Student spotlight: Jessica in Milan

Jessica is originally from Australia, and she came to Italy in her 30s on a working holiday visa. After spending a few months in Milan, she decided to dive deeper and joined our Italian language program to really get immersed and pick up the language. 

We asked her a few questions about her experience, from cultural surprises to making friends, learning Italian, and what it’s like to take a “gap year” as an adult. Here is her honest and inspiring perspective!

Hi Jessica! Can you tell us why you decided to come to Italy?

I really wanted to immerse myself in the culture and improve my Italian. I’d studied it a bit before coming to Italy, but I knew that the only way to really get better was to live here and use it every day!

How did you adjust when you first arrived?

The beginning was exciting, but winter was tough. Things in Milan slow down, everyone’s at home, and I had more time to think and feel homesick. Once I started school, though, I made friends and created a routine, and that feeling went away! Staying busy really helped.

How’s school going and what’s your day-to-day like?

School has been amazing. I’ve met people from all over (Argentinians, Brazilians, other Europeans) and having housemates made it easier to connect. Classes, plus everyday life like ordering coffee or chatting with locals, also really pushed me to improve my Italian. I’ve really learned a lot just by living day to day.

What do you love most about Italy?

Honestly, the lifestyle. People here enjoy life: meals, aperitivos, hanging out with friends, and staying close to family. Back in Australia, everything moves so fast. But here, it’s about quality of life. That’s what really surprised me and made me fall in love with it.

Any challenges or culture shocks?

Definitely the bureaucracy at first; it’s not straightforward at all. But once you get used to it and ask for help, it’s fine. Also, Italians speak really fast! That was a challenge at the beginning, but it’s helped me get better at following conversations and keeping up.

How has this experience changed you?

It’s been huge for my personal growth. Living somewhere new, speaking a different language, figuring things out by yourself in a new country: it builds confidence. I’ve realized that I can adapt anywhere, and that’s empowering.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about a gap year?

Do it! Even if you’re not a student, a gap year teaches you so much about yourself and other cultures. You’ll meet people from all over the world, improve your language skills, and gain confidence that you can live anywhere.