A story from my study stay in Sardinia

My second Erasmus+ stay took place in the north of Sardinia, in the city of Sassari, where I studied at the University of Sassari. It was my penultimate semester of my master’s degree, and the total length of my stay was approximately four months. A year earlier, I had participated in my first Erasmus in Siena, Italy, and it was exactly that previous experience that motivated me to apply again – this time in the completely different environment of the island of Sardinia.

You can find more remarkable facts shared by our student Anna Bobková below.

The stay was not only an academic experience for me but above all a time of exceptional personal growth. Erasmus is not just about studying – although I must say the courses I chose were extremely valuable, both in terms of content and the approach of the lecturers. But the real value of Erasmus lies in the opportunity to experience life in a foreign country, to step outside your comfort zone, and to face everyday challenges on your own.

During my stay, I had to deal with various practical matters that taught me greater independence and flexibility. For example, I experienced health complications that required me to visit a local hospital – something that might have been stressful back home, but in a foreign country forced me to act calmly and rationally in a completely new healthcare system. Another challenge was dealing with a disagreement regarding the rent amount with my landlord, which taught me how to communicate clearly and defend my rights in a foreign language. Alongside these practical matters, I made the most of every opportunity to travel – Sardinia is a beautiful island full of contrasts, natural wonders, wild beaches, majestic mountains, and unique traditions that differ significantly from mainland Italy.

The cultural differences between Sardinia and the rest of Italy surprised and enriched me. Sardinians are very proud of their culture and traditions – from their language (Sardinian), to food, to local festivals. I felt very welcomed because the local people were extraordinarily warm, friendly, and willing to help. Thanks to that, I was able to actively improve my Italian, which I worked hard to practice during my stay. Everyday conversations with locals, participation in university courses, and dealing with ordinary life situations in Italian helped me not only expand my vocabulary but also overcome my fear of speaking.

The ESN Sassari (Erasmus Student Network) played a significant role in my experience. They did a wonderful job of supporting international students. Thanks to their initiatives, I quickly made friends with students not only from Italy but also from Turkey, Germany, Croatia, and other countries. They organized a variety of social and cultural events – karaoke nights, group dinners, themed parties, trips around the island, and museum visits. Thanks to this, I formed friendships that I still carry with me and had the chance to exchange perspectives and experiences with people from different parts of Europe.

I also traveled a lot across Sardinia – from the northern beaches near Alghero, through inland villages with authentic Sardinian charm, all the way to the south of the island and the capital city, Cagliari. Every place surprised me with something – whether it was the architecture, the landscape, or the local cuisine. Sardinia is fascinating in its diversity and yet feels peaceful and natural – an ideal environment for someone who wants to slow down while still absorbing inspiration for thinking and creating.

My stay in Sassari was not just a semester abroad – it was an experience that deeply shaped my personal and professional path. Over those few months, I realized how much I enjoy being in an international environment, working with people from different cultures, and constantly learning new things. In the future, I would love to continue on this path – whether through another internship, working abroad, or participating in international projects.

Erasmus also gave me more courage – I’m no longer afraid to speak a foreign language, to ask questions, to ask for help, or to clarify a situation. This self-confidence has carried over into other areas of life, and I consider it one of the greatest “invisible” gifts Erasmus gave me. I stopped fearing uncertainty – I know now that wherever life takes me, I can adapt, find my place, and remain true to myself.

On a professional level, the stay helped me realize that I would like to work in an international environment, ideally in the field of education, human resources, or project management. I see Erasmus as a key step in opening the door to a career that is not only stable but also meaningful and inspiring.

From this Erasmus experience, I take with me not only academic knowledge but above all deep personal insight. I learned how to handle crisis situations in a foreign setting, broadened my language and cultural horizons, and confirmed that I’m capable of functioning and making decisions independently. Erasmus, in my view, is unique because it allows you to discover not only a new world – but also yourself. And that is an experience that lasts much longer than any single semester.