1. Can you describe your overall experience studying in Amsterdam, including the academic environment, cultural immersion and any notable differences from studying at your home university?

Studying in Amsterdam has been a highly enriching and open-minded experience, distinctly different from what I was used to. The University of Amsterdam (UvA) offers an international, dynamic, and well-structured academic environment. Courses are often interactive and encourage discussion and student participation, which I found to be a notable contrast to the more traditional, lecture-based approach typical of my home university. This direct interaction with professors allows students to genuinely perceive their enthusiasm and commitment to teaching.

The workload is also distributed in a different way. I was used to a system that placed most of the emphasis on the final exam, often requiring intense study sessions over short periods. In such settings, there is a risk that the focus shifts from understanding concepts to simply memorizing information, with the consequence that much of it is quickly forgotten. In contrast, the regular weekly assignments at UvA provide continuous feedback on progress, making it easier to stay on track and promoting consistent, in-depth learning over time.

Beyond the academic dimension, I was also drawn to the city itself. Coming from Florence, a city rich in history and art, but with a very different approach to urban mobility, I found it fascinating to live in a place where bicycles are the primary mode of transportation. This offered a new and more personal way of experiencing the city.
From a cultural perspective, Amsterdam is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city that is particularly welcoming to international students. I was impressed by how naturally diversity is embraced and by how easy it is to communicate even without knowing Dutch, as most people speak English fluently. Amsterdam embodies freedom - the freedom to be yourself and to express your identity without fear of judgment.

Naturally, the initial adaptation required some time, especially to adapt to a lifestyle that was so different from my own. However, thanks to the Erasmus student network, the activities organized by the university, and my own enthusiasm and willingness to engage with this new environment, the transition became much smoother.

2. What were the key factors that influenced your choice for the UvA?

I chose the University of Amsterdam primarily because it is internationally recognized as one of the top universities in the field of communication and media, which is my main area of interest. Its position in global rankings and the quality of the programs immediately stood out to me. I knew I would find a stimulating and cutting-edge academic environment, offering a broader and different perspective compared to what I was used to.

I was also attracted by the possibility of receiving a more pragmatic and practice-oriented education, one that could prepare me more concretely for the professional world. The idea of engaging with different methodological approaches, working on real-life case studies, and collaborating with international students seemed like a unique opportunity to broaden my horizons. I was confident that studying at UvA would help me grow not only academically, but also in developing a deeper understanding of how to navigate the contemporary communication landscape.

3. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during your exchange, and how did you handle them?

One of the biggest challenges I faced was adapting to a very different university system, especially in terms of academic methods. At UvA, students are expected to work very independently and practically, with frequent assignments, presentations, and group work. At first, I struggled to manage the continuous workload and had to take some time to find an effective way to organize myself.

Another difficulty was dealing with everything in English, especially during the first few days, attending lectures, interacting with professors and classmates, while also managing practical aspects of daily life. Although I had a good level of English, it was still challenging to move from a school-based use of the language to speaking and listening in a constant, natural way.

Living alone for the first time was also not easy at the beginning, as I was used to being surrounded by my family. It took me some time to adjust, but eventually it became one of the most important parts of my growth, it helped me become more independent and taught me how to manage myself and my time effectively.

I overcame these challenges by making a conscious effort not to isolate myself. I connected with other international students who were experiencing the same difficulties, and I learned to ask for help when I needed it, without feeling ashamed. I started planning my time better, learned how to manage tasks efficiently, and most importantly, I stopped being afraid of making mistakes. Over time, what had seemed so complicated at first became part of my normal routine. Every small obstacle I overcame strengthened my confidence and made me more aware of my own abilities.

4. How has participating in an exchange programme benefited your academic journey and personal growth? Could you provide specific examples?

Participating in an exchange program was the best decision I could have made. I set off on my own, with a suitcase in hand and countless fears and uncertainties, not really knowing what to expect. It was a leap into the unknown, but today, I can say that it profoundly changed the way I see myself and the world around me.
I feel like a different person: more self-aware, more independent, and far more confident in my abilities. I discovered a new side of myself, and above all, I discovered Amsterdam, a city that completely won me over. I often feel as if I’m living in a dream while walking along its canals. Amsterdam never stops to amaze me, day after day and I am also now considering staying to pursue a Master’s degree… something I never would have imagined before my Erasmus experience.

Academically, the experience has been extremely enriching. Studying at UvA allowed me to engage with a much more practical and hands-on teaching approach compared to what I was used to. For the first time, I found a learning method that helped me truly understand what I was studying and why, giving me real tools to navigate the professional world. It’s a kind of education that genuinely prepares you for real life.

One course, in particular, left a deep impression on me: “Making Media: Production, Practices and Professions.” This course opened my eyes to the media world and its many layers, helping me see beyond appearances. The teaching approach was innovative, and one of the most stimulating aspects was the direct interaction with industry professionals, whom we were able to interview and question with curiosity. It was one of the moments where I most clearly felt the real-world value of what I was learning.

In addition to academic growth, I also developed key transversal skills: I learned how to better manage my time, work in multicultural teams, communicate more effectively, and adapt quickly to new situations. I also learned how to step outside of predefined patterns, make decisions independently, and face the unknown with greater confidence.

I still remember the day of the University’s Introduction Day, my first real encounter with the course, the professors, and my future classmates. I was anxious: I didn’t know if I would be able to make friends, if my English would be good enough, or if I’d be able to keep up. I had so many doubts. And yet, who would have thought that on that very day I would meet people who would accompany me throughout this journey and make the experience even more special? With them, I shared fears, thoughts, laughter, and unforgettable moments. They were my companions in this adventure. I never imagined I would say this, especially about people from such different cultures and languages, but it’s also thanks to them that this experience became truly unique.
Ultimately, I didn’t just study at another university. I learned more about myself, broadened my horizons, and found a place that now feels, in some way, like home. And that, to me, is worth as much - if not more - than any exam I’ve passed.