The informal academic structure suited Gabriel well

What made you choose to go the University of Borås for your exchange semester?

“It was the only option I had to go to Sweden, so perhaps I chose the country rather than the university. Most of my fellow students went to countries closer to Italy, but I wanted to try something completely different and leave my comfort zone. I don't regret my choice.”

How was it arriving in Sweden from Italy in the middle of winter?

“To be honest, I was expecting worse from Sweden. I was fully prepared with thermal clothes, but it wasn't as cold as I expected, so I was surprised. I mean, it was cold, but not much colder than what I've experienced during winter before.”

What has been your impression of the University of Borås?

“Amazing! Everything is so new, welcoming, spacious, and efficient. I was surprised by the newness and beauty of the university. The thing that still surprises me to this day is that you have automatic doors that you can open with buttons. My home university, by comparison, is over 1000 years old and the buildings really old."

In the classroom, I was surprised by the informal tone. At home, there's more of a hierarchical structure, while here there are more relaxed teacher-student relationships. I also enjoyed the way teaching is done here, where you have group projects combined with theory instead of focusing only on theory.”

Which course has been your favourite, and why?

“International Marketing in the Digital Age, as it was an interesting subject combined with different teaching methods such as group projects, seminars, and an eye-tracking experiment. We were shown samples of advertisements and observed where participants focused their attention in order to understand what stood out.”

Did you notice any cultural differences between Sweden and Italy?

“As I already mentioned, there is a difference in the relationship with authority figures such as teachers, where there's a more informal tone in Sweden. It's felt more informal overall. Even though Swedes can be more distant, they're still informal when you interact with them, and it's easy to talk to them.

In general, everything's felt calmer and less stressful everywhere I went. In Italy, you can feel that there'll be more serious consequences if you do something incorrectly, while here I feel it's more acceptable and okay to make mistakes.

A true cultural shock for me was in the supermarket, where you take vegetables with your hands, while in Italy we use plastic gloves instead. It was shocking for me that people touched the vegetables and then put them back.”

How have you experienced the student life in Borås?

“It was quite different. At home, I have classes every day, but here I had fewer classes and more independent study, so I had more time for myself. It could feel a bit lonely sometimes, as I didn't meet my classmates as often.

I've enjoyed just being at home and relaxing, as it was my first time not living with my parents. In the evenings, there've been parties and other activities going on.”

Have you thought about coming back to Sweden in the future?

“Yes, I have, perhaps for a master's degree in the future. I'm not sure if I want to stay in Italy, and Sweden seems like a good candidate. I'm really thinking about coming back and feel that Sweden suits me well. The only thing holding me back is the weather, haha.”

Text: Gustav Kibe
Photo: Private

Published: 2026-06-08