My first experience traveling abroad for academic purposes wasn’t just a simple school trip; it was the definitive starting point for a global mindset. For ten days, I traded the familiar streets of Spain for the historic, sun-drenched landscapes of Cagliari, Italy, as part of an Erasmus exchange at the Liceo Statale “Pitagora” di Selargius.
More Than Just a Destination
Stepping off the plane in Sardinia, I didn’t realize how much those ten days would shift my perspective. It wasn’t just about visiting a new country; it was about navigating a different language, adapting to a new household, and realizing that despite the different borders, we all share the same drive to connect and learn.
From wandering through the historic Castello district to the intense academic workshops at the Liceo, every moment was a lesson in independence. I found myself becoming more than just a student; I was becoming a citizen of a much larger, more interconnected world.
The Challenge and the Resilience
Not everything was perfect—nature threw me a curveball when I became quite unwell during the program. There were days when I could barely open my eyes and my face was visibly swollen, but looking back, I wouldn’t trade those days for anything. That struggle actually became a point of pride. It taught me that I could handle the unexpected, stay positive, and still make incredible memories with my friends and teachers, even when I wasn’t at 100%.
The First Domino
This experience was the «first domino» in my life. It took away the fear of the unknown and replaced it with a hunger for international collaboration. It is exactly why I am now so passionate about my work with IAESTE. I want to help other students find that same spark—to show them that whether it’s through a short exchange or a professional internship, the world is waiting to be explored.
Cagliari wasn’t just a place on a map; it was where I realized that my career and my life didn’t have to stay within the borders of one country, and since, I have not stopped traveling.
