in general offer. I once had a professor who said, “When one is in Italy, they become a true creator—they begin to imagine, to express, and to bring ideas to life.” At first, that sounded a bit romanticized, but over time I realized how true it was. The rhythm of life here, the architecture and even the way the sunlight hits the buildings invite you to slow down and create something meaningful.
Most weekdays, you’ll probably find me tucked away in one of Padua’s beautiful libraries. Mornings usually begin with a coffee at one of the university bars as a brief ritual. On weekends, if I stay in town, I always make a point to visit Prato della Valle, Piazza dei Signori, Piazza delle Erbe, and Piazza della Frutta for the traditional markets. I talk to people and sometimes just wander aimlessly. There are so many things to do in Padua, but instead of rushing to see everything all at once, I’ve made a personal list to slowly explore over the course of my master’s degree.