Exploring Italy, Expanding Perspectives: A Semester in Milan

Last fall, economics junior Ahmed Ayman quickly fell into step with Milan’s unique rhythm of life. 

“Milan is more than just a city; it’s a mood," he said. 

Whether it's strolling through Italy's streets, enjoying a soccer game at the San Siro or having a deep conversation about life in Navigli, Ayman’s experience was nothing short of exceptional.

Ayman spent the Fall 2024 semester studying at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, exploring Italy’s rich history and, of course, indulging in the food. 

Thrilled to immerse himself in another culture, Ayman was led across the Mediterranean Sea by his philosophy on learning: “I’ve always believed that real learning happens when you step out of your comfort zone, and what better way to do that than studying abroad?”

‘Go With the Flow’

Ayman was drawn to study in Italy due to the country’s unique economic positioning as part of the European Union economy. He also wanted to learn from a different academic perspective and interact with international faculty. “I didn’t just want to read about different cultures; I wanted to experience them,” Ayman said. “And let’s face it — who wouldn’t want to spend a semester in Milan?”

 “Studying abroad didn’t just teach me about Italy; it taught me about myself." 

The Milanese balance between tradition and modernity was what Ayman most loved about the city. “It’s visible in the architecture, the way people dress and even in how they party.” 

While abroad, Ayman took every chance to visit other sites in Italy like Lake Como, Florence, Venice, Cinque Terre and the Dolomitic Alps — “all nearby yet each offering a different slice of Italy’s magnificence.”

“AUC has this way of making you feel like you’re already part of a global community before you ever set foot outside Egypt."

He also viewed studying abroad as a way to challenge himself and prove that he could thrive in a completely new environment. “I became more independent, learning to navigate everything from public transport mishaps to cultural misunderstandings. I learned the value of spontaneity: My best experiences happened when I ditched the plan and went with the flow,” Ayman said. 

Global Engagement 

Ayman credits the International Programs and Services Office and Office of Student Financial Affairs and Scholarships for securing his trip’s logistics. “They guided me through the application process and ensured I had everything I needed before departure. Even when my experience became stressful (because, let’s be honest, no international process is ever without stress), IPSO had my back,” he shared.

But it was AUC’s global focus that most prepared him for life abroad. “AUC has this way of making you feel like you’re already part of a global community before you ever set foot outside Egypt,” he said. From the diverse student body and discussions about international affairs to an emphasis on critical thinking, Ayman said, “AUC gave me the confidence to adapt quickly in Milan.”

AUC’s liberal arts education was also an asset. “I learned to approach topics from multiple perspectives beyond my major, which helped me navigate courses taught from a completely different angle.” Socially, being a resident adviser and interacting with students from different backgrounds also made it much easier to connect with people in Italy, “even if it sometimes meant throwing in some broken Italian here and there,” he said.

Unexpectedly, being abroad even strengthened Ayman’s love for Egypt. “I became more appreciative of home. There’s something about being away that made me realize the beauty in my own culture too,” he said.

Overall, Ayman’s takeaways were wide-ranging and life-changing. “Studying abroad didn’t just teach me about Italy; it taught me about myself,” he said.