This is the first in a series of interviews with Bilkent students who have recently returned from an Erasmus exchange. We hope that the information, insights and tips from fellow Bilkenters who have studied abroad will help students who might be thinking about an exchange by giving them an idea of what to expect.
What were the main reasons that encouraged you to choose Italy and Bocconi University?
Actually, I decided to go there on the recommendation of a friend. Since she knows both me and the country very well, she strongly recommended that I make a choice in favor of Italy. So it can be said that the first reason was the “country factor.” I also realized after going there that if my personality and sense of fun matched the spirit of any country, that country would be Italy. The second main factor was the reputation and academic ranking of Bocconi.
How was life at Bocconi in terms of cultural and social activities?
Because it’s a very well-respected university, there are lots of people who come from different parts of the world, which results in a multicultural atmosphere. We often arranged “country nights” among friends. In addition to this, the ESN (Erasmus Student Network) team in Italy is very active. Almost every week, activities are organized in different places. The Bocconi International Student Office also arranges lots of activities and helps international students in every way.
What is the average cost of living in Milan for a student?
It’s a bit more expensive than other European cities. The accommodation, especially, costs a lot. It ranges between 500 and 800 euros per month. The cost of living, excluding accommodation, averages 700-800 euros per month, but of course it depends on the student’s lifestyle. Although it’s an expensive city, I have to say that there are also cheap places for shopping.
Was it easy to find accommodations? Does the school have dormitories?
The school has two types of dormitory accommodation, costing 650 euros per month. One is a five-minute walk from the school, while the other one is pretty far away. Fortunately, I stayed in the closer one, but most of the Erasmus students were assigned to the other dormitory. You can also rent rooms or a flat with your friends, costing an average of 500-600 euros. Lastly, I can recommend a nonprofit group called “Living Around” that finds accommodations for students at a low commission.
How were the courses, projects and exams at Bocconi compared to those at Bilkent?
The system is very different at Bocconi. There are no assignments, no homework, no projects, no presentations. The system is totally based on exams. Also, you don’t have to attend classes.
What is the language of instruction? Is it easy to find courses in English?
There are Italian- and English-language options at Bocconi. Finding courses taught in English and transferring the credits to Bilkent was really easy.
Does the school offer an Italian course for international students to teach them the local language?
Yes, Bocconi offers an intensive Italian course for its international students. The course begins 10 days before school starts, and they ask during registration whether you want to take it. If you pass the first part of the course, there is an option to continue after school starts.
What was the most memorable thing about your Erasmus experience?
There were lots of memorable things, but I think being locked up on the last metro at midnight with my four girlfriends and then walking back to the station from the parking area of the subway—on high heels—with the metro driver was my most memorable experience.
What was the biggest challenge you had to deal with during your Erasmus exchange?
There were two “biggest challenges.” The first one was the moment when I arrived. I asked myself, “Why I am here by myself? Why I am standing with my suitcase in the rain?” But everyone I spoke to told me that they experienced the same thing. The adjustment process was very hard. The second big challenge was leaving, because the friendships I made there were so beautiful. Those friendships didn’t come about because of my family, my financial status, my age or my social status. I was there with only my personality, which made friendships different and special.
What special tips can you give prospective Erasmus students who might choose Bocconi?
- Take an Italian course to make permanent friendships.
- Don’t be afraid of Finance courses; they can be conquered somehow.
- Take only one or two Finance courses; I took four, which was a big mistake.
- Stay in the dormitory for a better social life.
- Lose weight before you go, because the food is really delicious.
If you were given another chance to go on an Erasmus exchange, would you take it? Would you choose Bocconi again?
Absolutely, I would take it. At first I was undecided about going to Bocconi because of not being able to have an internship interview. However, I have never regretted this, because I can find an internship somehow. Lastly, if I were given another chance, I would go to Bocconi again.
Prepared by Eda Ertan (MAN/II)
Cansu Ateş (MAN/II)
