There might be various reasons why you would want to learn a foreign language. However, there could also be a variety of reasons why you still did not get on with it. You might don't have enough money to invest in face-to-face classes, private tutors, study abroad experiences, or don't have enough time and prefer to study between commitments instead. Regardless of why you didn't start studying yet, I hope I will be able to help you get on it now. It's never too late.

Why should I learn Italian?

Italian culture, literature, art, and food are known and appreciated all over the world. You will always be able to find the opportunity to show off your Italian knowledge, whether it's during a museum visit, ordering food at an Italian restaurant, or when you start dating an Italian person.

How long does it take to learn Italian?

Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to how long it will take you to be fluent in Italian. It depends on many factors: how many hours you are willing to study, the level you are trying to reach, how often you will practice, how you will practice, and the reason you are studying it in the first place.

How to learn Italian on your own

Before you even start investing time in learning, come up with a plan. Choose when you want to study, and how much you want to invest (either daily or weekly), and finally gather all the resources available to you. Identify the learning method that is most suitable for you. f you don't enjoy reading, it goes without saying that reading in a foreign language is not going to be a pleasent journey for you. Try listening to music or podcasts instead. Watching TV in Italian. You can definitely start with English subtitles and eventually switch them to Italian. Last but not least, you should practice your speaking, either with other language learners or, if possible, with natives.

What to Watch 👀

Netflix has a decent amount of Italian content that you might be able to watch from your home country. If that's not the case, try using a VPN.

Here's a list of Italian series and movies available on Netflix: Cinema Paradiso (Best Foreign Language Film, Academy Awards, 1989); Life is Beautiful (Best Foreign Language Film, Academy Awards 1999); Under the Riccione Sun (Netflix Original); SKAM Italia (originated from Norway, every country has now a different version of it); The Life Ahead (Netflix Original); Summertime (Netflix Original); Suburra (Netflix Original); Baby (Netflix Original); Everything Calls for Salvation (Netflix Original). The more you watch and rate on Netflix, and higher the chances you have to be suggested other shows you might like.

Infinity TV is an Italian streaming platform that contains a greater catalog of Italian movies and TV series, here are some of the most popular ones: Perfetti Sconosciuti, Tutta Colpa di Freud, The Place, Benvenuti al Sud, Benvenuti al Nord, Così è La Vita, Ma Che Bella Sorpresa, I Cesaroni, and many more.

Italian Music

I don't necessarily like all of these artists but hopefully, you will find some whose music you enjoy: Ligabue, Maneskin, Ultimo, Ariete, Coez, Marco Mengoni, Jovanotti, Cesare Cremonini, Negramaro, Fedez, and more. If you start listening to these on Spotify, it's possible that the platform suggests you similar artists that you might find interesting.

Italian Podcasts

If you are looking for something to listen to while cooking, drawing, commuting, etc, podcasts might be right for you. I haven't actually listened to any of these but I heard good things about them: Coffee Break Italian, Café Design, 5 Minute Italian, Italiano Automatico, ...

What to Read

If you would like to practice your reading, I'd suggest you start with books you've already read in your native language. That way, you will be able to visualize the story and it won't be too hard to follow. Additionally, make sure you always have a dictionary close by. Underline the words you don't understand and translate them. Some of the most famous Italian books you can read are the following: The Adventures of Pinocchio; The Late Mattia Pascal; One, No One, and One Hundred Thousand; The Name of The Rose, but these - depending on your level - can be tougher reads.

Practice your Speaking 💬

Now that you've spent hours watching tv and reading Italian, the next step is speaking. Find Italian speakers in your community that can help you practice. Ask them to conversate with you or correct your reading. SPEAK Social is a platform where you can find many language groups. During the first covid wave, all language groups were offered online and for free. Language groups are usually in person and cost a small fee.

A girl in front of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy

Conclusion

These are just some of the many resources you can use to learn Italian. I haven't watched or read all of the things I listed above, so don't take my suggestions as personal recommendations. If you are learning Italian, have you watched some of these Italian movies and TV shows? Are there more you recommend? Any more books that can be good for beginners/intermediates? Respond in the comment section so that I can add them to the article. 😊

- Cris

You've probably heard it countless times: studying abroad is cool for endless reasons. At the end of the day who doesn't like to travel, make friends, try new foods, and speak new languages?! However, even though we always say the world is small, it is extremely big. So, how do we choose where to study abroad? Stay with me and you will find out.

