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After spending more than four months studying at the UWA Business School , Bocconi University exchange students Giorgia Abbruzzese, Vienda Giacomelli and Valentina Fioravanti all agreed on one thing: they wished they could extend their stay for a further semester.

While their Master of Science course at Bocconi University wouldn't allow for a longer exchange period, the Italian students did still get to experience many highlights: among these, The University of Western Australia's beautiful environment and practical classes.

Upon arriving, the students spent two weeks experiencing orientation activities, as well as being assigned a mentor.

"We met lots of people and lived in Trinity College with 400 students from all over the world. We could really get in touch with different cultures," Valentina said.

When it came to classes, the postgraduate students particularly enjoyed Associate Professor Doina Olaru's Data Analysis and Decision Making unit and Professor Anu Rammohan's Economic Management and Strategy unit.

"I really liked the units that I chose, and the classes were very practical at UWA. For example, in Data Analysis and Decision Making, everyone in our team had to do a presentation and received feedback about speaking in public, which we don't usually do at Bocconi," Giorgia said.

"Economic Management and Strategy gave me the opportunity to deepen my knowledge, and the teamwork assignment was very interesting, because we put abstract concepts into practice."

Beyond studying, the relaxing environment meant the students could walk to the river and go sailing or scuba diving.

"It has been the most beautiful experience of my life. I started calling back home less frequently because I was so happy here," Vienda said.

"The European job market is full and it is very difficult to find good jobs; you must succeed in exams, class, results. Most of my time at home was spent studying in the library. It is more relaxing here."

Taking full advantage of this relaxing environment, the students spent their mid-semester break driving from Broome down to Perth-an experience they highly recommend! "Go and see nature; take a car and drive. It is amazing-you see a lot of different things. It was an adventure every day. I've never seen so many strange animals," Vienda said.

The girls also found time to create their own volleyball team in the UWA Sports competition (even if their only win came when the opposing team failed to arrive!), explore the city, and-for Giorgia and Vienda-gain scholarships and internships to work in Shanghai before they return to Italy.

And their advice to UWA students? Go and visit them at Bocconi University in Italy.

"Life back home is very nice. I think that our home university gives you a nice way of thinking because you have the habit to work and battle for what you want. We are prepared for everything," Vienda said.

"We also have things like happy hour where we go out all together. Milan is a very dynamic city; everything is close. We'd be happy to welcome UWA students!"

Media references

Karen Della Torre (UWA Business School)             (+61 8) 6488 8538
Verity Chia (UWA Business School)                         (+61 8) 6488 1346