You can read more about Hofstede's dimensions on this website, and you can also look at how Italy rates, and how it compares with other countries.
Explore the website and read more about Hofstede's dimensions. Compare Italy with one or two other countries. For homework: prepare a report about Italy for Erasmus students from another European country coming to Padova University. Base your report and the advice you give on Hofstede's dimensions, the differences you find and your experience and knowledge of Italy.
Post your report as a comment to this post.
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RispondiEliminaDear Lasse. 12/10/2012
EliminaI’m Stefano, as your Erasmus Buddy I will be glad to help you and give you some useful advices.
Coming from Finland you will notice a lot of differences comparing your way of life, University and society to our one.
Here some recommendations for you:
Meanwhile you are in Italy you should always keep with you at least a copy of a photo id.
You should buy an Italian SIM card so you don't have to pay a lot of money to call someone.
Try to locate and remember where classrooms,offices and services are, it will be also useful to get clear where professors leave their notes and materials to be photocopied.
If you are still searching a place to live don't worry, Padova offers a lot of apartment to be shared with other students. Political Sciences is located in the “heart” of the city, if your goal is a room close to the University be ready to pay a little bit more than others, you may be afraid to do not find a room close and cheap enough, don't worry buying a second hand bike you can easily reach every single place of the city.
On the Internet and at the University you can look for roommates announces.
You are going to experience our University so be ready to change your paradigms; in Finland you may be used to a team working study where students and professors give their mutual contribute of knowledge to a lesson or a project. Whereas our typical lesson is more listening oriented, even if some professors could ask to expose homework, slideshows or presentations about a particular subject to the class in order to decide your mark.
Anyway is not forbidden to ask questions and explain your opinions, just remember to use the “lei” form when you are talking with a professor. In fact during your lessons you might start to think that there is a sort of distance between students and professors, and this is could be a great difference compared to Finland.
Our society even if it recognize the role of an individual it gives a lot of importance to family, friendship and everything that could be considered community life. Don't be surprised to see your new colleagues and friends cooperate with each other (even during an exam), exchanging their notes or lending materials. You may have the impression that a mutual help is expected even if it goes against what It could be you common idea of meritocracy. Our society is less individualistic than yours, where a person tries to keep a sort of distance between him and someone else or between job and friendship. Once here you will understand how easily you can be part of a study group or be invited to a party, because in Italy family, friendship, colleagues, mutual help are words and concept that we can easily merge together.
I hope to be of some help and to see you soon.
Best wishes.
Stefano Pasqualetto
I like it!! Particularly the comment about cooperating!
EliminaDear Lasse. 12/10/2012
EliminaI’m Stefano, as your Erasmus Buddy I will be glad to help you and give you some useful advices.
Coming from Finland you will notice a lot of differences comparing your way of life, University and society to our one.
Here some recommendations for you:
While you are in Italy you should always keep with you at least a copy of a photo id.
You should buy an Italian SIM card so you don't have to pay a lot of money to call someone.
Try to locate and remember where classrooms,offices and services are, it will be also useful to get clear where professors leave their notes and materials to be photocopied.
If you are still searching for a place to live don't worry, Padova offers a lot of apartment to be shared with other students. Political Sciences is located in the “heart” of the city, if your goal is a room close to the University be ready to pay a little bit more than others, you may be afraid to not find a room close and cheap enough, don't worry buying a second hand bike you can easily reach every single place of the city.
On the Internet and at the University you can look for advertisements for roommates.
You are going to experience our University so be ready to change your paradigms; in Finland you may be used to a team working study where students and professors give their mutual contribute of knowledge to a lesson or a project. Whereas our typical lesson is more listening oriented, even if some professors could ask to expose homework, slideshows or presentations about a particular subject to the class in order to decide your mark.
Anyway is not forbidden to ask questions and explain your opinions, just remember to use the “lei” form when you are talking with a professor. In fact during your lessons you might start to think that there is a sort of distance between students and professors, and this is could be a great difference compared to Finland.
Our society even if it recognize the role of an individual it gives a lot of importance to family, friendship and everything that could be considered community life. Don't be surprised to see your new colleagues and friends cooperate with each other (even during an exam), exchanging their notes or lending materials. You may have the impression that a mutual help is expected even if it goes against what It could be you common idea of meritocracy. Our society is less individualistic than yours, where a person tries to keep a sort of distance between him and someone else or between job and friendship. Once here you will understand how easily you can be part of a study group or be invited to a party, because in Italy family, friendship, colleagues, mutual help are words and concept that we can easily merge together.
I hope to be of some help and to see you soon.
Best wishes.
Stefano Pasqualetto
Giving advice for an Erasmus student.
RispondiEliminaI choose to compare Denmark with Italy.
About power distance, with a score of 18 points Denmark is at the very low end of this dimension compared to other countries: the Danes believe in independency, equal rights, accessible superiors and that management facilitates and empowers while Italy with 50 points believes that hierarchy should be respected and inequalities amongst people are acceptable.
• Bring always a dictionary with you, you’ll need it.
• Bring always a map of Padua too, so you’ll know always where are you.
• I suggest you to record lessons. It’s possible you’ll need it, for example: if you don’t understand anything or professor speak quickly you’ll can listen the lesson.
• If you have questions about a course you are attending or during a lesson you don’t understand anything and you want an explanation, you can contact using e-mail, the professor or you can go to “professor’s office hours”: don’t be shy or embarrassed about seeking out a professor during office hours. When you’ll attend a course try to speak with other students: introduce yourself and connect with them trying to be polite. It’s important for your experience meet other students and speak with them as much as possible. Ask them the phone number or them contact on facebook, twitter etc.
• Use “Lei” form with the professors.
• Wednesday here in Padua is called “university night”, so it’s a good opportunity for meet student..and not only. It’s a great occasion for have fun with your new friends.
• In Padua, students have any “canteens” so you’ll can go and have lunch and/or dinner. It’s a good occasion for meet people and try Italian food.
• Living in Padua you are so close to Venice. It’s a must see because there’s nowhere else like Venice.
• I strongly recommend you find a house near university. It’s more convenient for you.
Berton Sara
Giving advice for an Erasmus student
Elimina(with corrections)
I choose to compare Denmark with Italy.
About power distance, with a score of 18 points Denmark is at the very low end of this dimension compared to other countries: the Danes believe in independency, equal rights, accessible superiors and that management facilitates and empowers while Italy with 50 points believes that hierarchy should be respected and inequalities amongst people are acceptable.
• Bring always a dictionary with you, you’ll need it.
• Bring always a map of Padua too, so you’ll know always where are you.
• I suggest you record lessons. It’s possible you’ll need it, for example: if you don’t understand anything or the professor speaks quickly you will be able to listen to the lesson.
• If you have questions about a course you are attending or during a lesson you don’t understand anything and you want an explanation, you can contact the professor using e-mail or you can go to the professor’s office hours: don’t be shy or embarrassed about seeking out a professor during office hours. When you attend a course try to speak to other students: introduce yourself and connect with them trying to be polite. It’s important for your experience to meet other students and speak to them as much as possible. Ask them the phone number or their contact on facebook, twitter etc.
• Use “Lei” form with the professors.
• Wednesday here in Padua is called “university night”, so it’s a good opportunity to meet student..and not only. It’s a great occasion for have fun with your new friends.
• In Padua, students have some canteens so you can go and have lunch and/or dinner. It’s a good occasion to meet people and try Italian food.
• Living in Padua you are so close to Venice. It’s a must see because there’s nowhere else like Venice.
• I strongly recommend you find a house near university. It’s more convenient for you.
Dear Erasmus student,
RispondiEliminawelcome in Italy! Here you will find some useful advice for your staying in Padova. As you are going to spend several months in a foreign country, it is good for you to know the main differences between Italian and Danish cultures.
First of all, mind the neat separation between work and private life. Italians are known in the whole world for being passionate and warm people, but power distance is pretty strong and this affected the professional and university life. You are supposed to show respect to professors, call them by their surname and use the “Lei” form. If you write an email, use the polite expressions such as “Gentile professore” and remember to sign it, or you will not be answered.
About courses, you should download the time table and remember that in Italy there is the “quarto d'ora accademico”, which means that lessons can start fifteen minutes later or end early. Be in time and do not forget your scratch pad. Compared with Denmark, courses are less participative: professors talk and students take notes. You are allowed and invited to make questions if something is not clear, but this does not lead to an active discussion. It is unusual to do team works.
Italy is a masculine society, it is important for Italian people to show their achievement and social status. That is the reason why hierarchy is so relevant and success is the principal aim, in spite of solidarity and consensus. Become familiar with the idea that cheating is not so bad, if it can advantage you. Big cars (even bigger than ancient Roman streets) are a sign of that masculinity, I warn you to be careful when you cross the road. Italians are also aware of their look, so try to dress properly: for instance do not wear shorts or top during the summer examination session, it is considered a sign of disrespect and you are likely to upset the professor.
Enjoy your staying in Italy and if you need further information please contact me!
Angelica Silvestri
Dear Erasmus student,
Eliminawelcome in Italy! Here you will find some useful advice for your staying in Padova. As you are going to spend several months in a foreign country, it is good for you to know the main differences between Italian and Danish cultures.
First of all, mind the neat separation between work and private life. Italians are known in the whole world for being passionate and warm people, but power distance is pretty strong and this affected the professional and university life. You are supposed to show respect to professors, call them by their surname and use the “Lei” form. If you write an email, use the polite expressions such as “Gentile professore” and remember to sign it, or you will not be answered.
About courses, you should download the time table and remember that in Italy there is the “quarto d'ora accademico”, which means that lessons can start fifteen minutes later or end early. Be on time and do not forget your scratch pad. Compared with Denmark, courses are less participative: professors talk and students take notes. You are allowed and invited to ask questions if something is not clear, but this does not lead to an active discussion. It is unusual to do team work.
Italy is a masculine society, it is important for Italian people to show their achievement and social status. That is the reason why hierarchy is so relevant and success is the principal aim, in spite of solidarity and consensus. Become familiar with the idea that cheating is not so bad, if it can advantage you. Big cars (even bigger than ancient Roman streets) are a sign of that masculinity, I warn you to be careful when you cross the road. Italians are also aware of their look, so try to dress properly: for instance do not wear shorts or top during the summer examination session, it is considered a sign of disrespect and you are likely to upset the professor.
Enjoy your staying in Italy and if you need further information please contact me!
Angelica Silvestri
Giving advices about Padua University.
RispondiEliminaDear Juan,
I’m Micol, your Erasmus tutor and I will be glad to help you in your study experience abroad and will offering you some useful advices about Padua University and structure of attending lectures and student life.
Here are some comparisons and recommendations to aid you in understanding better the student life (both social and academicals).
I participated in the LLP Erasmus Programme last year, briefly studying in Madrid. While there I saw some differences about the University and the teaching methods, for example: the professors often give lots of homework, or projects to do in a group on a weekly basis, while here in Padua is different, typical lessons are listening oriented and only a minority of professors would require (some are optional) students to indulge in projects or presentations about an argument.
Attending lessons are not obligatory, but they are strongly recommended and I suggest you do so, because you may benefit from attending classes in many ways, such as improving your Italian language, social acquaintances (the students are friendly and outgoing) and learn firsthand about subjects that interest you.
While the professor is teaching, it is not forbidden to ask questions, share your ideas and opinion and criticise a topic in an argumentative manner based on facts, but remember to be polite and always use the “Lei” as a honorific term (third person singular) when addressing a “senior” or any form of superior authority. This way of speaking acknowledges the respectful hierarchy between professors and students, and that is a difference in comparison to Spain, in which students call the professors by their first names!
If you don’t understand something during the lessons or you want an explanation, you can send an e-mail or go to the professor’s office: don’t be shy, they are almost always available and willing to help (it’s their Job).
Even if the Italian society has high points of individualism (76) compared to Spain (56), we give a lot of importance to family, friendship and common life, in fact don’t be surprised if you see students which cooperate in all moments and try to help themselves, especially during an exam!
I think it’s not difficult to meet people, to be part of a group and enjoy with them. If I were you, I would be a regular attendee on the famous “Wednesday university night”. It is a weekly meeting of students in the centre of the city and an occasion to meet lots of new friends, and try to take advantage of the cafeteria (The Mensa) basically during lunch time, which are always full of students!
Concerning the structural way of life in Padua, when you arrive you don’t be afraid of the lack of clarity of organization and courses (eventually you’ll get it); although it is important that you remember where the classrooms and offices are, because the faculty is located in the centre of city (Via del Santo 28) but lots of courses are located in other buildings, for example Cesarotti or Bò, which are not that far apart from each other.
If you haven’t found an apartment or a room yet, don’t worry because you’ll find out that at the turn of every angle, corner or major buildings there are a lot of showcases with roommates announcements and advertisements that you can call and look at before decide. Rooms in the centre are a little more expensive than others, and you can buy a second-hand made bicycle to reach every sites of the city without difficulties.
I hope that my advices will be useful and that you will not have any problems!
If you need anything you will write or call me, I’ll be more than willing to assist you in any way I can!
Best wishes, Micol
Dear Erasmus student,
RispondiEliminaI’m Elsa and I want to give you some advices if you choose Padova as a destination for your Erasmus. There are not many relevant differences between Spain and Italy, but it is better to know which are them to spend your school trip without problems.
If I were you I would find an accommodation where there are only people who speak in Italian, so you must to use our language, but certainly you will meet friends who help you to live in Padova. Don’t worry, we are sociable as you!
When you will start the lessons you will realize that the Italian’s method of teaching is not very different from the Spain’s one. In general, during the lesson, the professors explain and students listen, there isn’t much participation and interaction. Don’t forget to use “lei” when you talk to the professor or people who are older than you, remember we use “lei” as a form of respect.
Even if there is a high power distance between students and teachers, usually the professors provide their email and they have office’s hours so if you don’t understand something you can to contact them.
Some Italian student are very competitive so do not expect any help from them, but there are other students who are willing to help you. The University of Padova doesn’t have a lot of labs and services so I strongly recommend you to take your Pc so you can keep in touch with your family in Spain. Remember, be patient if the site of the University or Uniweb not work very well, it’s normal here! Have to get used!
Don’t worry about meeting new friends, in social relations we are very similar to you, we love being in company and we are very attached to our family. Don’t forget that our day is marked by different rhythms from your, for example we dinner at 7.30 p.m not at 9.30 like you.
But I’m sure that you’ll be very well in Padova, I hope my advices will be useful.
Good luck
Elsa Pasqual
Dear Irish student, some advice if you decide to come to Italy for a short period of study ....
RispondiEliminaFirst of all you need to remember that in italian territory, if you look a map, are located two small states: Vatican City State and Republic of San Marino. This geographical introduction is an important key of reading of the italian's character!
Starting from the search of a room in which to live, you'll notice immediately how Italians are happy to pay taxes: do not panic if many will offer you a "rental in black": from us is the norm!
Then, be careful! If you persist for a regular payment there are two possibilities: either you are not given the room, or the price will double!
But this small anectode can you understand why Italy is the country that has the third world debt.
Jokes aside, if you choose the University of Padua, you can still live in a city accustomed to the presence of a large student population, which led the inhabitants of Padua to have a less closed personality than other Italian cities. The student community is very large, with groups and associations that help you to try accommodation and give you information on city services for young foreign students.
Once you've found a room where live, I recommend you to buy a bicycle, used better.
Although there is no comparison with the best European tradition, with numerous and wide bike path, but by bicycle you can easily get around the city.
Be careful to cross the roads! Even if you follow the bike path, as we are not really used to respect pedestrians and cyclists, specially if we drive a "SUV" car!
I noticed that the relationship between masculinity and femininity between our countries are similar, so I will not dwell.
Of more interest is perhaps tell you how Padua and the italians in general live cultural diversity ..... as you can see by the "Hofstede's work" pretty bad ..... a little to individualistic culture that distinguishes us especially here in the north Italy, which is dominated by the "hard work", especially manual (when there was!) on everything else .... but also, in my opinion, another factor: the Catholic culture is an important factor of cohesion among people, and perhaps a limit of integration with people from other cultures.
So, this is beacouse why many persons living with anxiety dealing with other cultures, especially arab culture.
However do not worry, if you arrive in Padua you will find a university tradition, open and inviting, which will allow you to return to Ireland enriched by friendships with students from all over Italy and beyond. You then remember, here a few kilometers, there is Venice and the sea .....even only for this, come and visit us!!
Bye bye!
Fabrizio.
Well done, very witty!! Check my notes on language work to make some minor corrections
EliminaDear Irish student, some advice if you decide to come to Italy for a short period of study ....
EliminaFirst of all you need to remember that in italian territory, if you look at a map, there are two small states: Vatican City State and Republic of San Marino. This geographical introduction is an important key to reading italian's character!
Starting from the search of a room in which to live,
If you are still searching for a place to live don't worry, Padova offers a lot of apartments to be shared with other students. So, you'll notice immediately how Italians are happy to pay taxes: do not panic if many will offer you a rent with no proper contract: for us this is the norm!
Then, be careful! If you persist in asking for a regular contract there are two possibilities: either you are not given the room, or the price will double!
But this small anectode can you understand why Italy is the country that has the third world debt.
Jokes aside, if you choose the University of Padua, you can still live in a city accustomed to the presence of a large student population, which led the inhabitants of Padua to have a less closed personality than other Italian cities. The student community is very large, with groups and associations that help you to try accommodation and give you information on city services for young foreign students.
Once you've found a room where live, I recommend you buy a bicycle, used better.
Although there is no comparison with the best European tradition, with numerous and wide bike path, but by bicycle you can easily get around the city.
Be careful when you cross the road! Even if you follow the bike path, as we are not really used to respecting pedestrians and cyclists, especially if we drive a "SUV" car!
I noticed that the relationship between masculinity and femininity between our countries are similar, so I will not dwell on this.
Of more interest is perhaps how Padua and Italians in general live cultural diversity ..... as you can see from "Hofstede's work" pretty badly ..... a little to individualistic culture that distinguishes us especially here in the north of Italy, which is dominated by "hard work", especially manual (when there was work!) above on everything else .... but also, in my opinion, another factor: the Catholic culture is an important factor of cohesion among people, and perhaps limit integration with people from other cultures.
So, this is why many people experience anxiety when dealing with other cultures, especially Muslim culture.
However do not worry, if you arrive in Padua you will find a university tradition, open and inviting, which will allow you to return to Ireland enriched by friendships with students from all over Italy and beyond. You then remember, here a few kilometers, there is Venice and the sea .....even only for this, come and visit us!!
Bye bye!
Fabrizio.
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RispondiEliminaQuesto commento è stato eliminato dall'autore.
EliminaDear Erasmus colleague.
RispondiEliminaI know that you will come soon here in Padua. You may encounter some differences between Swedish lifestyle and Italian one especially with people and school system. I would like to give you some useful helps. First of all remember always to bring with you your own ID card and all necessary documents because here in Italy police forces makes random controls. When you go around try to be polite, use the “Lei” form when you ask something especially when you are talking to someone older than you and also with your professors. Being polite and respectful of hierarchy is very important if you want to get the information needed, even if it’s only for convenience. Lessons at the university will appear to you less participative than Swedish ones. There will be only few labs and less services here, so you will have to pay carefully attention when you attend your lessons. In Padua and also in Italy the relation between Professors and students is more formal than in the other Countries. After lesson you can also contact a professor by e-mail, remember to use your official university e-mail address if you have got one or maybe if you want to know information about something unclear you can go to what we call “Ricevimento”. Most important try to socialize and talk as much as you can with other students, don’t be shy. Here in Northern Italy we may appear too introverted and unsociable but I assure you that it’s only the first impression. To do that I strongly recommend you to go on Wednesday evening in “Erbe” square, where you can meet new people. I hope you will enjoy your Erasmus time here in Padua.
See you soon.
Michele Taufer
Hi Jurgen,
RispondiEliminafirst of all I'm glad you've chosen the University of Padua for your Erasmus trip. In this e-mail I'm going to give you some practical information about the student's life here in Italy.
• Use a formal language when you dialogue with professors, because, you know, it is always pleasant to speak respectfully with the authorities, and I'm sure you'll get used to it;
• Don't be shy, you can ask questions to professors; you have to raise your hand and you must wait for a professor's sign. If you want to ask something privately, you can talk to him/her after the lesson or you may send an e-mail;
• I strongly recommend you attend classes, because, in this way, you can save more time for yourself in the evening;
• Italians and Belgians are very similar so, as you know, an individualistic type of life is developing. In spite of this, there are many events in the city centre, you should participate;
• For what concerns the accommodation, the University doesn't have many dormitories. Nevertheless, it's very easy to find a good apartment in the downtown; you can look for announcements in a showcase exposed in the University;
• Remember to do the "Padova Wi-fi", which is a free wireless system. You have to register your profile with a nickname and a password and, when you complete the form, you can surf on the net 24/7;
• I encourage you to inquire about the "Centro Linguistico di Ateneo" because this is a fantastic opportunity to learn Italian and, also, it's completely free;
• Don't waste time, visit Veneto and all the magnificent places: you can take the train to Venice or Vicenza, you can go to the seaside, you can go to ski courses in the Dolomites;
• In Italy, such as in Belgium, there are many bicycles but the Italian way of (traffic) life is completely different from your one; cyclists and pedestrians are not protected and you have to pay attention when you cross the roads or when you ride the bike. It's not compulsory but I warn you that the helmet is very important.
I hope you have a good time while you're here and see you soon!
Best regards,
Alberto
Alberto Vigonesi
Hi Jurgen,
Eliminafirst of all I'm glad you've chosen the University of Padua for your Erasmus trip. In this e-mail I'm going to give you some practical information about the student's life here in Italy.
• Use a formal language when you dialogue with professors, because, you know, it is always pleasant to speak respectfully with the authorities, and I'm sure you'll get used to it;
• Don't be shy, you can ask questions to professors; you have to raise your hand and you must wait for a professor's sign. If you want to ask something privately, you can talk to him/her after the lesson or you may send an e-mail;
• I strongly recommend you attend classes, because, in this way, you can save more time for yourself in the evening;
• Italians and Belgians are very similar so, as you know, an individualistic type of life is developing. In spite of this, there are many events in the city centre, you should participate;
• Regarding accommodation, the University doesn't have many dormitories. Nevertheless, it's very easy to find a good apartment downtown; you can look for adverts on a noticeboards at the University;
• Remember to do the "Padova Wi-fi", which is a free wireless system. You have to register your profile with a nickname and a password and, when you complete the form, you can surf on the net 24/7;
• I encourage you to inquire about the "Centro Linguistico di Ateneo" because this is a fantastic opportunity to learn Italian and, also, it's completely free;
• Don't waste time, visit Veneto and all the magnificent places: you can take the train to Venice or Vicenza, you can go to the seaside, you can go to ski courses in the Dolomites;
• In Italy, as in Belgium, there are many bicycles but Italian traffic is completely different from yours; cyclists and pedestrians are not protected and you have to pay attention when you cross the roads or when you ride a bike. It's not compulsory but I warn you that the helmet is very important.
I hope you have a good time while you're here and see you soon!
Best regards,
Alberto
Alberto Vigonesi
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RispondiEliminaDear Malin,
RispondiEliminaI will give you some advices because as Erasmus student you will find some differences between Norway and Italy.
First of all I will tell you something about the University, the professors and the courses.
You have to know that the Italian power distance is higher than the Norwegian one and so you will find some differences in the relationship between professors and students. When you talk to the professors you must use the ”Lei” form and never forget to demonstrate respect when you have a conversation with them, you can’t talk to them as if they were friends like you would do in Norway. If you need to write emails to them you might try to be polite also if you can’t write in a good Italian for the first months because in Italy “the form” is considered very important. Here you don’t have to attend lessons you can choose to study by yourself but if you are going to attend classes you will notice that students often don’t interact with the teacher because they are shy and not used to do group works. I hope this will not condition you. Never be afraid to talk! Professors like when students say their opinion. If I were you I would try to ask some mates if you can enjoy them during the lunch time, students go to eat to the university table, this will be a nice way to get fiends!!
I strongly recommend you to attend lessons because it will be easier for you to understand the books especially if you have problems with the language and sometimes teachers give facilitations to the students that go to lesson. When you have an oral exam I suggest you to be sure of what you are saying if you contradict a professor opinion because many of them don’t accept to be contradicted. Don’t forget that the way we feel power distance is higher than yours and it’s common than the ones who have major authority are respected and not questioned.
I suggest you to find someone to study with, in Padua there are many university libraries and you can study there. If you are interested in finding a little job there are many opportunities in the centre of the city, be careful, remember to be polite when you are talking to a possible boss because superiors are used to consider subordinates as different from themselves but always demonstrate to be a self-confident person and they will respect you.
I wish you a god time here and I hope you find something useful in my advices.
Silvia
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RispondiEliminaDear French colleague,
RispondiEliminawelcome to Padua!
Make the most of your experience, because it is unique.
Here are some useful tips for your stay in Italy!
The active participation of the Italian students is very limited. There are lessons during which teachers explain and students listen, taking notes. Follow the lessons helps a lot (it is not obligatory, but highly recommended) because it makes us a little dip in the exam topics and because it helps in the consolidation of listening in a foreign language. Also write notes during lectures helps us to learn the specific vocabulary for that exam.
In Italy, age is an important factor for one’s career. Status symbols of power are a very important communication tool: use the "Lei" form instead of "tu"!
There are many ad sites where you can evaluate different apartments. My advice is to never choose a place looking just online, but evaluate it directly. Be careful! It 's very common to find apartments exclusively for boys or for girls.
To share an apartment with other students is a way to meet new people and make friends. In the Northern Italy, it is very difficult to join a group. I’m from the Southern Italy and I had difficulties to make friends, initially. But never be afraid!
This is only the first impression of a very individualistic society.
In addition, you should choose an apartment near your faculty.
I suggest you attend study halls, where you can learn new friends and to attend the canteen, where to eat Italian dishes without spending much.
You can buy a local card, because if you use your French card you have to pay calls both incoming and outgoing. Buying local card, you can receive calls and keep in touch with your new friends.
It is very frequent to move around the city by bike. I suggest you to buy one so you can avoid buying tickets for public transport.
Wednesday is the most awaited day by the students of the University of Padua.
All students meet to have fun and to drink a “spritz”, a typical drink.
The tradition in Italy is important. Paduan students love to drink this cocktail and have fun during their breaks from study.
As for the climate, Padua is a very humid city.
Remember to bring an umbrella with you!
Padua is a city of art. I suggest you to visit the “Cappella degli Scrovegni”, in which you can admire the Giotto’s works. The “Basilica del Santo” is a very suggestive church in which parts of Saint Anthony’ body are conserved. You have to visit these monuments!
I hope that my advices will be useful! Good luck!
Ilaria Catozza
Corrections "Hofstede's dimensions and advice for Erasmus students”
EliminaDear French colleague,
welcome to Padua!
Make the most of your experience, because it is unique.
Here are some useful tips for your stay in Italy!
The active participation of the Italian students is very limited. There are lessons during which teachers explain and students listen, taking notes. Follow the lessons helps a lot (it is not obligatory, but strongly recommended) because it makes us a little dip in the exam topics and because it helps in the consolidation of listening in a foreign language. Also write notes during lectures helps us to learn the specific vocabulary for that exam.
In Italy, age is an important factor for one’s career. Status symbols of power are a very important communication tool: use the "Lei" form instead of "tu"!
There are many ad sites where you can evaluate different apartments. My advice is to never choose a place looking just online, but evaluate it directly. Be careful! It is very common to find apartments exclusively for boys or for girls.
To share an apartment with other students is a way to meet new people and make friends. In the North of Italy, it is very difficult to join a group. I’m from Southern Italy and I had difficulties to make friends, initially. But never be afraid!
This is only the first impression of a very individualistic society.
In addition, you should choose an apartment near your faculty.
I suggest you attend study halls, where you can learn new friends and to attend the canteen, where to eat Italian dishes without spending much.
You can buy a local card, because if you use your French card you have to pay calls both incoming and outgoing. Buying local card, you can receive calls and keep in touch with your new friends.
It is very frequent to move around the city by bike. I suggest you buy one so you can avoid buying tickets for public transport.
Wednesday is the most awaited day by the students of the University of Padua.
All students meet to have fun and to drink a “spritz”, a typical drink.
The tradition in Italy is important. The students of Padua love to drink this cocktail and have fun during their breaks from study.
As for the climate, Padua is a very humid city.
Remember to bring an umbrella with you!
Padua is a city of art. I suggest you visit the “Cappella degli Scrovegni”, in which you can admire the Giotto’s works. The “Basilica del Santo” is a very suggestive church in which parts of Saint Anthony’s body are conserved. You have to visit these monuments!
I hope that my advices will be useful! Good luck!
Ilaria Catozza
Dear Erasmus Student,
RispondiEliminaI'm Andrea and I am very happy that soon you'll be here in Padua to spend your Erasmus period and i am excited to give you some tips that you will be very useful.
You'll probably find differences between Italy and Ireland especially in dealing with your teachers and with the common people.
- I strongly suggest you find a home near your faculty. This will be very comfortable in your experience in Padua and the bicycle is one thing that you absolutely must have.
- Another advice for you is that you should attend your lessons because this will give you some advantages during the examination and so you will have more free time in the evening.
- Normally during the lessons there are few dialogues between teachers and students, the relationship always remains at a level formal. Remember to use the LEI-form with your teachers. This is a way to respect them.
- If you have any questions or problems, do not hesitate to use your university email to write to your teachers.
In Italy there is often competition between students. Don't worry, it's not a problem. Go on your way and try to find at least 3-4 hours a day to study.
- The student community is very large, there are more than 60,000 students. So you can socialize a lot and try to find italian friends so you'll quickly learn the italian.
- Wednesday is full of people around Padua. In each bar you can find friends and new people, drink good beer and spritz. I suggest you start the night in the "Portello" zone and at midnight move to the city center.
- Very often you will find that the University of Padua is poorly organized. In answering the people are very rude and lesson times overlap.
- Remember to use the "Padova Wi-fi", which is a free wireless system. You have to register your profile with a nickname and a password and, when you complete the form, you can use as you want.
Don't be afraid because initially maybe you can have some difficulties but I'm sure that after you'll be happy to have choosen Italy, especially this city.
I hope that my advices will be useful and that you will not have any problems!
I hope you will enjoy your Erasmus time here in Padua.
See you soon
Andrea
Andrea Scapin
Dear Magnus,
RispondiEliminaI’m Valeria and I’m a student of Political Science in Padua like you.
I know you are from Denmark. It is a country really different from mine.
In order to make your journey better I give you some advices to live here.
Before coming you should find a place to live.
In Padua there are many colleges. They have a particular convention for foreign students like you. But if you prefer a private flat or a private room (single or double), prices in Padua are lower than in other Italian cities. Surfing in the net you can find all you need or looking on message boards in entrance of faculty. I strongly suggest you to find home near your faculty because it is very nice walking through Padua streets. If I were you, I would buy (or rent) a bicycle. In Padua cyclists are street’s kings.
Our university life is very different from yours.
In Italy the extent to which the less powerful members of institutions and organisations within a country expect and accept that power is distributed unequally is higher than your country. Our society believes that hierarchy should be respected and inequalities between people are acceptable. Status symbols of power are evident signs of this. During lessons if you have some questions or you want to explain your idea you have to use “lei” form to say something instead of “tu” (=you) form. If you worked here you would see that workplaces, especially offices or power places often have a very formal atmosphere. Communication is based on a second name system.
About Italian students there is something that you should know. Italy is defined as a masculine society but it isn’t completely true. Yes, we often resolve conflicts in a strong way and we are taught from an early age that competition is good and being a winner is important. But if you have a problem anyone is ready to help you. Don’t be afraid to ask everything you need! Ok? For you it will be very simple befriending with Italian students. But I warn you to be careful, as in every country there are over good people also bad and too competitive ones.
I hope that my advices will be useful.
If you will have problems contact me.
Have a good stay.
See you soon,
Valeria Turozzi
Dear Magnus,
EliminaI’m Valeria and I’m a student of Political Science in Padua like you.
I know you are from Denmark. It is a country really different from mine.
In order to make your journey better I give you some advice to live here.
Before coming you should find a place to live.
In Padua there are many colleges. They have a particular convention for foreign students like you. But if you prefer a private flat or a private room (single or double), prices in Padua are lower than in other Italian cities. Surfing in the net or looking on message boards in entrance of faculty you can find all you need. I strongly suggest you find home near the faculty because it is very nice walking through Padua streets. If I were you, I would buy (or rent) a bicycle. In Padua cyclists are street’s kings.
Our university life is very different from yours.
In Italy the extent to which the less powerful members of institutions and organizations within a country expect and accept that power is distributed unequally is higher than your country. Our society believes that hierarchy should be respected and inequalities between people are acceptable. Status symbols of power are evident signs of this. During lessons if you have some questions or you want to explain your idea, you have to use “lei” form to say something instead of “tu” (=you) form. If you worked here you would see that workplaces, especially offices or power places often have a very formal atmosphere. Communication is based on a second name system.
About Italian students there is something that you should know. Italy is defined as a masculine society but it isn’t completely true. Yes, we often resolve conflicts in a strong way and we are taught from an early age that competition is good and being a winner is important. But if you have a problem anyone is ready to help you. Don’t be afraid to ask everything you need! Ok? For you it will be very simple befriending with Italian students. But I warn you to be careful, as in every country there are over good people also bad and too competitive ones.
I hope that my advice will be useful.
If you have problems contact me.
Have a good stay.
See you soon,
Valeria Turozzi
Dear Robert,
RispondiEliminaI'm Greta and I will be you Erasmus tutor during your stay here in Padua.
Fist of all, I wanted to tell you that you did an excellent choice : Padua is an amazing place to live as a university student! It's a very lively city, and I'm sure you'll find many good friends here. I've known plenty of Erasmus students from all around Europe and they all can confirm you what I'm saying.
Before you arrival, I want to give you some advice about Italy, and life here in Padua. There are some differences between Italy and England, and I want you to be prepared to manage all kind of situations.
Fist of all, let's talk about academic life: in England, students and teachers interact a lot during the lessons. In Italy things are a bit different : you are always allowed to express your opinion or start a debate, but you have to raise your hand and ask the professor first. A person speaking loudly and without permission is considered impolite. Also, remember to use the 'Lei' form with elder people instead of the 'Tu' form, I know this may seem a bit weird to you, but I suggest you to be careful because some professors are really strict!
If I were you, I would attend ALL the lessons : schoolwork will be much easier and it's a faster way to improve your italian!
Then, make sure to always bring your university card and your ID with you, and be ready to face bureaucratic matters such as your Learning Agreement and your Accomodation Form. Our university has lots of cafeterias all around Padua, I strongly recommend that you try their meals : they are tasty and really cheap! I also suggest that you get in touch with other Erasmus students, so you can help each other and deal together any sort of problem.
Now, let's talk about social life : if a person stays really close to you, or touches your arm or your shoulder..,don't panic! Italians love touch contact, we use it a lot to express our feelings and share our emotions! So it is about eye contact : we love to talk, and, of course, to be listened carefully! If you get in troubles, try to be patient and comprehensive : we may be a bit touchy!
Now, let's talk about practical matters : fist of all, I strongly recommend that you find a house near the university: public transport are too expensive! Due to this, most students prefer to move by bike, so the streets are always full of cyclist running everywhere! If you decide to buy a bike...you'd better buy a good padlock, too, if you don't want it to be stolen soon!
During your stay here in Padua I suggest you to visit the city and, if you can, you could spend some weekends in Venice, in Rome or in Florence. Italy is so full of art, and it would be a pity if you don't get your chance to visit it while you're here!
Well, I think that's enough, but if you have any question or doubt don't be shy and write to me!
I'm sure you will love Italy, and I wish you to enjoy this amazing and unique experience! Good luck!
Greta
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RispondiEliminaDear Spanish colleagues,
RispondiEliminaI learned that in January you will be to do the Erasmus in Padua. Padua is a friendly city and predominantly inhabited by university students.
The first thing I would advise looking for an apartment or a room in the center, avoid neighborhoods “Stanga” and “Arcella” where you could make unpleasant encounters. To turn in the fantastic historic streets of Padua advise you to buy or rent a bike, through which you can move very easily, but most will allow you to appreciate even more this city.
The main streets of Padua, on Wednesday evening, welcome all students who meet there to socialize and meet new people.
With regard to the life within the University, you will find the teachers very helpful and prepared in the field they teach. I advise you to contact the teachers in a formal way by giving them the "lei" and try to intervene during the lessons, so you can expose your thoughts and ask your questions. One very important thing to master the various disciplines taught is the frequency of the lessons, through which the study at home becomes more understandable and easier.
As regards, however, the way of life in the Italy in general, our culture is very similar to yours so I will not trouble your integration and in many ways that's straight in your country.
Italian society is very individualistic than you do, especially in the workplace. You will find differences in the relations between man and woman, in fact, in Italy, is still very strong thought that certain roles should belong only to males.
I do not want to reveal too many details about this wonderful city to not spoil the surprise. I hope to be helpful with my own advice and anything not hesitate to ask in the various offices predisposed in giving you such a service.
Eleonora Deidda
Hello my name is Gianmarco, I'll try to give you some guidelines that will be useful if you’ll decide to come to Italy, specially in Padua, for your erasmus journey.
RispondiEliminaItaly is known as "BEL PAESE", it’s considered a real open-air museum for the hight artistic value of its artworks and monumets. I think if historical, artistic and monumental features fascinate you, Italy is a place unique in the world that surely won’t disappoint you.
Padua, is located in one of the most beautiful region of north Italy: Veneto, wich chief town is Venice, one of the most characteristic city in the world, I absolutely reccomend you to visit it, it’s very close and easy to get by train.
Padua is also a well organized city, not too big and amazing for living. The school of political science of Padua university is located in a central location, easy to reach on foot, by bus or bicycle, even if your accomodation is not in the center.
Cost of living is variable, in any case you can always find good things for affordable prices, both for food and for fun. Coming from Holland you’ll observe that mentality is definitely more open and friendly but with subatantial differences. The academic method of teaching for example is less focused on interaction during the lesson and more based on listening and following student study.
You have to remember that Italy is a country based on a collectivist cultural dimension where family and relationships are really important.
Padua is a lively and stimulant city so if you are a friendly person you’ll surely find many people for sharing an experience you’ll remember forever.
Good luck!
Gianmarco Del Giudice
Dear, Alexandra
RispondiEliminaMy name is Romică and I am your Erasmus tutor. I am Romanian too so I can give you a lot of helpful advices about Padua and its University. You will see that Italy is not very different from Romania, but you have to know some useful information.
First of all I strongly recommend you find a house near the University. Near the centre rents are very high and if you can not afford it, you can find an apartment in the suburbs.
Padua is not a big city, so I suggest you to buy a bike. It can be very useful.
Here in Italy professors are very friendly and if you have something to say don’t be afraid to share your opinion. I only remember you to be polite and to use the “Lei” form. You must follow the hierarchy like in Romania.
You will discover that Italy is an individualistic society where people look after themselves and their direct family only, but don’t be afraid, in Padua there are more than 60 000 students and you can make a lot of new friends.
The University of Padua is badly organised, but there is an office in “zona Portello” where you can go if you have problems.
Even if there is no obligation, it can be very helpful for you to attend lessons in order to improve your Italian.
I suggest you to bring a laptop. In Padua there is wi fi free connection so you don’t need to pay a subscription.
I’m sure that you will enjoy your Erasmus experience here in Italy.
I wish you Good Luck !
Paun Romica
Dear Hanna,
RispondiEliminaI know you are coming in Padua as Erasmus student and I would like to give you some advices about university and information about Italian way of life. Italian and Swedish societies are very different, so it could be useful to know something about the host country.
Firstly, when you will arrive in Padua you should find an apartment in the centre. Suburbs are less safe, specially during the night, and worse served with public transport than the centre. You can find many rental’s advertisements in showcases at university.
I suggest that you should record the lessons, at least for the first period. Italian is a complex language to learn and I recommend you do often grammar exercises. Remember also to bring everywhere a small dictionary.
As soon as possible, you should retire your badge. It’s fundamental to have access to a lot of services: for canteen, libraries and even for baths.
If you have to go to student’s secretary take a lot of time. In some period of the year, you have to wait more than an hour to tell with an employee.
If you have doubts about courses, timetables, professors consulting hours you have the possibility to ask information to a tutor. Every faculty has a tutor, which is a graded student ready to help you.
If you find problems in bureaucratic procedures, contact ASU (Associazione Studenti Universitari), which is based in Via Santa Sofia.
Padua is a nice place. I advice you to visit also Venice, Bologna, Verona, Ferrara, Mantova. You can reach these cities in less then two hours by train.
If I were you I would go out on Wednesday, when students populate Padua’s squares and you can meet many friends.
Didactics in Italy is very different from Swedish one. Generally we listen to professors while they explain. We take notes and we ask if something is not clear to us, but we rarely discuss on topics. However I notice that in small classes there is more interactivity between students and teachers than in the bigger ones. Professors are considered respected and sometimes feared authorities, so there is some distance before them and their students.
When you tell with a professor, I recommend you use the “lei” form, that is a way to demonstrate respect.
You should attend lessons. There is no obligation, but students who attend have many facilitations, as less books to study and more exam sessions.
I have to warn you that Italy is a masculine society. Competition is strong in workplace. At university we tend to cooperate, but I think that depend on the faculty. Maybe at Law faculty there is much more competition then at faculty of Political Science.
You will notice another aspect of our masculine society: the pursuit of status symbols such as expensive clothes, big cars, latest mobiles, etc.
Anyway I hope you will have good time in Italy.
Good luck!
Angela Pulliero
Dear Ailionora
RispondiEliminaI’m Cristina and I’ll be your Erasmus Buddy during your stay in Italy. I’ll make me always available for giving you every information you need during your stay. I’ve decided to write down to you some advice since you will find a really different way of life in compare to the Irish one.
First of all if I were you I would be very careful in preparing your luggage. Remember that in Italy is really warmer than Ireland so make sure to bring with you a lot of T-shirt and skirt!
Oh and I suggest that you should bring with you a bathing suit since Padova is really close to some renowned beautiful sandy beaches.
When you arrived to Italy you must have always your ID with you. So make sure to check the validity of your ID before you leave and it would be great if you make at least a couple of copy just in case you lost the original one.
Be prepare to open a local bank account or you will be charged a lot of money in overseas transaction.
I strongly recommend when you land to buy an Italian SIM card. It will be useful to communicate with your new mate.
I strongly recommend to arrive in Padova at least one week before the lessons start. This way you will be able to find a good accommodation near the university and start to learn some of the basics of Italian language and remember to use the “lei” form when you are talking with a professor.
University life could be very different from the one you’re use to. First of all in Italy you don’t have to attend lessons. However I strongly suggest you to attend your lessons because many time the exams is easier for attendant.
Also remember that you must register online before attending an exam. The examination procedure could be very different from the Irish one. We are use to have a lot of oral examination instead of test so be prepare to talk a lot.
In addiction you could join the Facebook group of Padova Political Science community. There you will find a lot of information regarding exams and university life. You’ll also be notificate for student party and events; a great opportunity to get in touch with other mate and make new friends!
I hope to see you soon.
Best wishes!
Cristina
Ps. Oh and remember to have fun and live your experience with no fear!
Dear Turkish students,
RispondiEliminabefore your Erasmus experience starts it might be useful to briefly compare Italy to Turkey.
The Italian society is much more individualistic than the Turkish one. In Italy family and friends are important but people care mainly about the narrow group they belong to.
So that the collectivism is weaker in Italy than in Turkey where people look after each other trying to bring harmony in their society.
Another difference which needs to be underlined involves the different rates of masculinity and femininity.
Turkish society has a significantly feminine slant whereas the Italian society is far more masculine and driven by competition and selfishness.
By the way your stay will be great and fun.
Here you are a couple of advices in order to survive the first days: be careful while crossing the road! Drivers often cannot remember what the zebra crossing is made for.
Do not forget that most shops are closed on Monday morning and every day at lunch-time.
I strongly recommend you to join the Erasmus Student Network to get more precise information about the city you will study in.
Cheers!
Rossella Schievano
Dear yannis,
RispondiEliminaWe ll be pleased to welcome you in Italy. Our sunny country.
I d like to inform you in first instances that here-Italy- people usually do not speak English as you are use in Greece. So dont expect that would be easy gather all the needed info once you get out of the airport.As soon as you reach the center of the city I recommend to find an information point to get all the necessary materials such as maps, bus timetable, shops working hours in order be able to survive the first days. Because, as you know for sure, every country has different daily life style..
Generally Italians and Greeks are a-like. However we are more formal in the way we approach foreigners and strangers so don't feel offense if someone behave detached.
Unfortunately I have recently moved to Padova as well, and my knowledge are few and very confuse concerning The city and the way to get the most of it. That s why I suggest find some alumni association related to your hosting university where you will find Italian students that can help you to find your italian dimension.
Keep clearly in mind that, in the Italian system, students are not use to have a face to face relation with their "mentors" and a certain "distance" must be kept between you and your professors. It would be appreciate and ll shows the respect that they expect from students.( be careful because formalities is one of our major cultural aspect regarding professional/academic environment).
For any other information about student life you can ask to your fellow colleagues.
Otherwise I ll be happy to provide you All the advice necessary to feel more comfortable and that may help you to over-came the cultural shock that you might occur during your first period in Italy.
Wish you the best for your new experience.
Sincerely. Chiara
Hi Jarl,
RispondiEliminaI’m Laura, your Italian guide about Padova's university life. I hope that your trip in Italy will be nice. When you’ll arrive in Padova you will have to find your residence. I suggest you to have a map of the city with you for the first weeks, because Padova it’s a Medieval-type city so it’s easy to get lost. In that case don’t be afraid, you can ask everyone for some indication and they will help you.
After that you find your accommodation you have to go to the Erasmus office and mark your attendance certificate. Then you must go in segreteria studenti and matriculate.
See your department site to see your timetable. In Italy you don’t have to attend class, but it’s better if you do that so it will be easier to study and pass the exams. You will find all the lectures information in the site, as exams modalities, text books, strength etc . I suggest bring exercise books to take notes. Since you still have to learn Italian, if I were you I would use a little recorder during the lectures so that back in your residence you can listen another time what you have not understood!
Although in North Italy people are more self-centered in work and life, you will see that in the university there isn’t an overwhelming competition between students. On the contrary we tend to help each other, so feel free to ask if you have doubts about lessons or specific issues. I know that back in Copenhagen you are used to have kind of friendly relationship with your professors, but remember that in the Italian academia you have to show respect and to not “encroach their territory”.
During the lessons you have to listen, someone allow you to ask question, but you will notice that few people dare to do it. In Italy we tend to highline hierarchy roles. But don’t worry, we love to take our time, and we are open people so in short time you will know lot of guys and you will learn our customs. One of this it’s to gather together in the center of the city to spend time in one of the several bar while drinking and chatting (really effective for stress relief).
I recommend you buy a bicycle and a good chain. You have to be really careful to lock it every time because it’s way too common to be victim of a bicycle rob in Padova. In addition you have to be careful while crossing the roads, and if it’s raining you will notice a nervous feeling from the drivers. This happens frequently when things we planned don’t go in the direction we would like. We can’t react in a good way, we start to panicking and getting nervous. It’s good for you to know because in Denmark you are more quick minded and this kind of behavior can be difficult for you to understand..
I hope that you will enjoy your Padova's life, if you have something to ask I’m pleased to be able to help you!
Best regards
Laura Rosana
My respected colleagues,
RispondiEliminaSince I am fresh Erasmus in Padua, I haven’t been able to experience a lot of student life here, therefore I choose to compare Romania with Italy, focusing on what it means to be an Erasmus student in Timisoara.
Reffering to all those 5 dimensions that Geert Hofstede highlights, we note that there are considerable differences in terms of certain categories such as power distance (Italy scores 50, while Romania 90) Italy, being in the middle of the chart, means that Italian society deems hierarchy is required and should be respected because the inequality between people is acceptable as opposed to Romania which is almost at the top of the clasament, denoting that everyone has his place in the mechanisms of society and each one is subordinated expects to be told what is his job; individualism (Italy scores 76 and Romania 30) and masculinity/femininity (Italy enlists 70, while Romania only 42) I believe these two dimensions are interdependent, individualism conditioning the masculinity/ femininity of the countries. Italy is a masculin country where individualism prevails which means that people are less likely to have contact with others and to focus more on professional life. Romania is a feminine country with a high score on colectivism, hence it is important to belong to a group, place great emphasis on loyalty and comitment, also family is very important; uncertainty avoidance (Italy 75, Romania 90) in terms of this category, the two countries are similar, both trying to keep away from uncertain events creating an institutional system to work to avoid such unpleasant situations that would make them feel insecure; long term orientation - Italy scores 34 means that Italian society places a high value on traditionalism but also is interested in what the future holds.
Being an Erasmus student in Timisoara (Timisoara is one of the most important university town in Romania) is similar with being an Erasmus student here, in Padua, except a few things. First of all, you will not face bureaucratic problems that you meet here - there is an office that handles all formalities that must be done. Secondly, if you want to stay in a hostel, you have nothing to worry about, your place is assured and you will stay there for free. Thirdly, academic year is organized differently from that in Italy, so the first thing after you set the home is to go to the secretariat and look for the schedule.
