Italo Emanuel Galati's educational path began in Milan at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, where he graduated with a BA in Banking, Insurance and Financial Economics. During his master's studies, he won an Erasmus scholarship to study in Lithuania and another in Brazil, but fate led him to part-time studies in Vilnius University (VU) Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics.
Before the Erasmus exchange, he didn't know much about Lithuania, but he had already heard and read about VU while studying in Milan, so he was very curious about what student life is really like in Vilnius and what the historical university itself is like. The first impression was great.
"Vilnius is wonderful, I especially liked the weather. Coming from southern Italy (Apulia) where it is much hotter, the 15-20 degree weather in August was perfect. I found the city itself beautiful and full of life," says the boy.
Emanuel also liked the university, especially the practical studies of finance and insurance mathematics. After arriving for half a year, the boy stayed at VU longer - he plans to finish his master's degree here and exchange his university diploma in Milan for a VU diploma.
"I was impressed by the practicality of studying in Lithuania. In Italy, more emphasis was placed on theoretical rather than practical subjects. The dynamic teaching methods of VU professors and all master's studies in English provide a richer, more inclusive learning experience than my previous studies in Italy", Emanuel compares the learning experience.
He says that VU and the city itself became an important place for him, where he formed lasting friendships, got involved in the community and immersed himself in the vibrant academic and city life.
"I had three main hobbies in my free time: traveling, going to techno music parties (which are just as fantastic in Vilnius as in Berlin) and participating in sports. These interests helped me to meet many interesting people, with whom I communicate to this day," says the student.
When asked what he plans to do after completing his master's studies, he says that he is still undecided. "What will happen next after graduation, I am still considering. Maybe Vilnius will become my permanent home, or maybe I will go on a new international adventure. The future is open", Emanuel smiles.