Why Study Abroad

Education is important and those of you who have access to it should consider themselves lucky. Studying abroad will benefit you even more. It is proven that those with academic and work experience outside their home country are more likely to get a job. Additionally, it is particularly important to study abroad whilst in high school as it proves a high level of maturity. Not many feel ready to leave their homes at 16 years old, if you do, welcome to the batch! Moreover, by living with a host family, you will be able to learn about new cultures and traditions. In fact, I'm sure that after living abroad, the word "normal" is going to leave your vocabulary because you will develop new habits and everything new is going to become familiar. In short, does studying abroad change lives? Yes, it does.

When to Study Abroad

Given that you are now informed about the benefits of studying abroad, you should definitely explore the programs available and whether you are eligible or not. Students usually study abroad during their second to last year of high school. However, in some countries, students can also take a gap year between high school and college. If you don't feel ready to face this big step during high school, don't worry! Thousands of universities have international partners so you can consider doing an exchange at a later time.

Where to Study Abroad

It is easy to take someone's advice to study abroad, it is tougher to decide which country is going to be your home away from home. I get it, I still struggle to this day to decide where I want to move next. Unfortunately, I won't be able to make this decision for you. You won't feel 100% sure either. Therefore, you have to be open to taking risks. Even so, today I will try to list several factors you can consider when choosing where to study abroad.

Language Preferences

It goes without saying that thinking about which language you are interested in is important. However, you should also think about why you find that language important. Have you always wanted to speak it fluently? Do you have family that speaks it? Or is it going to benefit your future career? Identify your target language and focus on your long-term goals.

Career Prospects

Are you looking to move abroad permanently? Perhaps you should consider a country with a low unemployment rate and generous job offers in your desired field. Keep in mind that you are going to be living with a local family, who will be your main point of reference to build a stable network in your host country.

Cultural Differences

Are you looking for a country that has a completely different culture from yours? Or are you looking for a place that shares similarities with home? Keep in mind that culture shock is real and it is up to you how you embrace the differences.

Distance

Are your parents hesitant about sending you overseas? Perhaps going to a country that is only a 2-hour flight away will help your chances in convincing your parents to let you study abroad. Generally speaking, those who studied closer to their homes also visit their host country way more than those who studied far away, as it is more affordable and logistically easier.

Welcoming Environment

The factors mentioned above are all valuable, however, the biggest advice I can give you is to go to countries where diversity is not considered a threat. Unfortunately, there are still parts of the world where all forms of diversity are not tolerated.

Conclusion

Leaving your comfort zone is going to make you a people person. You are going to become a better version of yourself. Probably, you are going to face more challenges during your year abroad than over the course of five years back home. There will be tough times. Times during which you are going to regret your decision to study in one country rather than another. However, at the end of it, everything is going to make sense and you are going to learn how to appreciate things as they come. However, times are even tougher when you go home from your exchange and everybody thinks you hate home but the reality is that you miss your experience abroad and just need time to adjust.

Now I would like to hear from you. How did you decide where to study? Share your story in the comment section. If you are yet to go abroad, feel free to ask questions.

- Cris

I normally go. Now I decided to stay. Home.

I always have it all planned. I plan the future and I sometimes forget to enjoy the present. I am always looking for a new place to visit or a new experience to live. I am curious. I just am not the kind of person that can settle for too long.

But right now it's different.

I love to travel, to go to the beach, to sightsee, and I love happy-hours with friends.

However,

I am terribly disappointed at those of you who continue to take this situation lightly.

Schools being closed is not a free pass for you to go to the beach or hang out with your friends.

If the club is closed, it does not mean you can throw a party at your house.

And being young does not make you immune to the virus.

Your travels, your happy hours, and your classes can be postponed. The life of a loved one cannot.

Please be smart about it. Stay home for yourself and others. If you have friends and family that still joke about it or do not take it seriously, please have a discussion.

You are asked to stay home, not to go to war. Read a book, take an online course, paint, draw, make art, play games with your family, watch a movie, learn a new language, write a journal, call your friends, clean up your room, try new recipes in the kitchen, plan the future, work on your weaknesses, work out, reflect upon all those little things you always take from granted... and be kinder in the future, to yourself and to others.

