Exchange student of EU ICI – ECP Programme

at Università Ca' Foscari Venezia, Italy

 

 

European Union Studies

Jeong Yeon Lee

 

I spent a semester as an exchange student at Università Ca' Foscari Venezia, Italy. I was extremely fortunate to have this opportunity. I would like to greatly thank to Associate Dean Daewon Ohn and Professor Mason Richey of European Union Studies who put huge effort on EU ICI-ECP Programme. As a student of studying European society and culture, the staying in Venice was precious.

 Before going to Italy, I had to issue a student visa. Firstly, I checked the necessary documents in the website of Italian embassy to Korea and made a list to prepare. Then I called the Embassy to make sure. To apply visa, it is obligatory to go to the embassy with documents between 9 a.m. and 12p.m. If the requiring documents are eligible, it usually takes two or three weeks to get a visa.

 I still remember my first day (27, Jan. 2011) in Venice. I was surprised by the peculiar city and strong wind. As you know, there is no car in Venice. So it is necessary to get on the water boat. To use it economically, it is convenient to make ‘Imob card’. It costs 40 euro to make it for the first time. The office is at Piazzale Roma near a ticket office of Actv and it is necessary to bring a passport.

For a smooth transition, I had to go to an international office of Ca` Foscari University. It is necessary to make an appointment in advance. All the staffs were very kind and helpful. Bring a passport is required.  

To choose classes, the website of Ca` Foscari University is very useful. There is an English version so it is convenient to search them. Normally, classes are divided by the faculties but it is also possible to search them directly. Clicking classes, there were detailed information and syllabuses. The classes normally last for 15 weeks and there is a mid-term and final exam. I chose classes regarding Culture. The classes were so interesting and I learned precious insights from professors and students. During the class, discussion and participation of students were very active and they were huge motivation for me. There was a regular homework to accomplish. If there were questions about the class, I could talk with a professor afterwards. Exams were either written or oral. There were announcements from professors during the classes in advance.

As you know, Venice is a touristic city. So everyday life I faced lots of tourists. It costs a substantial amount of money to live. But if we cooked at home, it could cost less. There are supermarkets, which are called ‘Coop’ and ‘Billa’. It is recommended to buy bottles of water in Venice because there is a high amount of calcium from tab water. There is a huge fish market near Rialto bridge and it is open during the morning except Sunday.

After I finished a semester, I have had an opportunity to do an internship in a regional agency. This agency works for the European projects for innovation in Venetian region. I am doing the research about the industrial clusters in Italy. And I made short questionnaire regarding the organization and functioning of Korean clusters. It is so interesting to study industrial clusters, which I did not pay attention to before. The colleagues are kind to me and I really enjoy this experience. As always, time flies. Staying and studying in Venice for six months, it was a crucial  moment in my life. It was an eye opening occasion and it will be always in my mind. Thank you so much for everyone who supported me.