Palermo challenged me in unexpected ways
Sarah is from Ecuador and studies Global Project and Change Management. She spent a semester studying at the University of Palermo.
"After speaking with a former roommate who had studied in Palermo, I decided to choose Sicily for my Erasmus semester. The island immediately drew me in. Beautiful landscapes, Mediterranean culture and the sea always nearby. What made Palermo especially interesting was the opportunity to follow courses on migration, a topic I was curious about and that is highly relevant in the Mediterranean context."
Courses
"I followed courses in Sociology of Migration, Civil Rights and Children’s Rights in Migratory Context, Theatre for Social Change, Theory and Technique of Public Communication, and Italian language. Studying migration in Sicily gave the subject a concrete regional perspective. We analysed real cases and explored migrant rights within a Mediterranean framework. Learning Italian helped me connect more deeply with the local culture and daily life beyond the classroom."
Different academic system
"The academic system was different from what I was used to in the Netherlands. Classes were more traditional and lecture-based, with long sessions where professors spoke and students mainly took notes. There was less discussion and interaction than I was used to, which made me realise how much I value the interactive and critical teaching style at Windesheim. Final exams were oral, and some courses that were announced in English turned out to be taught in Italian. This required flexibility and independence, and it pushed me to take real ownership of my learning process."
Living in Italy
"Life outside the classroom had its own rhythm. Palermo moves at a slower pace. Because my schedule was manageable, I had time to truly explore the island. Some mornings I would grab coffee with friends before class and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the city. I loved immersing myself in Italian culture, the food, the people and the slower pace of life."
Meeting new people
Palermo also has a strong ESN (Erasmus Student Network) that organises weekly activities, which made it easy to meet new people and build friendships while discovering the city together. Weekends were often spent exploring small villages, hidden beaches and local markets. Or joining trips to places like the Aeolian Islands and Stromboli volcano.
Lessons beyond the classroom
Of course, there were challenges. Adjusting to a different academic culture and way of life took time. Palermo can feel chaotic at times, especially at night, and cultural differences were sometimes surprising. I also learned that Erasmus doesn’t have to be perfect every single day. There were days I felt lonely or overwhelmed, and that’s completely normal. Growth often happens exactly in those moments.