Name: Julia Mairena Solano
Exchange (Erasmus +study/traineeship): ERASMUS+ study
Course year/post lauream: 22-23
Degree: Veterinary
Courses, exams, traineeship suggested/non suggested: I agree with the study plan that the Bologna university of veterinary offers, it’s very similar to the one we have in Spain.
Support and welcome: At the beginning of the course there was a welcome day where a lot of procedures during the course were explained. I think that was very helpful and being able to look at the slides of that day makes it easier knowing what to do in the different parts of the erasmus.
Language difficulties: In my case I come from Spain, so my native language it’s pretty similar to Italian. I've been able to understand the classes by only taking a few Italian courses some months before coming here. Anyways, I know people that have had problems getting to know the language, so I would recommend creating the opportunity of taking some subjects also in english.
Accommodation and how easy it was to find it: As I was notified that I would come here with plenty of time I haven’t had much problem finding an apartment. But it’s true that here at Bologna there’re a lot of exchange students but also people from other parts of Italy that come to study here. That makes finding a place to stay a lot more difficult. I know a lot of people that weren’t able to find one so they didn’t find another solution rather than going back to their country. There’re student’s residences but either they’re too expensive or they don’t accept exchange students. So maybe making one cheaper or that also accepts foreigners would make things easier.
Transports: As the veterinary campus is so far from the center of Bologna I had to choose between renting an apartment near the faculty but being far away from the center or being near the center but very far from the faculty. Any of those options lead to buying the Tper bonus of one year so it’s in some way more economic. But that bonus it’s only rentable if you’re going to stay the whole course here. Other people that have been as an exchange student here before me told me that there was a bonus like that but way cheaper, so maybe that should be more of an option. Also, I had a lot of problems getting my Tper card.
Integration with Italian students: Italian students are so kind, but not as inclusive as I thought they would be. I explain myself: any time I’ve had a problem or any question they have helped me soon and in a very kind way. But none has ever offered me to hang out after class or things like that. Not me but also any of the exchange students I know, I guess it’s because they already have a group of friends formed and they know that we’re going to stay here just for a year so, they don’t see the need to build a friendly relationship.
Evaluation of courses and practices: I’ve liked them, also I’ve liked a lot the professors, you can tell that they like the subject and they do a lot of effort trying to make the students value how interesting they’re subject is. Unfortunately I haven’t had a lot of practice but most of them have been very fun.
Most profitable year of course to come: 3rd year
VOTE 9/10