Italy – Yeo
Student: Yeo
Course: Bachelor of Design (Architecture)
Program: Short-term exchange T3 2024
International student grant recipient
Yeo is an international student from Malaysia.
Describe the city you were living in: the landscape, the culture, the weather etc.
I am living in Milan, Italy. It is a lovely city filled with fashions and delicious food. People around there are friendly while the weather is quite similar to Australia.
What were some of the differences you observed to Australia when you arrived?
There are not much differences between Italy and Australia since they are really chill. The only difference I will say is the language barrier.
Describe a normal day in your life overseas: your university, your work placement or your study tour?
I usually wake up in the morning and walk straight to class. After having our morning class I will have lunch in the school’s canteen which their foods are really good. Then chatting with my friends and walk back to class for our afternoon class. Since it’s only a two-week exchange class, the classes will be a little full.
How did you spend your weekends?
I spent my weekends wandering around the city or hop on a train and have a day trip to the suburbs around Milan.
Did you go on any memorable trips to explore your host country or maybe a nearby country?
The most memorable one is to Lake Como because it was a nice weather that day so we saw a beautiful sunset over there while watching the mountains.
What's the best/most memorable thing you ate?
I will say everything there is delicious: risotto, pasta, pizza, tiramisu, coffee, it’s just everything.
How did you make friends and what sort of things did you do together?
I met some friends during orientation and during class. We share our cultures to each other and hang out if we’re free.
How did you decide which study abroad opportunity to do?
First of all it’s because of the country. I’ve always wanted to go to Europe, then it’s the unit.
What was something that challenged you?
The one thing that challenged me was the language barrier and making new friends since I am a shy person but I always wanted to step out of this situation so this was also one of the reason why I choose to study abroad.
What's your one piece of advice for a student who is preparing to study abroad? How should they prepare?
Just do what is written down then you should be fine and also keep up to date from the host university.
What is the one big thing you will always remember from your experience? Or one big lesson that you learnt?
The one thing I always remember is be humble and learn experiences from others by talking to them.
How much did your trip cost?
It cost almost AUD $2500.
How will your trip add value to your studies ie. Did you gain credit? Was it to increase your employability?
I think this trip helped me a lot as I learnt how to build a business which is totally different from my original course and understand the culture or market in Italy, even Europe. I guess these insights will increase my employability.
What motivated you to travel further as an international student?
My sister went on a short term program in the last year so she recommended me going as I can see more rather than just staying in Australia.
What is a piece of advice or tip you would give an international student who is thinking about studying abroad?
The advice I will give is to talk to people while travelling outside.
How did receiving a grant help support your overseas program?
The grant helped me a lot as the currency in Europe is really low so it covered some of my expenses while doing this exchange program.
Learn more about studying at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore