A Year to Remember in Milan

By Txell Borras, Università Bocconi, Italy.

Returning home after a year abroad in Milan feels like waking up from a dream. Even though coming back home is exciting, the buzzing ambiance of Milan, its streets flooded with style and fashion, and the aroma of freshly brewed espresso will definitely be missed. Reflecting on this incredible journey, I can’t help but feel a mix of nostalgia and gratitude for the amazing friendships, the adventures, and the invaluable lessons I’ve gathered along the way.

Friendships For a Lifetime

Coming to Milan for an exchange year I did believe that I would meet a lot of new and interesting people but making such deep and meaningful relationships was far from what I expected. From the very first day, I was welcomed with open arms by other exchange students and locals, forming a big group with an amazing dynamic and adventurous spirit. We shared countless gelato runs, late-night study (and gossip) sessions, and impulsive weekend trips that will forever be on my top experiences. I feel like on a year abroad everyone feels more free, as though it was the year of going crazy, of never saying NO, the year of living at the maximum to come back home with zero regrets.

These friends became my family away from home. We laughed, we explored, we supported each other through homesickness and celebrated each other’s successes. Saying goodbye was tough, but I know these connections will last a lifetime, transcending borders, time zones and the post-exchange sickness, known as extreme nostalgia.

Adventures Across Italy and Europe

Living in Milan provided the perfect base for exploring not just Italy, but much of Europe. I still recall the first trip to Venice, where we wandered through the labyrinth of canals and marveled at the grandeur of St. Mark’s Basilica. Each Italian city has its unique charm – the Renaissance art in Florence, the historic ruins of Rome, the coastal beauty of the Amalfi Coast or Sardinia, and the culinary delights of Bologna. Italy has truly stolen my heart and surprised me in every possible way.

However, our adventures didn’t stop at Italian borders. Weekend getaways took us to the enchanting streets of Prague, got us lost in the coziness of Copenhague, got us stuck in the snow in front of the parliament of Budapest, or left us marveled at the monumentality of Vienna. Each journey, in its own way, made me fall in love with each city and each culture; it was an amazing learning experience.

Italy a New Home

I had for a long time longed to live in Italy. The Italian way of life, with its emphasis on family, food, and la dolce vita (the sweet life), strongly resonated with my Spanish culture, while it taught me to slow down and savor the moment. I learned to appreciate the art of a well-made espresso and the beauty of a city that effortlessly blends history with modernity.

Navigating daily life in Milan – from mastering the traffic of public events, constant rush and public transportation – was an adventure in itself. I became more independent, adaptable, and open-minded. The language barrier easily faded away with my determination to learn. I can now speak confidently in Italian, which has improved my ability to connect with the locals and their way of life.

A New Perspective

Now, while sitting on the floor of my room unpacking my luggage, I realize that this year has not only enriched my academic and personal life but also shaped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I am more confident, more empathetic, and more eager to embrace new experiences.

To anyone considering an exchange year, I say: take the leap. The friendships you’ll form, the places you’ll explore, and the lessons you’ll learn are priceless. Milan will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of an extraordinary chapter in my life that will forever inspire me to seek out new adventures and cherish the beauty of diverse cultures.

Here’s to the friends who became family, the cities that became classrooms, and the experiences that became memories. Arrivederci, Milano – until we meet again.