Dishti Jadeja is a Student Ambassador from India and a student of International Tourism and Leisure Industries at Rimini Campus, University of Bologna.
Published on 19 January 2024 | Asia
From Gujarat to UNIBO:
Namaste! My name is Dishti Jadeja and I come from the vibrant west coast province of India, Gujarat!
I'm a Student Ambassador pursuing my Bachelor Degree in International Tourism and Leisure Industries at Rimini Campus, University of Bologna.
In February 2020, I was set to take my high school final exams in India, but the world was suddenly brought to a standstill by COVID-19. Italy was one of the first countries to be on lockdown, with citizens practicing social distancing to prevent the spread of the virus. During this time, I saw a news clip in India about Italians under lockdown coming together to participate in group activities from their balconies. The sight of entire neighbourhoods singing together and switching their house lights on and off to express solidarity was truly beautiful. Witnessing the sense of fellowship and togetherness among Italians left a deep impression on me, sparking my curiosity about Italy. In 2022, when I began looking for study-abroad opportunities in economics, I stumbled upon the University of Bologna, the world's oldest-running university. UNIBO, as it is popularly called, is the highest-ranked university in Italy and is renowned globally. I was thrilled to find that UNIBO offered a unique degree programme in economics, focused on the business of tourism, and I knew that this was the right choice for me.
Italy, with its rich heritage, culture, and world-renowned cuisine, attracts more visitors than any other country. Learning from the best is always a great idea, especially when it comes to tourism. From understanding policies and planning to implementing ideas, there's so much to learn from Italians. Having personally experienced their hospitality and attention to detail, I can assure you that even their academic courses are designed to be experiential and engaging. Watching Italians in action is truly inspiring for anyone who wants to learn the business of travel and hospitality.
Experiencing a Personalised Approach to Education and Building Global Connections
Our faculty is truly remarkable. Professors are experienced, patient, and available to answer our questions. The academic teaching method is significantly different from what I was used to in India, and that's precisely what makes this program so amazing. It challenges me to think independently while retaining key elements of the subject. There is no rote learning or mindless memorization here. The classes are small, and the professors take the time to identify and speak to each student directly, often remembering our names. It's a truly personal learning experience. By forming groups and teams, we're learning to build relationships and exchange work ethics, skills that will be useful in the real world.
During my first year of studying abroad, I had to adjust to a completely new way of life. This included finding accommodation and adapting to co-living with people from different countries, ethnicities, languages, religions, and habits. It was a beautiful period and I learned new skills and became more empathic. My German floormate knew more Indian recipes than me, and my Japanese neighbour taught us about table manners. I also had to learn to buy warm winter shoes to stay warm and walk around in the cold cobbled paths of Rimini. It was a great experience because I made new friends and learned about different cultures!
A Journey in Language, Culture, and the Italian Way of Life
In India, we are blessed with hundreds of languages and thousands of similar dialects. Encouraged by my Italian friends from my earliest days here, I began trying to speak their language. Although Italian is easy to understand, it is much harder to speak and write it.However, with the support of my local friends and by attending lectures, I have been able to make progress. I am inspired by the confidence and pride that Italian people have in their long history and culture, and I hope to keep learning and participating in their traditions.
As someone who is studying Economics and Tourism, Italians continue to amaze me with their impressive ability to keep everything running smoothly, despite the millions of tourists visiting their country. From the stunning architecture and scenic locations to the incredible transport infrastructure and entertainment facilities, there is so much to appreciate about Italy. Even more impressive is the locals' unwavering dedication to ensuring that visitors have a memorable experience. It's truly remarkable how they manage to do this while ensuring that very few people are hurt, troubled, or left with a poor impression of the country. It's a testament to the kindness, compassion, and hospitality of Italian people, and it's a privilege to be able to experience it.