29 Giu
Studying Italian in Milan: Andrey’s story
Today we get to know Andrey: actor, photographer, a multifaceted artist from Moscow who decided to study Italian in Milan.
Andrey begins his adventure in Italy just before the global Covid-19 pandemic. He, therefore, knows both the classroom study experience in Milan and the online Italian courses.
Leaving without knowing a word of Italian, just “hello”, in a very short time he has made exceptional progress! Find out his secret in this chat.
Our chat with Andrey
Hi Andrey, tell us about yourself …
I’m Andrey, I’m from Moscow. I am an actor, photographer … and student, a constant in my life.
How long have you lived in Milan and how are you?
Right now I am in Russia. I have been living in Milan for a year and a half. I arrived in Milan in December 2019, exactly before the whole pandemic. I like it very much and I want to go back as soon as possible.
I chose to live in Italy during a vacation. I liked it so much that I chose it as a destination to experience another country.
What are you studying in Milan?
I chose to take an Italian course for foreigners because I realized that in Italy you have to learn Italian to live there. Not everyone speaks English, particularly in the south. I am also attending a Masters of the Catholic University of Milan.
I cannot live without art, I am a person very attached to everything artistic, it makes me feel alive.
When did you start studying Italian?
I started studying Italian in January 2020 with ELLCI’s Standard 20 course. Initially, I had no knowledge of Italian. I only understood “ciao”.
When I had to look for an apartment in Milan, I learned a few words together with the real estate agent who followed me.
The first week of the course I struggled a bit because all the teachers spoke only Italian with us, students. Already after a week, I began to understand better, to speak and communicate in Italian. In general, after the first week, I didn’t have any difficulties.
Did your life in Milan change compare to your country of origin?
My life in Milan hasn’t changed much because I’m a person of habit, I hardly ever change my habits. I started going to the gym and meeting new people but I haven’t changed my habits in Russia. Of course, life is different in other respects.
My life changed with Covid!
Do you have any plans for the future? Will you stay in Milan?
I have to finish my master’s degree in Milan. After graduation maybe I’ll stay in Milan or maybe not, we’ll see!
Which Italian city would you recommend visiting?
I chose Milan to live in because it is the most dynamic Italian city, there is a lot of movement. I like it more than the capital, Rome, which I really like to visit but to live I preferred Milan, a city like Moscow, New York …
One thing you like about living in Italy and one thing you don’t like.
I like living in Italy because there is almost always good weather. I don’t know what I like best, I like many things.
I know what I don’t like, the bureaucracy and I don’t like waiting a long time to do something, like the documents, the residence permit …
What is the most useful thing you have done to learn Italian?
I recommend speaking a lot. Talk talk talk with Italians, with all those who can talk to you. For me, it is the most important thing when you study a language. First, you have to speak, then also write, listen … but first you must always speak. Now that I have been living in Russia for 6 months and I no longer speak Italian every day like in Italy, I can notice the difference, but when I return my Italian will be perfect again!
A survival tip in Italy?
Talking a lot…
I also recommend mentally preparing for the unexpected. You will find yourself in situations that you cannot be prepared for. Because when you go to live in another country, anything can happen, unexpected events and things you would never have considered.
For this reason, you have to be flexible. Try to find out as much as possible about the country you are going to live in, but be prepared to adapt and react.
Choose your Italian course here