I decided to do it despite the Covid-19 pandemic because I think is the best moment for me: the next year I will be coursing 5^th, but the next one it will be my last year of university and I will have to do the Final Research Task, so it will be more complicated to coordinate the Learning Agreement. So, as I said in class, is now or never. 

In the other hand, some things that have caught my attention and helped me decide to realize this adventure, are that I always have listened good things about this type of experience, all the people that I know that have lived it, have said to me that it’s an amazing affair, that I will have a lot of fun and learn to take care of myself while I will be knowing different cultures and traditions from other people like me. 

I would like to add that between all the destinies I have chosen Roma because is a beautiful city that I have never been to before, but I’ve always wanted to go. The similar language and the closeness are two very good points that make me decide for Italy, because this will be my first time having a solitary travel experience without my family in another country, and the thought of being close to home helps me to be less anxious. 

Also, I was doubting about rent an apartment or staying in a student’s residence, but now I think that renting an apartment will be the best option for me, because you have more freedom in it. I neither know about the university or the subjects I will have to do, but I think it’s too early to care.  

The other main challenges I think I will face are probably miss my friends and boyfriend, communicate with people in another language and pass the subjects of the degree in English or Italian. Also, I don’t know what I will do without a gym, but I suppose that I could sign up in one, preferably with pool because I like to swim. 

If I finally rent an apartment, I consider it will be easier to feel at home. The reason is that in a flat is supposed to have the same rooms as my house, and even if it isn’t with my family, I will be able to be on the sofa watching tv, in the kitchen cooking, etc. the most important fact for me is to have a comfortable room that makes you feel like your own.

The last thing I think is a must have and essential is to live this experience with friends. Obviously when I will arrive in Rome I won’t meet anyone, but get along well with the roommates of the apartment is very important for coexistence and my stay there.

Personally, I don’t think the stereotypes are bad, because the people should know that they don’t define how the humans will be. It’s impossible that all the people who have one condition must act or think the same way, each person is different. Also, the stereotypes are something inevitable, because they appear for the culture shock and are something very generalized and integrated in the people brains. Anyway, if we could have the ability to eliminate the stereotypes like they never haven’t exist, I’m sure in 50 years we will create a new ones even if we don’t want to, because the people will move around the world and will discover other cultures and will meet new people, so when they will find something unusual about one person that have a specific different condition than they, they will start thinking all the people with this condition are the same. 

So, the problem is the people who think that the stereotypes are real and act like this. In my case, I know the stereotypes doesn’t mean anything, so I don’t matter if someone things I’m lazy because I’m Spanish, I know what I am and what I can offer to the world. 

Nevertheless, the people who act like the stereotypes are true and for example treat a certain type of people different only for their condition are a completely horror for the society, but I think it’s the fault of this type of ignorant people, not of the stereotypes that are inevitable.

I suppose that for knowing what my destinations university is famous for I have to be a student or live nearby, I think it isn’t a think you can search in google.  

My future university is in the 85 position in the world ranking universities, it’s the bigger university of Europe and is among the first in the world by number of students. This means is the better university in Italy and in the ranking of the best European universities it's in the position 30. 

I am writing to you because I would like to tell you that I know how the Erasmus+ experience will change you, and how your way of thinking about many aspects of life will be changed during this time.

As far as I can remember, you were very nervous before living this adventure, but you must trust me that everything is going to be amazing. I can tell you that you are going to meet wonderful people who will open your eyes and teach you the beauty of all cultures. 

Although you have never considered yourself a closed-minded person, experiencing a culture shock will help you appreciate and be aware of the differences between countries even though the Italian culture seems very close to that of Spain. Now you are more curious and respectful with all kinds of people even if you don’t understand their way of thinking.

Also, I want you to know that you are going to acquire a lot of independence and you are going to learn how to take care of yourself, so you must be strong and sign up for all the plans that come your way.

Best wishes, 
The best version of you: the future Laia.