Adelina Aukštuolytė (AGAI) - Polytechnic University of Milan, Italy - Autumn 2024

I recommend this institute to anyone wishing to pursue both academic development and personal growth. The programs offered here are intellectually stimulating, covering a wide range of topics that encourage critical thinking and innovative approaches to learning. Most of the faculty members are highly dedicated, approachable, and genuinely interested in helping students succeed. The community is wonderfully diverse and vibrant, with individuals from various backgrounds and disciplines. This enhances the overall experience, offering different perspectives and fostering a spirit of inclusivity and collaboration.  The environment itself is designed to nurture curiosity, learning, and progress. However, I would urge to consider the modules of study very carefully, as many of them (especially at the master's level) are highly advanced and complex. While this is a great opportunity for those seeking a challenge, it can sometimes be close to impossible to complete successfully. This is partially do to the examination system. Students here have a maximum of 5 attempts to pass an exam, meaning that professors are not worried about making their tests more difficult. Exchange students (those staying for only a semester) can only take advantage of two of those tries, which can sometimes strongly impact whether the student is successful. On a brighter note, the campus houses modern, well-equipped facilities, which provide an environment crucial for a rich education. Most lectures are not only informative but also engaging, utilizing technology and modern teaching methods that make the learning experience fascinating and immersive.  Overall, this institute offers a well-rounded and enriching experience and I would recommend it for any motivated student.

                                 

I really enjoyed my trip, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of such an experience. My host university, the Polytechnic University of Milan, is a prestigious institution known for its excellence in engineering, architecture, and design, offering an academic environment that nurtures community, creativity and innovation. Choosing Italy as the host country was a lovely decision, as it is a country filled with memorable places and incredible people, helping make this a truly unforgettable adventure. I had the pleasure of staying in a well furnished dormitory offered by the university. The dorm spots were quite limited, though I was fortunate enough to secure a place. The environment was comfortable and welcoming, and it allowed me to connect with other international students from various parts of the world, which added a whole new layer to my experience. I was living outside of Milan, which also gave me the chance to experience first-hand the wonders of Italian public transportation and their many strikes. One of the highlights of my time abroad was the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), which played an essential role in organising trips, events, and social gatherings. The ESN’s events truly enhanced my experience, giving me the chance to meet new people and explore the local culture. Through their planned trips, I was able to visit some of the more iconic and memorable destinations, such as Rome. I had the chance to explore the ancient ruins, the architecture, and the rich history of the exceptional city.

 I was also able to plan a few trips on my own and had the chance to visit the cities of Bellagio, Como, Florence, Turin, and Verona, each offering a unique charm and rich history that left a lasting impression on me. These trips allowed me to experience Italy's remarkable culture and regional cuisines, and the lifestyle, that is so very different to the one I am used to. The academic side of the experience was equally rewarding, though extremely difficult and demanding. The lectures were engaging and thought-provoking; the professors - knowledgeable. Their passion for their subjects was contagious, and I was deeply invested in the topics we discussed. The courses, however, were rigorous, and I was challenged in ways I hadn't anticipated. Though I gained insights and expertise that I would not have acquired otherwise, so I do not regret it. Overall, the entire experience was life-changing, and I left with memories and knowledge that will stay with me. It’s hard to put into words just how much this opportunity has shaped me, but I can confidently say that it was an unforgettable adventure. I am so grateful for the friendships I made, the places I visited, and the lessons I learned along the way.