Erasmus experiences in Bolzano, Italy by Centaine

About myself

My name is Centaine Kipp, I am 19 years old (was 18 when I went to Bolzano as an erasmus student). I am in love with Italy and I love to travel.

I am a student at Cibap vocational school in Zwolle. I study interior design.

I got a great opportunity to do my half-year internship abroad and did not have to think twice to accept this opportunity. Now I work at Interior Design Widmann in Bolzano SUD.

Why did you choose to go to Bolzano, Italy?

Since I was a little girl, I dreamed of living in Italy. A friend of mine (old Cibap student) had a great time with a firm in Bolzano and she introduced me to this company.

How much funding do you receive as a scholarship? How long does the scholarship last?

Differs per year, but I have placed all money in my savings account and every month I transfer about 140, - to my regular bank account to spend on fun activities (like travelling or a weekend away from home)

What is student life in Bolzano?

There is a big university in Bolzano with students from all over the glove. They organise university parties. It is pricey but certainly fun, because I have made so many friends around the world. But you really have to go out and have the courage to talk to others, it does not come naturally.

Would you recommend the city and Bolzano University to other students?

I do not know much about the university, but the stories I hear from others are positive. I find the city very cosy. But do not assume this is a typical Italian area, it has also a lot of influences from Austria. (I think this is a minus)

How is the food?

When I say the word Italian, it says enough right? Pizza and pasta on every corner of the street. I obviously missed some Dutch products but I adapted quite naturally.

How long did it take to find a room in Bolzano?

This is very difficult, Bolzano is very pricey. I had the luck that I found a place quickly, but I had to pay a lot of money. I noticed and heard from others that they had a lot of difficulties.

How much does it cost to live in Bolzano?

I pay 500 for a room. Life in Bolzano is expensive and I usually buy many groceries. If you want to eat healthily, this can cost up to about 300 per month. (in the Netherlands i am used to paying about 150)

How about the language? Did you study the language before you went abroad? Does the university offer any language courses?

They speak German and Italian here. Communicating in English is challenging since there are only a limited amount of people that master the English language. I found an Italian school here that I can visit in the evenings. It is hard work to learn the Italian language but now I am in possession of an Italian A1 diploma, which I am extremely proud of. I can already understand a lot from a conversation by focusing on keywords.

Was the cheapest way to travel to Bolzano from your home?

I came by car, but you also have cheap flights via Transavia. By air, you could take a flight from Amsterdam to Innsbruck (Austria), followed by a train ride of 1, 5 hours to Bolzano. Alternatively, you could take a flight from Amsterdam or Eindhoven to Verona. From Verona, it is about 2, 5 hours to Bolzano by train. Both are good options. The train to the east is quite pricey but Verona-Bolzano connection will cost you around 12, 50.

Can you tell us something about the nightlife? How were the clubs in Bolzano?

I'm not a type of person that likes to visit nightclubs. But I did go to a pub on girls' night, which was a lot of fun. So are the university parties that are mentioned previously. There is a lot of entertainment in the city. You will certainly not get bored.

Where can you eat out in Bolzano?

NUSSBAUMER! The tastiest pizza of bolzano, this is in the centre.

And if you are looking for the perfect Italian dish, order the pizza with roast beef and garlic sauce.

Are there any cultural attractions?

There are many, and there is a lot to see since you are in another city and country.

Do you have any other advice for future students who are going to Bolzano?

-Stand your ground, it is not always easy.

-Be outgoing, talk to a stranger. This makes your stay so much more fun.

-Explore the area by enjoying travels to surroundings, you will end up seeing the most beautiful places. (flixbus is good, cheap travel option)

-try to speak Italian or German. People are not always that open to foreigners and they might show that to you.

Want to know more? Take a look at my online blog, with photos, videos and stories of my time here: http://centainecreations.wixsite.com/centainecreations/blog-italy-bolzano