Jake Smith [pictured] enjoying the Italian lifestyle
Jake Smith, currently studying commerce at the University of Newcastle, participated in our Experiencing Italian Entrepreneurship program in July this year. Judging by our interview, Jake had an amazing time in Italy making heaps of new friends and exploring Italy through the program's extensive field trips - including one trip which involved getting the VIP treatment at Villa D'este, the estate of none other than the George Clooney (please feel free to pass on his number, Jake!!!). Read more to find out...
Hi Jake! Could you please introduce yourself?
I’m Jake Smith, currently battling my way through a commerce degree with a major in accounting at the University of Newcastle.
Why did you choose this AIM Overseas course?
I heard about AIM Overseas at one of my lectures through a past participant who gave a quick run down on her experience. It sounded too good to be true and as she left I pulled her aside and asked for more details.
The real reason I chose to embark on the AIM Overseas journey was influenced by my eagerness to travel accompanied by my loss of interest in my degree. I thought that if I had this experience it would create some motivation and rejuvenate my passion for commerce and business. It was the best thing I’ve done and has encouraged me to finish my course. I accumulated credit towards my degree back home, was able to have an educated holiday with fees that I don’t have to worry about until later and came home with more confidence and a bigger Facebook friend list.
Of course a trip to Venice wouldn't be complete without a gondola ride!
Did you have any fears or concerns before doing the program?
No fear - just excitement. The language barrier was also going to be a test but it added to the whole experience and provided a laugh for both myself and the person on the receiving end of my poor pronunciations. I went into the program with a positive attitude and sure there was going to be personality clashes with other students in the group but it's all part of character building and at the end of the day everybody became mates and we all had an unforgettable experience.
This pose never gets old
Tell me about a typical day at UCSC [Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, the uni where Jake studied for a month]
After being caught up in the chaos of the numerous business people and commuters in the underground metro, we’d make a stop to our local café for an espresso and brioche then walk up to the Uni.
The morning session usually contained a long lecture and discussion about a specific topic. Most of the concepts that we learn in Australian universities are taught in Italy as well, such as finance equations and the micro and macro economics of business, so it was sometimes repetitive, but at the same time good to refresh the memory. One of the most interesting topics is SMEs [Small and medium enterprises] which explores the Italian family culture and broadens your perspective on their way of life and business operations.
When the clock hit 12 we'd break for lunch at one of the two cafeterias at UCSC. The meals at the cafeterias were great value for money and had the widest range of food and drinks available so you should make the most of these! Although it was the holiday/exam period for local students there were still many of them around who spoke English which was good for interacting and sussing out which nightclubs to attack each night.
Jake and fellow participants adopting the Italian habit drinking coffee as a substitute for water
After lunch, we'd re-group at one of the two campuses (within a block of each other) and spend the afternoon on a different topic. Admittedly the days were long and draining but we'd always have an afternoon break for a pick-me-up espresso down at the local barista to re-energise the batteries for the afternoon’s activities. The day would end with a class activity associated with the current topic, e.g. tourism, and we would make posters or give a quick presentation on what we’d just learnt.
What was the highlight of the program for you?
The field trips were hands-down the highlight of the program. As students, we got to experience things that the ordinary tourist wouldn’t get the opportunity to do. We went to chocolate factories, cheese factories, olive oil production plants (exclusive to Italy), the girls in the group strutted their stuff along the catwalk at a high profile fashion runway (yet to be exposed to the public) and although I’m a ‘blokey’ bloke and not a fan of fashion it was still pretty cool.
Jake and fellow participants on one of their field trips to a cheese factory (a.k.a. heaven)
We created textile designs with famous designers (Zucchi) using artefacts from the 1600’s, visited corporate banks and went to some of the most prestigious museums and art galleries in Italy; we ate authentic Italian meals with 100% of the ingredients coming from the farm we had lunch at; we awakened our tastebuds to hand picked grapes transformed into the crispiest Riesling you’ll ever come across unless of course you visit the Emilia Romagna region like we did. Our group was treated like royalty and even given VIP access to Villa D’este, the home of George Clooney.
Sampling some of the regional wines... for academic purposes of course!
All this is just preview of what’s on offer. The flexibility of UCSC meant that we could be dropped off in the different regions and towns on completion of the field trips and spend the weekends in places like Venice, Lake Como and Cinque Terre.
Do you have any advice for students who are going on this program?
Some advice I would give is to brush up on some basic Italian phrases even if you memorise some words on the plane trip over. If you show the Italian people that you are making the effort to live their lifestyle and speak their language they will bend over backwards to help you. Other suggestions would be to go over there single, maintain some level of exercise as you’ll be eating like a trooper and really make the most of your days, even if you’re tired don’t waste the chance to experience something new.
What would you say to somebody who’s thinking of doing the program?
It’s an absolute must-do. AIM Overseas, in conjunction with UCSC, have created a program that sounds great on paper but is even better in real life. The chance to travel to Italy and add an international flavour to your Uni degree whilst living it up like a tourist only happens once in a lifetime. It makes the workload back home much easier when you return because you have fast tracked what’s normally a 12-week subject into 4. Escape the winter down under and get over to Europe where the sun, landscapes and beaches are pure bliss.
I’ve managed to create international networks not only with students from other countries but business people in Italy, which will hopefully lead to future endeavours and potential career opportunities.
The program itself is unreal and allows for loads of free time in the afternoons to hire a bike and get lost in the city of Milan, stumble upon the likes of the Duomo, spend the nights bar hopping and mixing with the local talent at nightclubs and to utilise your weekends to check out other cities and regions.
All in all, this experience has been one of my lifetime highlights. I’ve travelled extensively before but the way in which this program was designed was perfect. I’ve enhanced my communication and people skills, been to places that I never knew existed, made some life long friends and gained a whole new perspective on life in general. The program was that good that I am taking part in my second program to the USA in January to live the dream all over again!
Jake in front of a magnificent cathedral in Milan
Was there anything quirky you discovered about Italian people or Italian culture?
- Italians consume unbelievable amounts of carbs yet they are somehow able to stay lean and trim – how are they doing this?
- Two Italians can be having a screaming match with each other and then kiss each other’s cheeks – apparently it’s regular dialogue.
- Italians drive the most luxurious cars but it’s common practice for them to nudge each other’s Ferrari whilst parking – mamma mia!
- Jersey Shore does NOT represent the typical Italian lifestyle.
- If you’re asking for directions, left can often mean right and vice versa.
- Gelato can be eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week – It’s a norm.
- If you want to post something back to Australia in time for Christmas, you'd better send it on Boxing Day.
- Don’t mention the mafia – you’re probably talking a mobsters niece.
- Every bloke in Italy has the middle name Romeo or Casanova - Juliet prefers Aussies.
- Smoking (passively) is not an option, it’s mandatory - EVERYwhere you go.
- Coffee is the equivalent of water; it’s a means of survival.
- If you're at a soccer match, wear neutral colours or at least a bulletproof vest.
Their culture is one of a kind! Here's a link to a cool video about Italian culture: http://youtu.be/ZAJNFoHuLno
Sounds like you had an amazing time, Jake. Thanks for sharing with us!
Jake sitting and contemplating in Florence
Standing outside the breathtaking Colosseum in Rome
Jake and friends enjoying summer in Europe!
The Experiencing Italian Entrepreneurship program runs every year in the July uni holidays. To find out more about this program or to apply, please go to our website: www.aimoverseas.com.au or email us on info@aimoverseas.com.au
Join us on Facebook for more photos, travel tips and updates: www.facebook.com/aimoverseas
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