Moving to Italy as an International Student: My Real Experience.

In 2013, I moved to Italy to study at the Faculty of Economics at the Polytechnic University of Ancona.

At that time, I had no idea how much this country would change my life.

The university itself already felt special to me. My faculty was located inside old renovated barracks, surrounded by history and beauty. There was a picturesque green lawn where students could sit on the grass, have lunch together, study under the sun, or even take a nap between lectures.

It felt like the perfect image of student life in Italy.

But despite the beauty around me, the first year was incredibly difficult.

Understanding academic Italian was a real challenge. Passing exams felt almost impossible at times. Studying in Italy is not easy — you have to read a lot, analyze, memorize, and truly understand the subjects.

As an international student in Italy, I often felt overwhelmed.

Still, every difficulty was somehow balanced by the magic of everyday life here.

Because after long hours of studying, you could simply enjoy the beauty of living in Italy.

The famous dolce far niente. Traveling to beautiful Italian cities. Eating gelato. Pizza nights with friends. The classic breakfast all’italiana every morning with cappuccino and cornetto. And of course, aperitivo. Aperol Spritz or Prosecco at sunset, surrounded by Italian voices and laughter.

Isn’t that a dream?

Sometimes I would stop for a moment just to listen to the language around me. Italian everywhere. And I would think: “Che bella vita.”

What It’s Really Like to Study in Italy.

During my studies, some subjects became especially important to me.

My favorite courses were mathematics analysis and statistics. I genuinely enjoyed the logical and analytical side of economics.

For my bachelor’s thesis, I wrote about: “E-commerce of Made in Italy on the Russian Market.”

This topic allowed me to combine my passion for business, international markets, and the global value of Made in Italy.

Later, I continued with a Master’s degree, which was much more demanding.

The marketing program included a lot of practical work and participation in real projects developed together with Italian companies and factories.

That experience helped me better understand not only business but also the Italian mentality, creativity, and approach to work.

Here are some of them:

Fratelli Guzzini S.p.A. has launched a marketing campaign to introduce its new products: the Tiffany and Soirée lamps.

The campaign focuses on highlighting the elegance and distinctive design of these collections, which are inspired by timeless icons of style and sophistication.

The project aims to position the new lamps as glamorous and refined additions to contemporary interiors, leveraging Guzzini’s reputation for innovative design and quality craftsmanship.

Antrox S.r.l. is undertaking an internationalization project aimed at expanding its presence and market reach beyond Italy.

The company, specialized in custom architectural and LED lighting solutions, leverages its innovation, experience, and attention to detail to offer unique lighting products and services.

This project likely involves adapting its offerings and business strategies to new international markets, enhancing brand visibility, and establishing partnerships abroad to grow its global footprint.

DIS S.r.l.’s content marketing campaign project involves creating and distributing valuable, relevant, and original content aimed at attracting and engaging a specific target audience.

The goal of the campaign is to enhance brand awareness, strengthen the company’s reputation, generate qualified leads, and encourage profitable customer actions.

Through a well-planned strategy and high-quality content, the project seeks to effectively communicate the brand identity and build a trusting relationship with its audience.

The Reality of Living in Italy.

After more than 10 years of living in Italy, I can honestly say that this country has both advantages and disadvantages.

Italy is not perfect.

There are moments of frustration, bureaucracy, delays, and cultural differences that can feel exhausting, especially when you first move abroad.

But over the years, I realized something important: The imperfections are also part of the Italian experience. Without them, Italy would not truly be Italy.

You learn to accept the slower rhythm of life, the unpredictability, and the chaos. Somehow, all these little imperfections become part of the picture you end up loving unconditionally.

Because love for Italy is rarely rational. It is emotional. It is unconditional. Believe me.

Was Moving to Italy Worth It?

Absolutely.

All the difficult moments during university suddenly disappear when you stand with your family and friends on the university lawn during graduation day.

Everyone singing: “Dottore, dottore…”

That moment makes everything worth it.

The stress.
The exams.
The loneliness.
The fear.
The adaptation.

Everything.

Moving to Italy changed me deeply — not only academically, but personally.

It taught me resilience, independence, and how to enjoy life more slowly.

Believe in Yourself and Your Dream.

If you are dreaming about studying in Italy or starting a new life abroad, this is your sign not to give up.

Believe in yourself. Or, as Mel Robbins says: “What if it all works out?”

Sometimes, one decision can completely change your life.

For me, that decision was moving to Italy.

And after all these years, I can still say: Ti voglio bene, Italia!