I nostri testimonials: Giovanna - Brasile
Student of Animal Care
"Don't be afraid of getting out of your comfort zone. Living and studying abroad is a unique experience"
About myself
My name is Giovanna Borges de Souza. I come from Brazil and I'm studying Animal Care at the University of Padova. I'm an animal lover with a passion for travelling and adventures. Growing up, I've had many kinds of pets, and I soon realized caring for them was what I wanted to do in the future. When I'm not thinking about animals or treating my cat like a spoiled baby, I'm planning where to go and what to do on my next trip. Before moving to Italy, I spent two years in the United States and visited many cities there. Whether with friends or as a solo traveller, I love to find new things to see and have a little adventure in each place I visit. I look forward to doing the same here in Italy with all the amazing experiences the country has to offer.
Why did you choose the University of Padua and the Animal Care degree programme?
The Animal Care programme offered by Unipd really resonated with me. During my research for bachelor’s degrees, none of the options I’ve come across, such as Biology or Veterinary Medicine, matched with what I was looking for as perfectly as Animal Care did. I wanted to learn everything I could to work with animals, from basic care such as housing and nutrition to understanding their behaviour and welfare requirements. The Animal Care degree provides the opportunity to learn about all of that.
What are the main features of your degree programme?
The features I like the most about Animal Care include being able to choose a study plan that better suits my personal interests, having practical classes and hands-on experiences, and meeting people from different countries and cultures.
What have you enjoyed most about your programme so far?
So far, what I enjoyed the most about the programme was the Bioethics course. The classes were very interesting, and the content taught is not only relevant and essential for animal-related professions but can also be applied in many life situations.
What advice would you give to prospective students when it comes to preparing for the entry test?
The whole admission process can seem very difficult and overwhelming at first. Something that was helpful for me was dividing it into smaller steps and trying to deal with each one individually before moving to the next. Regarding studying, for example, I would recommend setting weekly goals, such as reading a certain number of chapters per week or focusing on one subject at a time. This method has helped me be more productive in my studies because I can give my full attention to what I’m doing without getting stressed out by other things I still need to do; I can take care of them after my current task is over.
What advice would you give to potential students thinking of studying in Italy? How has your experience in Padua been so far?
The advice I’d like to give is don’t be afraid of getting out of your comfort zone. Living and studying abroad is a unique experience which provides the opportunity to expand your worldview, learn more about yourself, and meet people who could become your lifelong friends. You just need an open mind, an open heart, and the courage to take the first step. My experience so far has been amazing. I’m enjoying my classes, the Agripolis campus is beautiful, and I’ve made great friends. University life has been everything I could have hoped for, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to study here.
What do you do when you’re not studying? How do you like to spend your free time?
When I’m not studying, I enjoy spending time with my friends and exploring the city. I also like to play online games with my friends back home, so we can always stay in touch despite the physical distance.