Signe returned to Italy on an Erasmus+ staff training visit after studying at the University of Florence for her undergraduate degree. Image Staff exchange Destination: European University Institute, Fiesole (Italy) Year: 2022 Why did you choose your destination? With its unique European foundation and reputation as one of the leading post-doctoral research institutions in Europe, the European University Institute (EUI) seemed like the perfect host for my Erasmus+ staff training visit, given my focus on European mobility programmes. On a professional level, I was keen to lay the ground for new collaboration links between the University of Edinburgh and the EUI with a view to setting up a new exchange agreement, offering PhD students the opportunity to undertake funded periods of research abroad at this prestigious institution. On a personal level, having completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Florence, I had been hoping to return to Italy and have a taste of what it would be like to work at a Higher Education Institution there. The EUI campuses are exceptionally beautiful and the facilities of the institute beyond comparison. During my stay, I was mainly based at the Badia Fiesolana but also had the opportunity to visit Villa Salviati, Villa Schifanoia and the newly established School of Transnational Governance in Florence city centre. EUI colleagues made me feel very welcome and appreciative of my contribution to the institute during my temporary assignment there. Adjusting to Italian language and culture Having lived and studied in Italy, I was already familiar with the Italian language and culture. However, I quickly realised that there were lots of things I needed to re-adjust to, and often found myself feeling like a fish out of water as I was settling into my new environment. Ordering coffee at the bar was among the most painful and embarrassing experiences I had to go through on a daily basis, as I have given up caffeine but drinking decaf coffee is seen as extremely uncool in Italy. To the extent that, one morning when I ordered an "americano decaffeinato" I was shamed in front of everyone in the queue, as the bar lady bursted out laughing, asking everyone if they thought that sounded like a nice way to start their day and suggesting it was worse thank drinking dirty water. After that episode I switched to tea (which was still frowned upon, but not as scandalous as the decaf coffee!). "Feeling inspired and enthused!" On a personal level, having the opportunity to relocate to Florence with my family and immersing myself in Italian life was an incredibly enriching and eye-opening experience. I was amazed by the warm welcome we received by the local school and the wider community and the ease and speed with which we were able to integrate into a completely new environment. On a professional level, being able to insert myself in a new organisational setting and getting to know the incredibly diverse EUI staff community and learn about the excellent work they do left me feeling inspired and enthused. Current opportunities Find out more about all the staff opportunities available: Staff opportunities Read other staff stories Staff stories This article was published on 2024-06-24
