Living in Italy: a journey of self-discovery

Moving to Italy as a 27-year-old Brazilian student has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. When I first arrived, I was filled with excitement and a bit of anxiety. Everything felt new and different, from the cobblestone streets to the sounds of the piazzas. It was a bit like stepping into a dream, but also like being thrown into the deep end of a pool without knowing how to swim. Academically, the shift has been significant. In Brazil, I was used to a more casual, interactive classroom environment where discussions flowed freely, and we often had group projects. Here in Italy, the education style is more traditional, with a focus on lectures and theory. Before moving to Italy I had done my bachelors degree in Germany, so it was something I was somehow used to. I’ve started to appreciate the thinking skills I’m developing, and I feel more equipped to tackle formal ideas. Culturally, living in Italy has been like opening a chest filled with history, art, and rich traditions.  Every corner I turn reveals something awe-inspiring, whether it’s a stunning piece of Renaissance art or an ancient ruin. It’s not just about seeing the art; it’s about connecting with the stories behind it. I often find myself reflecting on how these artistic expressions relate to my  own culture and experiences back in Brazil. Due to colonialism we are well aware that many of these rich arts in Europe have a dark background, which makes me reflect a lot. Food, of course, is a huge part of life here. Here I appreciate the simplicity and quality of ingredients, and I’ve even tried my hand at cooking some Italian dishes myself. It’s been a fun way to blend my Brazilian roots with my new Italian experiences. A caipirinha goes very well with lasagna. Language has been both a challenge and a joy. I had studied Italian before moving, but using it in daily life is a whole different experience. The warmth of the locals has encouraged me to practice more. Each conversation, even the awkward ones, has helped me learn, specially the awkard ones. Navigating life in a new country hasn’t been without its bumps. Figuring out the bureaucracies  on my own was and is very hard, and dealing with the health system feels overwhelming at times. I struggle with the loneliness to deal with these changes. We grow up thinking Europe has  figure out and that a colonized, “conquered” country has much to learn and can’t offer as much as the European colonizer, but I came to see that that was a lie we learned from eurocentrism. The system here is full of flaws and much needs to be changed and I know that migration can help European with that. Many people here are wrongfully fearful about it but I know that is key in the change for the better for the European peoples and all of us living here. In the end, living in Italy has been a journey of self-discovery. I’m learning not just about a new culture, but also about who I am and what I value. Each day brings new lessons, and I’m grateful  for the opportunity to grow in such an interesting environment. I can’t wait to see where this adventure leads me next, and I know that the experiences I’m gathering here will shape my future in ways I can’t yet imagine.

 Pietra Martins

[novembre 2024] 

Just graduated social sciences in the University of Augsburg, where for two years I worked as a research assistant furthering my experience in literature search, qualitative data collection and analysis. Last year I have started a masters degree in the University of Bologna, where I did my Erasmus exchange in 2021. In Bologna I also worked as an intern in the Centro Documentazione Handicap, working with cultural production and peoples with disabilities. Now, I am studying International Cooperation and Intercultural Heritage in the Campus of Ravenna.