Christos' Interview
PROFILE
Name: Christos
Surname: Pallas
Nationality: Greek
Age: 23
General Information
Sending University and followed year: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 2019
Field of Traineeship: Animal Production in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine with Prof. Formigoni’s group and Dott.ssa Mammi as mentor.
Erasmus Traineeship Period: 01-03-19 till 31-05-19
BEFORE THE ARRIVAL
1. Why did you decide to do an Erasmus Experience and to come to our University?
I had visited Bologna in the past, and also having heard the best about the university in general there, and especially the department of veterinary, I immediately liked the idea and felt like I should apply. Professors also were highly student-oriented and communication was a breeze.
Offices and bureaucracy
1. Did you have any problem with the bureaucracy, to communicate with our Erasmus Offices, to have the information that you needed about our University and our available courses? Did you have the right support from your Erasmus coordinator and professor?
Bureaucracy was just normal, coordinator and generally all the professors and the people from the Erasmus office helped me a lot. I had no problems at all.
2. Evaluate with a number from 1 to 10 the quality and the efficiency of our Erasmus Offices during the process: Before the arrival
10
Accommodation
1. Where did you decide to live? In Ozzano or in Bologna? Why?
I chose to live in Ozzano because the university and the farm were really close. Also, the green and nature surrounding the picturesque village are a plus.
2. Was it difficult for you to find accommodation?
Accommodation is always a big problem wherever you go, so it proved to be a challenge. At the end though everything worked out to be just fine !
*In case of negative evaluation give some suggestions to solve the problems for the future Erasmus students:
Just an advice to search thoroughly for an apartment, as there appear to be many cases of misunderstanding or even fraud.
DURING THE ERASMUS PERIOD
First days and Welcome
1. Was it easy to gain confidence with the transportation, with the city and with the structure of our University ?
Yes everything felt normal and the transition was easy. Easy access to everywhere, convenient transportation. University areas and facilities well-organised and having help from students at the first days, it was really easy.
2. Did you feel welcomed from our students, professors and the citizens?
Yes, everyone was really friendly. We got along even though my Italian was really inadequate. Everyone seemed eager to communicate in English.
3. Did you have any considerable first impression (positive or negative) different from your country,your university and the way to live of your country’s citizens ?
Italians consume surreal amounts of pasta! Just that, not necessarily positive or negative, but it took me some time to get used to eating habits.
Evaluation of university, courses and language difficulties
1. Was it difficult for you to follow the practices, considering language and timetable?
The professors did everything they could translating lectures papers and sending me mails in english. Following up on the activities was really not a problem.
2. Give a general evaluation for the traineeship that you followed, mentioning the PRO and CONTRO :
The traineeship was actually a really good experience, many activities and things I learned will come in handy in the future. Immersion in daily cow and calves management activities, medical checks, thesis experiments and many more things studied in a friendly environment surrounded by friendly and helpful people.
Free time and Fun
1. Did you have time to visit Bologna and other places around it? If yes, which one?
Yes I certainly did visit Bologna, Ravenna and Florence, depending on my free time though I chose to just relax in Bologna most of the time.
2. Did you do some party or chill event in Bologna or with our associations (Omnia/IVSA / ESN) ? Did you enjoy it?
No I did not attend any ESN events, mostly because of scheduling conflicts.
3. Did you visit some museum/ art expositions? Did you enjoy a cultural event? Did you do some excursion trip?
I visited the museum of modern art, it was enjoyable yes. Excursion in Firenze, really beautiful city located just 80km apart from Bologna.
Cost Consideration
1. Compared with your country, was the life here more or less expensive (Accommodation, daily life, transportation)? Did you receive some help contribute from your university/country? Was it enough to live here?
I had the normal Erasmus funding, yes it proved to be enough to live here. Costs are lower than Greece and generally low. Rent , transportation, super market, even alcohol is cheap.
AFTER THE ERASMUS PERIOD
1. At the end of this experience, are you in general satisfied about the choice of this university ? Would you suggest to someone else this University ?
Definitely satisfied. Would certainly recommend to anyone who wants to have a good study/traineeship period, while also enjoying the vibrant Bologna.
2. Do you think did you do everything that you wanted to do? Do you have any regrets?
No regrets whatsoever! Did everything I thought of, and maybe more!
3. Has this experience opened your mind and have it taught to you something new to your way of thinking ? If yes, what?
Of course living and studying abroad broadens your horizons. International way of thinking, new methods and practises, different way of doing things and meeting new people with fresh ideas are just some of the things I acquired.
4. Did you learn something new, positive or negative, about Italy, Italian people and Italian students and professors ?
They eat a lot of pasta ! Generally I came to the realisation that Italians are friendly, laid back people. Always there to provide help if needed.
5. If you want, tell me three best moments that will always be in your memory:
Eating delicious ice cream and pizza in Bologna.
Parmiggiano Regiano cheese factories visits definitely.
Taking care of the cows and calves taking part in the experimental thesis. Was a pleasure to work with such healthy strong animals.
Date: Bologna, 30/05/19