30 Giu
Study Italian in Milan: Izabela’s story
How to choose a university course abroad, what makes Milan a unique city and when to start studying Italian. Discover the advice of Izabela, a brilliant student at the Polytechnic of Milan (among the first universities in the world in the QS World University Ranking)
Izabela started learning Italian in Milan with an evening Italian course and then during the covid emergency, she attended the online Italian course. Let’s find out about her experience.
Our chat with Izabela
Ciao Izabela, tell us something about yourself…
I’m from Armenia, I’m twenty-seven years old and I’m studying Architecture and Urban Design at the Polytechnic of Milan at the moment.
How long have you lived in Milan and how is the city treating you?
Milan is a wonderfully interesting city, especially for people who study architecture, history, culture and other related disciplines. I have lived here for three years and I must say that Milan is not a simple city to understand, to “read”, because there are many layers here, in the sense that we see the structure perfectly verified, we see the harmony of composition, but in reality, this is only the first impression, Milan is much more complicated and we can say it not only on architecture but also on other things that create the appearance of the city, such as people, habits, lifestyle. Milan is a city full of stories, secrets, great works of art and memories of epochs of great success.
What were the steps that brought you to Italy?
Before coming here I had never had in mind the clear intention of choosing Italy. I only knew that it was very important for me to continue my studies abroad. And after careful and long research I decided to choose the Polytechnic for the quality of education, high rankings and the study program that had been very interesting for me at the time.
At that moment I had just finished the Triennial in Architecture in Armenia and I wanted to deepen my knowledge. In general, I knew that I wanted to become an architect from childhood. Of course, I had a period in which I hesitated between architecture and fashion but in the end, I understood that the architect can also make fashion if he wants, but the fashion designer, on the other hand, cannot be an architect even if he really wants it.
What was the reason that pushed you to leave and live in Italy?
In my case, the reason I moved here was my desire to become a professional in my field, gain international experience and study architecture in a country whose name is associated with quality architecture and design.
What are the documents needed to live and study in Italy?
As a non-EU citizen, I need a document called a residence permit.
What was your level of Italian when you arrived?
“Lasciatemi cantare” … I knew almost nothing, just some famous Italian songs in Armenia, but of course only the words, without understanding.
This is my first Italian course in ELLCI but I can already say that I really like it.
How has your life in Milan changed compared to your country of origin?
In Italy, I learn to appreciate the beauty of everyday life, to live with a sense of lightness and to appreciate simple human joys like a beautiful sunset, the scent of fresh morning espresso, the views of the old evening city, a glass of sparkling wine in the company of friends.
Do you have any plans for the future? Will you stay in Milan?
Now I try not to plan and act on the situation.
One thing you like about living in Italy and one thing you don’t like.
I like everything except that there are no shops that work all day and all night.
What would you recommend to anyone who starts studying Italian and dreams of living in Italy?
I would recommend starting to learn the language before moving, although not intensively but surely, in advance.
Have you always wanted to learn the Italian language, but don’t know where to start? Try our Online Italian courses , starting from two weeks. Reach a level in 6 weeks