IOGiorgia from Ca’ Foscari University of Venice in our interview about her exchange semester at the University of Klagenfurt
Giorgia Cianfanelli comes from Italy where she studies language sciences at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice. Giorgia, who was an incoming exchange student ambassador in the summer semester 2023, shares in this interview impressions from her mobility at the University of Klagenfurt.
Tell us something about yourself, where do you come from, what is your home university and what do you study there?
I am Giorgia, a 25-year-old student. I come from Rome, Italy. My home university is Ca’ Foscari University of Venice. There I study language sciences at a master’s level and English and American Studies at the University of Klagenfurt. I took two courses in linguistics (English as a Contact Language and Metaphor and the Mind). I also decided to attend the German, Open English writing, and Cross-media game marketing courses.
Why did you decide to spend an exchange period in Klagenfurt?
I decided to spend an exchange period in Klagenfurt because I was very interested in the courses offered at the university, especially the linguistic ones. I was also very interested in all the initiatives promoted by the university. Overall, I think it was the best option for my study plan. I looked the city up and I was amazed by how much nature there is, even near the university, and by how everything is well connected in the city.
From an academic and personal perspective, in what ways did you benefit from taking part in a mobility programme at AAU?
This experience was academically great for me because I had the chance to practice my English at an academic level, both oral and written. I had the chance to learn how to make presentations, write outlines, and research papers which I think will be very helpful for me in the future. Furthermore, I had the possibility to learn a new language (German) and practice it. It was an incredible opportunity to confront myself with other students of different nationalities and cultures.
Has your view of the world changed through your mobility period in Austria? If yes, how?
Yes, it did. Meeting different people from different countries and cultures gave me a new perspective on so many things about myself and life in general. Furthermore, living alone in a foreign country is a beautiful, and sometimes challenging experience, but surely it makes you grow and have responsibilities you maybe didn’t think about before the exchange experience. Overall, I think that adapting to a new lifestyle, routine, and culture greatly impacts a person and can enrich you a lot.
Would you recommend spending a semester at AAU to other prospective incoming students? Can you tell us why?
Yes, I would. First of all, Klagenfurt, even if small, is an incredibly beautiful city. You can really get to know the city in just a few months and with the buses is very easy to move through it. You can enjoy spending time at the lake and in parks, and in the summer, there are a lot of places to go hiking. There are also other activities in the city, for example, you can enjoy jazz concerts thanks to Gustav Mahler University, go to the cinema (sometimes there are movies in English), go bowling, and enjoy art exhibitions.
Word Rap:
My first day at the University of Klagenfurt in 3 words… exciting, happy, challenging
Being an incoming exchange student ambassador in 3 words… fun, observation, creativity
When in Klagenfurt you should not miss these 3 things… parks, lake, Katzencafé
The best 3 things about AAU are… innovative, welcoming, inclusive
My studies abroad in 3 words… new, interesting, rewarding