Soon as you get in Timisoara, the Faculty of Political Science will appoint a buddy for you who will be at your disposal whenever you face a problem regarding the town, university, etc. It is better to own a map (Timisoara has an area greater than Padova) and an romanian phone number. The teachers are young and very open to the students (do not be surprised if they will provide you their phone number and say you can call them whenever you need!) they encourage debates and contradictory discussions, you will have to get used to working on team projects. Students are very welcoming and helping persons so keep in touch with them through social networks. However, I must warn you that teachers do not tolerate to be late for class.
Life in Timisoara is much cheaper than in Padova, you will enjoy the same things but at lower prices: food, drinks, clothes,etc. Because Timisoara is a multicultural city, you'll have the opportunity to meet people of different nationalities or participate in various events.I think you will have little trouble in terms of Romanian cuisine because it is different from the Italian, but if anything isn’t to your taste, there are many Italian restaurants.
As far as I can tell, these are the most important things you should be aware of when you come in Timisoara but if I have missed some aspects, I am available for any questions.
Regards,
Ramona Nichitean
Dear Robert,
RispondiEliminaI would like to give you a warm welcome to the University of Padova.
Here a small guide which is intended to make your stay in Italy better and to help you move through the city and through the University world with ease and confidence.
You should know that our university is one of the most ancient universities in Europe and this is situated in a city with a multitude and wide variety of cultural and social activities, therefore we consider your participation an enrichment for our university, which welcome more than 1,500 regularly enrolled foreign students each year.
Studying becomes more intense and interesting with people from a variety of backgrounds, origins and different way of life, like you!
There is a wide range of opportunities at University of Padova for this, in fact you can join the Tandem Project, a language exchange service in which you can find an Italian partner interesting in studying German!
They are normally EX-Erasmus Italian students, who would like to continue their past Erasmus experience in Padova. They often organize meetings, country or folk evenings, excursions, city sightseeing tours ecc …
You can also take part of the Erasmus Students Association that has been founded in Padova a long time ago which organize some cultural and recreational activities during the academic year, such as the University sports association in which you can practiced sport activities in a special university centre named CUS (CENTRO UNIVERSITARIO SPORTIVO) which offers a comprehensive sports service via team or individual.
What you should know about the Italian University System then, is that it’is in a changing transformation, moving from traditional courses to Bachelor courses (3years) and Master courses (2years), like the German one. In this way courses and degrees are more easily comparable and recognizable on an international scale.
I strongly recommend you to attend your lessons as much as possible, because you can take surely advantage of it.
I invited you to introduce yourself to the teachers so that they can give you advice or any other useful help.
Classes are organized either in semesters or in trimesters, and every single class can begin - end in different dates, so please ask the Faculties’ staff for precise instructions.
You will probably find your lessons very different from those you have had at the HU in Berlin.
I think that the main difference is that here students rarely enjoy discussion and argue in the class. Only few individual courses permit to work in a group, do homework or watch video extracts, because the lessons are expected to produce students who can prepare their studies – timetables and programs by themselves.
For this reason the relationships between Professors and students are in a formal level. (You must always use the LEI FORM if you ask something to your Professors)
In Italy students have to study on their own in order to take examinations which may be written or oral.
The classic teaching method is: a Professor presents his subject, students take notes and work through the topic in private study.
In despite of what I have just said, the relationships between students are not competitive. We normally help each other during examination, we easily exchange our notes and materials because first of we are a sort of friends.
So, don’t be surprised if we go out together to talk about exams, lessons , professors like best friends. This is normal, because our society is characterized by a sense of cooperation, interaction at work through warm relationships.
Erasmus students enjoy the same rights as Italian students, then it’s possible for you to have access to University laboratories and libraries which offers numerous PC rooms that you can use, even if I suggest you bring your laptop with because thanks to Padova Wi-Fi Net (free hotspots) students (also Erasmus Students) and Staff of the University of Padova can have free internet access with their own PC.
RispondiEliminaThis system requires a simple registration and the WIFI connection is available in many University structures and city places too.
Here some advices about the city:
First of all, how to reach Padova:
Padova can be easily reached by train with direct connections from most European Countries, or by plane. The nearest airports are Venezia - Treviso – Verona and Bologna
About transports:
Padova is a small town and therefore the easiest way to get around is by walking or cycling. It is very easy to buy a used bicycle here, but if you prefer travel by bus, a ticket for the public bus service costs € 1,20.
Post offices are usually open from 8.30 am to 2 pm but stamps can be also purchased at the tobacconist's.
Banks are open Monday to Friday, from 8.20 am to 1.20 pm, and maybe one hour some afternoons. If you are interesting in open a bank account, be sure to have your fiscal code which can be obtained at Tax Office declaring that you are Erasmus Student (copy of your ID – declaration of your Erasmus Status ecc …)
For the medical assistance, you must have your European health insurance card with, (EHIC) which issued by your country's Health Service before coming to Italy.
Please remember to keep always with yourself: A proof of your health insurance, valid till the end of your mobility and he certificate of the University of Padova attesting your status of Erasmus Student. These two documents are extremely important.
If you are still looking for somewhere to live in Padova, you can stay for the first few days in a student hotel or backpackers’ hostel. A cheap place to stay here is the Youth Hostel “Città di Padova” or The “Casa a Colori”.
Don’t worry if you don’t have found a flat yet. Italian students normally put up notices with flat share opportunities on notice boards in frequented University buildings, so you’ll find something right for you very soon!
I’m sure that your time here will be successful. I’m giving you every good wish while you are a student here in Italy!
See you soon!
Francesca Bacci
Are you an Erasmus student coming to Padua University from Sweden? You could find this information sheet very useful!
RispondiEliminaLife in Italy is quite different compared to yours. Here, power hierarchy is more definite. “Competition” and “success” are two key worlds in our society, but also we have a more close concept of family and friendship, always ready to help us.
Understanding the differences between our cultures and life styles will surely simplify your stay here!
Here, a vademecum full of advice!
1) Visit continuously the web site of your Faculty in Padua. You can find a lot of information such as school timetables, programmes of the courses, professors’ e-mail addresses, etc.
2) Don’t wait for the expiry date of your files: Italian bureaucracy is usually stressful with long queues, short office hours, complex procedure to follow, etc.
3) We strongly recommend that you find Italian friends, so you can improve you language not only in university courses.
4) Don’t forget to bring always your ID card or passport, and the university badge (it allows you to use Internet, to borrow books in library, or to eat in the canteen)
5) Consult the noticeboards in your Faculty to find roommates. Padua is an University city, so there are a lot of opportunities for students.
6) The best way to reach the University is by bike. You can buy a second-hand one. Public transports are usually in late and very busy in the morning.
7) Remember to address to your professor with “lei” (third singular person) and not with “tu” (and don’t use their first name). In Italy conversations with professors are more formal than in Sweden. It represents a sign of respect.
8) Met new people and share your experience during the amusing “University Wednesday nights” or take a spritz (a traditional aperitif) with your new friends in the “happy hour”. Padua is plenty of bars.
9) You can have a sandwich or a slice of pizza for lunch, or as an alternative you can go to the canteen and eat and cheap Italian meal.
10) For further info and explanation, don’t hesitate to ask to your classmates or go to the professors’ consulting hours. There is also an Erasmus Office.
We are sure you’ll have a good Erasmus experience!
Enjoy it!
Michael Massarutto