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A Dream Come True

One of my best experiences ever is the one that I am going through now at the University of Pavia, and I must thank the CUNY/ITALY Exchange Program.

The people in Pavia immediately made me feel at home. The residence where I live is clean, spacious, and cozy. Since I arrived in Pavia I've been very fortunate to have made plenty of Italian friends who encouraged and helped me to practice speaking Italian. I love learning languages and studied French for five years, but after almost two months of living with Italian students in Pavia, I speak Italian with much more ease than French, even after spending a semester studying in Paris.

The courses at the University are very interesting, and the professors are willing to help their students with any problems. I like my courses, but the best part of this exchange is the opportunity to blend in with the Italian student and not feel like an outsider. Being surrounded by so much history, culture, and beauty motivates me to keep ahead with my studies, learn more, and become part of the Italian culture. There is nothing to complain about except having to leave Italy once the semester is over. I am very happy here.

Vanessa Verduga, Baruch College