Do the right thing, and be safe.

Until next time,
Cris

If someone would have told me that by now I would be living in Portugal for the second time this year, I would have not believed them. Why? I simply knew very little about it to even remotely consider it to become my next home away from home, but it indeed became one.

In February earlier this year, I moved to Covilhã, a place near Serra da Estrela, which is the highest mountain in continental Portugal. Anyone else would have chosen Porto or Lisbon, so why did I move to Covilhã? What is there?

Covilhã is a quiet and beautiful student city. The cost of living is way lower compared to bigger Portuguese cities. The food is good, the small villages around it are cute, and the views are spectacular! Covilhã spams between 400 and 800 meters of altitude, offering amazing viewpoints over the mountains and hills. There are free elevators in the city that help people move around easily and quickly. Despite not having a car, I was able to reach the main spots on foot. I only lived there for two months while I was working on my Final University Project but I loved it. Covilhã was definitely the quiet place I was desperately looking for at the time.

Fast-forward 9 months: I am now living in Lisbon. Covilhã was nice and helped me get out of a difficult situation. However, the capital offers more academic programs, universities, and a wider range of jobs and internships for recent graduates.

What's the cost of living in Portugal?

Do you feel like having a beer with your friends in one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the city? It might cost you as little as €1. Do you want to go to the movies? €7. However, download the WTF app and you will probably get discounts. Oh, and, are you hungry? The main course along with a drink, dessert, and coffee starts at €6. Do you have an ESN card? No? Get one. Most of the clubs are free if you enter before 12.30am. Do you want to stay in touch with overseas family and friends? NOS offers 15 GB of data, unlimited social media, an additional 5GB package dedicated to YouTube and Netflix, unlimited national calls and texts. For the first three months, you only pay an activation fee of €10! Oh, I almost forgot. NOS gives you tons of discounts for Uber, the movies, and more. One more thing. It's 3am and you don't know how to get home? Download Kapten (use the code CRIFAB2 to get a discount) or Bolt (use 93S7J to get a discount). They are quite affordable. No, seriously though. I rode from my house to the airport at 5am and I spent only €4,50. Imagine riding with friends and splitting the bill. You're welcome.

Where to learn Portuguese for free?

Language barrier scares you? Portuguese Para Todos is a language program offered by the government to all Portuguese learners and beginners. All you have to do is finding the closest public school to you and sign up. Yes, it's free. There is also an e-platform that allows you to access additional material to support your studies.

What to eat in Portugal?

Now that you know where to learn Portuguese, how much to spend on beer, a phone plan, and uber, you are almost ready to move to Portugal! Oh, one more thing. You might want to know what foods you should definitely try when you are there. No worries, I've got you covered!

Sweets: Pasteis de Belém, Travesseiros de Sintra, Ovos Moles de Aveiro;

Seafood: Bacalhau com Natas, Bacalhau à Brás, Sardinhas Assadas;

Meat: Alheira, Bifanas, Cozido à Portuguesa, Francesinha.

Is Portugal a good Erasmus choice?

If you are looking for colorful streets and buildings, sandy beaches, breathtaking landscapes, friendly people and you enjoy being sun-kissed, Portugal is definitely your Erasmus destination. If you accept advice from strangers, listen to mine: look for a room in advance. That is the one thing that will give you headaches, just like finding accommodation anywhere else, and a tiny bit more.

Last but not least, here's a list of my favorite spots in Lisbon:

MIRADOURO DA GRAÇA

MIRADOURO DE SANTA LUZIA

MIRADOURO PARQUE EDUARDO VII

LX FACTORY (on a Sunday)

TORRE DE BELEM (try Pasteis!)

Are you thinking of moving to Portugal? Have you ever lived in Portugal? Do you have any questions? Feel free to leave a comment.

* All pictures are taken by me. If you wish to repost, credits are appreciated. *

- Cris

It's been a long time since I wrote last, I know. I apologize. I don't even know if there is still someone reading. If there is... Thank you! Feel free to leave a comment and tell me where you have been lately. I love reading other people's stories, too.

