What do you think about the fall of Berlin wall?

I think that this event is not only a turning point in history, but a way to see the other cultures in Europe: Europeans today (or most of them) are more open-minded and more able to accept cultural differences  than 40 or 50 years ago. In my opinion, it has been an inevitable event; people realized the importance of knowing the differences between other cultures and populations, and the benefits that we could have from it.

Can you imagine life in a divided city, a divided country, a divided Europe instead of being able to travel all over Europe?

It would be very strange for me, but I think that is a possible event, because right now there are a lot of bad opinions about the European Union.





Are traineeships in other countries popular at your university?

Yes they are! When you apply for a good position, it’s better to have done some experience abroad, so students try to study or to do their internship in a foreign country, especially if you are studying foreign languages, so you can also improve your languages skills.
You come from the University of Macerata. Can you introduce it shortly?

What do you study?

I’m studying foreign languages, ‘’Disciplines of Linguistic Mediation’’. In my university, I’m studying Russian, English and Spanish.

Which other  languages do you learn aside from these that you study?

I’m also learning  Romanian and Bulgarian. When I get my degree I hope to have enough time to learn  German French and Danish aswell.


The grand hall (lat. Aula Magna) of the University of Macerata (Wikipedia)

Can you tell us about your city, Falconara Marittima?

It is a small town, near to Ancona, in the Marche Region  along the Adriatic coast. In Falconara there is the Regional airport, and in summer many tourists come to enjoy the sun, and the beaches and the near Conero coast, in the territory of Ancona.



When we travel to Italy, we notice that many people don't speak English. Why is it so?

Italian people usually don’t pay too much attention to foreign languages, I don’t know why. Maybe they think that it’s useless, and they don’t need to know a foreign language. Actually, that could be true if you spend all your life in Italy! On the television, everything is in the Italian language, and although English is an official subject in schools, it is at a very Basic level, and it is not considered a very important subject. It is not a mature way to see the topic in my opinion, because you don’t know what you will need in the future, life has many surprises so everything can be useful. My advise to Italian students is to study foreign languages. It is very unpleasant to hear people of your same country trying to speak a kind of English with invented Italianized words and a strong Italian accent when you are abroad.

It is recommended from the EU to learn at least two languages: English and one more. What do you think about that?

I totally agree with this idea. It’s up to you obviously, but it is not hard to understand why: if you have more skills  you have more possibilities to have a good job and a good career.
 

You have courses of Italian language for students, teachers and parents. How did they react to that? Do they want to learn?

Yes, they are interested in it. Attending my courses is not compulsory, so each student that comes is interested in my lessons. I don’t give any homework to my children, they already have a lot of tasks to do for school and I do not want to add extra-work. I want them just to learn a little Italian for pleasure, as they are still young and I am here only for a short time. With adults, I have a different approach; my lessons are much more focused on the grammar of the Italian language and with the correct use of it.

Which are your impressions about the people of Croatia?

I have to say that the people of Croatia are extremely kind! They try to help you if you need it, so that is very important for a foreigner like myself. Having such helpful people around is important because I cannot speak the local language. There are three main religions here: Christians (Catholics and Orthodox), and Muslims. Most of them are religious people and celebrations are a very important part of their culture. In my opinion, they are very good and nice people!

What can you tell us about Croatia?

I really like the organization of this country. Obviously, it is an industrialized country. They are resourceful because  even if they sometimes do not have all the necessary resources required to do something, they are able to find another way to do it, and the result is good, so their aim is achieved.
I appreciate the beauty of nature in this country.  In Croatia as in Italy, there are many kinds of environments: during the summer you can enjoy the sea, or have a pleasant walk in the mountains near  Zagreb surrounded by unspoilt areas, while in the winter you have the possibility to ski aswell! Don’t forget the opportunity to spend time in some nice, interesting and famous towns like Zadar, Split, Pula, Dubrovnik and Zagreb. These towns also have a deep history! Therefore, it’s a country with a wide range of activities, and you’ll find the one that suits you! Keep in mind that Croatia is not a very cheap country (as are most east-European countries). Croatia has been ranked in the same price category of Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Belgium etc., concerning the average cost of living. What about food? I can tell you first hand that the food here is very good and worth the cost!