Qëndresa Bullaku: Politecnico di Milano, Italy

Why did you want to do an exchange?

Going on that exchange was such a fantastic experience for me. I was thrilled about the opportunity to explore different cultures and improve my communication skills with people from all over the world. Studying in a new environment introduced me to diverse teaching styles and perspectives, enriching my education in ways I hadn't imagined.

On a personal level, it was a journey of independence and resilience. I made
friends from various corners of the globe, creating lasting connections. One of the best parts was trying out unique activities and hobbies that I hadn't encountered back home. Looking back, it was truly an amazing adventure that shaped me in so many positive ways.

Which courses did you take?

The courses I enrolled in included Ecology and Agronomy, Metabolism of a City and Landscape, Built Environment and Landscape Design (Studio), and Archaeology, Architecture, and Ethical Issues. The diverse mix stemmed from limited course availability during registration, making it challenging to secure open spots. Juggling schedules posed difficulties, with two courses overlapping and others starting immediately after the preceding one ended. Despite the initial stress, adapting to this arrangement became more manageable.

The studio course, similar to those at SLU, proved practical and engaging, involving the transformation of an abandoned ski lift area on Monte Cimone mountain near Milan. While the studio was hands-on, the remaining courses were theoretical, demanding extensive study and information retention. Weekly lectures for each course imparted substantial information, leaving the rest of the week for personal study. This structure required effective self-management and planning, differing from SLU's more organised approach. The experience provided valuable insights for future studies and professional endeavours, enriching my overall learning journey.

What was the student life like outside of your courses?

Milan provides a lot of activities for both students and non-students. The city
hosts lively party communities, offers hiking opportunities in nearby areas, and facilitates travel experiences, including day trips to other countries through the Erasmus Student Network (ESN).

What was your best experience during your exchange?

My best experience was to experience how it is to actually live abroad, especially as a student. Also spending my free time hiking and travelling around north Italy and visiting Schweiz are now memories for life. Studying in Polimi has also been very fulfilling. I have gained confidence in my academic career and I got a broader perspective for my future work in the landscape architecture field.

What was the biggest challenge during your exchange?

The biggest challenge was adapting to a different school system than what I’m used to in Sweden. For example at SLU I’m used to studying two courses per semester, while in Polimi I had to study four courses at the same time and manage my own lecture timetable. Some courses overlapped and it could create some problems in managing the study load.

Advice for future exchange students

Qebu0001@stud.slu.se