Experience in University of Padua, Italy by Mohamed

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Generally, what is University of Padua like?

It is the most flexible university I have ever seen. They have just a bit different system in registering for the courses. To illustrate, you don't register the course in the beginning of the semester so you can attend any course just after taking permission from the Tutor, but you register the exams just in the last 7 or 10 days before the exam. So you have the flexibility to change course or drop or add during the semester without any effort.

What are the facilities like?

So simple, they are scattered everywhere in the city. Padova is full of university buildings everywhere. You can attend courses in different places. Some faculties are specialized in something specific, like faculty of economics and business administration. While some other are so generic like school of social sciences and cultural heritage, that was my faculty. It includes course and programs from all disciplines, sociology, economics, business, even forestry.. etc.

What are the tutors like?

I have experience with only 4 professors. 2 of them had really bad English, 1 was acceptable, and the last one was fluent. They never talk in Italian in the class even if you are the only foreign student. If the course should be officially taught in English so it is in English. Even after the class they never talk with the Italian students in Italian. They are well-experienced and expertise in their fields.

Are the lessons easy in University of Padua?

So easy. You can easily pass them even if you didn't study so much.

Does the University organise activities? If so, what are they like?

Yes, many events and activities. But you will suffer if you can't understand Italian. Probably you can't participate at that point because you won't understand anything. It is rare when they organize something in English. Events like workshops or seminars about some trendy topics in your field of study. Like the issue of Refugee and they bring refugees and everybody starts talking and some governmental representatives with NGOs. It is really nice.

Do you think there is a good quality of teaching?

Overall yes.