When I start writing this essay, I am on a train from Venice to Florence with my friend. Outside the windows is the emerald sea. I am really glad I made this decision to be an exchange student of Bocconi one year ago. It not only provides me a once-in-a-life opportunity to study in one of the best universities in Europe but also gives me a golden chance to acknowledge and appreciate European cultures in such a direct way.
First, let me introduce something about Bocconi University. Bocconi University, as the first Italian university to grant a degree in economics, has traditionally been more than an elite university. Bocconi University believes that excellence can only be based on a person's academic profile as well as on his or her values and cultural and ethical background. This is why the University offers numerous activities, special occasions for people to enrich their knowledge.
I personally believe that Bocconi University provides a relatively free environment of study, promoting the enthusiasm of the students’ learning. For instance, unlike most universities in China, students can choose whether to participate midterm exams or not and the exam time out of alternative dates, which is quite reasonable to give students choices to adjust their study plan, and students here work diligently with high passion. Professors emphasize on both teaching and interacting during the lectures. Problems and questions get timely and efficiently solved during the course.
Some courses consist of lectures given by two regular professors. For example, we have two professors teaching investment banking course emphasizing on different aspects. One professor is the director of the B.Sc. Program of Economics and Finance at Bocconi University, acting as advisor and consultant to several institutions and government, and also he has a variety of publications on corporate finance and investment banking. Another one is the co-head of Goldman Sachs in Italy, who was in senior management team of J.P. Morgan before joining that firm. With this kind of teaching arrangement of combined lecturers, particular attention is given to provide students with a deep understanding of the mechanism underpinning the creation or the development of a firm and the financial sustainability of the financial system.
What is worth mentioning particularly is that guest speakers are invited during the course as supplements. Since Bocconi University has close relations with managers and officials of major corporations and international agencies, and constantly interacts with the business and economic environment to assess new issues, implement new techniques, and start new research endeavors, the guest speakers are elite group in the related areas. For instance, one of the guest speakers of investment banking course is a senior manger of a private equity (PE) company. He taught us one PE case he was in charge, in which two fashion firms, Valentino and Hugo Boss, are involved. Combining the theoretical knowledge with real world cases help students to understand better and get to know how the mechanism works in the real challenging business world. In addition to that, the lecturer would also introduce his own background and career stories precipitating the audience’s interest in one certain area.
Besides the courses, staying in Milan is really fun. Travelling around Schengen countries is also convenient. During the weekends, you can go to other cities in Italy or neighbor countries taking a relatively short-time visiting; during longer holidays, you may have a relatively long trip to somewhere further.
In order to enjoy the trips with more rewarding experience, you need to make some effort in the visit plan. Before departure to every destination, I always make an elaborate schedule about routes and places expected to visit as well as places to rest. You can follow others’ suggestion or adjust it to your personal interests. The former can be found online, which hugely save your time and energy, while the latter fits your own characteristics, so maybe a mixed strategy would be the best choice.
Once going to a new place, museums provide an intense introduction to local culture. Every European city has plenty of museums, regardless of their sizes. Visiting museums is the fastest way to get into the history and the art of that area. Marvelous paintings and sculptures allures visitors from all over the world. Art galleries are also wonderful.
In addition to those sightseeing following other people’s suggestions, I like to wander around the city, tasting the local food, observing the lives of ordinary local people, tuning into the rhythm of their activities, and trying to be one of them. You feel great satisfaction when you find something interesting and unique by yourself.
