Exploring IT Support and Cultural Exchange Through Live My Life
A Journey from Berlin to Bologna
Ben, an IT Support Specialist at the Freie Universität Berlin’s Faculty of Philosophy, embarked on a unique experience through the Live My Life programme. The opportunity came almost by chance when, just days before the application deadline, a colleague suggested looking into available international exchange programs. Live My Life stood out as the perfect fit, offering a chance to experience a different university environment while improving his Italian language skills.
The placement led him to the University of Bologna, where he was paired with Filippo, an IT Specialist working within the institution. This exchange allowed Ben to gain a deeper understanding of how IT support operates in a university that is not only significantly larger than Berlin’s but also spread across multiple campuses in different cities. Unlike Berlin, where most university facilities are concentrated in one area, Bologna’s decentralized structure presented an intriguing contrast.
Throughout his stay, Ben had the opportunity to explore various university campuses, including those in Forlì and Cesena. His schedule was filled with presentations and discussions with IT teams, allowing him to compare workflows, problem-solving approaches, and institutional structures. Observing Bologna’s IT systems firsthand was an eye-opening experience, highlighting both similarities and differences in university technology support between Germany and Italy.
Filippo played a crucial role in making the experience enriching, organizing various meetings and site visits. This direct engagement with the university’s IT infrastructure offered valuable insights, sparking reflections on potential improvements and alternative methods that could be applied back in Berlin.
Beyond the professional learning, Ben’s time in Bologna was also a linguistic and cultural adventure. His experience was shaped by a full immersion in Italian—nearly all interactions, both professional and personal, took place in the language he had been striving to master. While challenging at times, this aspect of the exchange proved to be an invaluable part of his learning journey.
Although his schedule was packed with university-related activities, Ben also found moments to explore the city and its surroundings. Plans to visit Rimini and San Luca were on his agenda, offering a taste of Italy’s rich history and landscape. The arcades of Bologna, its unique city layout, and the vibrant atmosphere of university life all contributed to making his stay special.
Looking back on the exchange, Ben described it as a transformative experience. Hosting Filippo in Berlin months earlier had already provided an opportunity for professional exchange, but visiting Bologna and seeing the differences firsthand added a new layer of understanding. Processing all the information, impressions, and experiences gathered during the exchange would take time, but one thing was certain—this experience had left a lasting impact.
The Live My Life program not only broadened his professional perspective but also reinforced the value of international collaboration. The opportunity to engage in a different academic and professional environment while simultaneously advancing his language skills made this exchange an unforgettable chapter in his career journey.