With Filippo from Riva del Garda to Vancouver

It’s hard not to notice the trend even for those who observe the education system from outside: more and more students spend one or more years of their education getting ready for the global society they know they will face from day one of “real work”.

We refer to programs like “Erasmus”, and in general any situation where a student leaves their comfort zone to live in a foreign country, attend local schools and actually live like a native.

Experiences like these are invaluable precisely because they contribute to a comprehensive education of the individual putting them in front of a substantially different culture in most cases and consequently prompting them to adapt and seek independence from society.

My destination was Vancouver, on the west coast of Canada, and, thanks to the support of my parents, these few lines come from there. In six months, I have had the opportunity to explore both the local area and its society much more in-depth if compared to what can be seen from Europe. I would describe Canada as a “softer” version of the United States of America: a prime minister loved all over the world (except than in Canada) instead of newly elected Mr. Trump, and generally a more permissive and open society that retains, though, North America’s values.

Moreover, contrary to what I had been told, I was able to blend in and to make new acquaintances right away and, as I didn’t suffer the so-called “culture shock”, I was able to approach my new reality right from the start. As I expected, technology innovation has a great appeal, and this has allowed me to keep pursuing my lifelong passion that years ago led me to FBK: school clubs and fairs attract students from far and allowing to meet many enthusiasts, making the curiosity that brings us together even more inspiring.

The reason for all the excitement I saw in other students when talking about their thrilling experience is now easy to understand, and I will definitely be one of them on my return: before I left, those guys convinced me to dare a bit more, knowing that I would get so much in return. At the moment, I do not see a future with me overlooking the Pacific Ocean just because I got to spend some time and got an idea of how this place could be part of my future life. Unlike me, many other guys are firmly convinced they want to go back to the place where they felt at home for the first time and are ready to go back even before having returned.