26 Apr
Study Italian in Milan: Livia’s story
Livia is a Brazilian girl from Fortaleza, she came to Italy to have a new experience and decided to stop and live for an indefinite time. Let’s find out her story!
Our chat with Livia
Ciao Livia, tell us something about yourself…
I am from Fortaleza, a city in the Northeast region of Brazil, capital of the State of Cearà. I am 28 years old and I deal with archival. I graduated in Brazil a few years ago, but here in Italy I still enrolled at university at the Università degli studi in Milan and found a job as an archivist in a famous company. I study medieval history and when I grow up I would like to do … I don’t know yet!
How long have you lived in Milan and how is the city treating you?
I arrived in Milan when I was 24 years old. At first, it was a little easier, because I was “protected” by the school environment. I immediately made friends with my classmates and even learning Italian was not so disastrous, since I speak other Latin languages (Portuguese and Spanish). It was great to study and then explore Italy. Now that I have decided to live here, however, everything is a bit more complicated, I have less time to have fun, but I’m fine and I always like Milan very much, even if I miss the sun in my city.
Why Italy precisely?
It was a “nostalgic” choice: my dad told me many times about his travels in Italy as a young man, when he was a musician, and he was always happy when he talked about it! His stories aroused my curiosity a lot and so, when I decided to have an experience abroad, I thought that Italy was a good place to start.
When did you start studying Italian and how?
I started studying Italian in Brazil to make sure I got a student visa. I studied alone and with a private teacher. When I reached level A2 I took a small exam at the Institute of Italian Culture and then I enrolled in ELLCI, where I continued to study from level B1 for more than a year. Now I no longer study at school, but I am always in contact with the teachers and participate in activities open to former students.
What documents are needed to live and study in Italy?
You need a study visa (for courses of more than 90 days for us non-European citizens) and a residence permit. It is also important to have medical insurance and a tax code. It is not easy to manage in the Italian bureaucracy, it is better to inquire before leaving and ask for help at the school.
Did you find any differences between the Italian course in ELLCI and the previous courses?
Of course, there is a complete program at school. Furthermore, studying with other people also means learning transversal knowledge and having fun!
Do you have any plans for the future? Will you stay in Milan?
At least for a few years, yes. I want to graduate and maybe pursue an academic career. It would be nice to be able to teach at the Italian University in Brazil!
One thing you like about living in Italy and one thing you don’t like.
I like music, food, people. I don’t like the slowness and confusion that only Italians can do.
What would you recommend to those who are starting to study Italian and dream of living in Italy?
I recommend taking a plane ticket and not thinking about it too much.
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