In the meantime, here's what I have to tell you: I lived in Split Croatia in May and June 2019. I originally had to move there because I was offered an internship but I ended up doing a theatre lab with the Erasmus+.

Split is an interesting place. No, I did not watch Game of Thrones but I do know that the city, or rather, the whole country, is so famous because of it. Anyway, I loved its architecture and some of the local food I had the possibility to try. On the other hand, because it is really touristy, it's insane how expensive it gets during the summer. My plan was to stay longer but I had to leave earlier due to the fact that my landlord was going to charge me per night rather than per month starting July 1st. Some places even have two menus and depending on the language you speak when you walk in, they hand you over either the most expensive or the cheapest menu. In other words, if you are a tourist you are going to be ripped off, even if it's just a coffee you want to drink.

WHAT TO SEE IN SPLIT

The centre is so nice to walk through. The streets are cute and narrow. Some bars are affordable and really cosy. The most famous monument in the city is probably the Diocletian's Palace and the statue of Grgur Ninski. However, I know that some of you might be more interested in the beaches, which is why I will now get right into it. My favourite was probably Plaža Ježinac because it wasn't too crowded when I was there and it was just a nice walk away from my house. I also enjoyed Plaža Bene and Plaža Kašjuni, but the latter was super crowded when I visited and it was impossible to find a place to lay down. The most famous beach in the city was Bačvice because of its proximity to the centre. I honestly did not like it that much, I thought it was overrated and crowded. It was created for tourists and young kids who spend lots of time there, even during the night, as the area is full of bars and nightclubs. During my spare time, I enjoyed walking through Park Šuma Marjan. From Vidilica, a bar on the top of the side, you can have a really nice view of the city.

Because I lived there, I did not research that much about the area. I thought that it would have been better to just discover places as time passed by, which is what I did. Unfortunately, I did not have enough weekends to travel throughout Croatia, in fact, I have only been to Split, Makarska and Zagreb, its capital.

St. Mark's Church, Zagreb.

WHAT TO SEE IN ZAGREB

I arrived in Zagreb from Split at 5a.m. I checked into my hostel and talked to the receptionist for approximately 30 to 40 minutes. I was probably the first person he met in hours. He told me what to eat and what to do in Zagreb in less than twenty-four hours.

I gotta be honest, the city centre is pretty small so my partner in life and I decided to sign up for one of those free walking tours for a couple of hours. Before I start with the historical facts there is something you need to know: if you get hungry in Zagreb ask for a Štrukli. You are welcome.

During the tour, I learned that locals refer to the main square as simply "the square". There is no way that they get confused about what they are talking about. The square was named after Ban Jelačić when he was still alive. He became governor in 1848, the year of the revolution.

Zagreb was born by the unification of the two hills that used to be separated only by a river. The street where the river was flowing was closed in the XIX century as all the factories producing leather polluted the water.

Every day since 1877 a cannon from the Lotrščak Tower is fired to mark midday.

Zagreb is home to the shortest Funicular in the world, which is only 66 meters long. It is the first public transport of the city, in operation since the 1890s.

The Zagreb Cathedral, which is 108 meters high, is the tallest building in the country.

Another interesting thing is that the changing of the guards at Banski Dvori only happens during summer weekends or holidays, so if you are counting on seeing that, plan accordingly! Speaking of Banski Dvori, it was bombed in 1991. The target of the action was the president who survived the bombing for a matter of minutes. Serbians wanted to conquer Croatia, which since 1995 is a pacific country. As you can see though, 1995 is not long ago. In fact, people still feel the consequences of the war.

Apparently, throughout the city, there are around 200 gas lanterns that every night are lighten up by a guy who walks from one to the other until all of them are on. According to the tourist guide, there are only two other capitals in the world to have gas lanterns: Berlin and London.

CONCLUSION

Most of the local people I had the chance to speak to were lovely to me and I felt safe throughout the two months I spent in Croatia. However, I could feel that some people were kind of closed-minded and not really welcoming towards minorities or immigrants. I was told by some locals that they rely on tourism and I felt bad about it because Croatia is more than nice beaches and deserves to be discovered in its entirety.

Have you been to Croatia? Did you like it? Do you experience something different? What places do you recommend? What was your favourite and why?

I took these pictures, so if you want to repost them, please mention the blog. ♡

- Cris

CRIS GOES ABROAD