Leaving from the deep South of Italy, my first adventure as a Student 4 Expo Ambassador began when I arrived in Bergamo at my friend and colleague Cecilia’s place. We spent a few days together, while waiting to leave with Carlo Bitetto, the Project Manager, and Fabrizio, ESN Italy President.

Day 1 – From Bergamo to Madrid

Here we are, I’m so excited I’m taking the flight that will take us to our first stop: Madrid! 

We got there very late at night, which made everything more impressive to me. I was very tired but it didn't keep me from asking my friends to take a small walk and show me something about this wonderful city.

Day 2 – From Madrid to Valladolid

Waiting for us at the meeting point at the Atocha train station there was also Antonio, ESN Italy Treasurer. So after a quick breakfast all together, we caught the train to Valladolid.

When we arrived at the Law Faculty there was Victor, my buddy, who, after a warm welcome, took us to the classrooms where the workshops were taking place. I chose the “International” one, but during the first coffee break I took the chance of going for a short visit of the Faculty premises. There I accidentally discovered a really impressive wing of the building, in which the Baroque style tiled walls particularly stand out, with their very bright and contrasting colours and the impressive stained glass windows.

In the afternoon, before heading off to the plenaries, I decided to take a walk in the centre of Valladolid. It was my first time in Spain, but strolling through the narrow streets of the city and observing people sitting in the squares, I could find similarities with familiar faces and places.

Evening came rather quickly, and it was time to get ready for the International Dinner. At the dinner I had the chance to taste food from all parts of Spain and meet a lot of nice guys, many of whom had had their Erasmus experience in Italy (and fallen in love with it).

Day 3 - Valladolid

Saturday for me was marked by plenaries and performance anxiety. I had been overthinking for several days about what would have been my presentation, how to properly treat the topics in the available time, how I should have presented myself. I only got to relax after trying my speech with Carlo, who really reassured me.

 

Day 4 – From Valladolid to Madrid

It’s the day of the presentation, and I slept very little, like before every exam. I quickly got ready, as after all, I wisely had already decided the outfit I would have worn. I had been in doubt between the typical ESNer outfit and a more formal attire, but in the end my female side prevailed and the skirt option won on the sweatshirt one.

I had tried that speech many times in front of the mirror (and with my unlucky fellow passengers), but that didn't prevent me from being nervous when I found myself in front of a full conference room. To facilitate the understanding for all the Spanish delegates, I decided to translate the slides into their mother tongue, and make the speech in English. I can’t deny that I was pretty worried knowing that I would have had to read slides written in an unfamiliar language during an English speech, but when I started talking all my fears vanished pretty swiftly and I easily  managed to finish my speech and, what's even more enjoyable, with the compliments of some international guests.

The train back to Madrid was waiting for us, so after the interview to Jaume Alonso, ESN Spain National Representative, I ran to the station, leaving behind me a great memory of the Spanish guys, really fun and helpful, and a stronger belief that “Home is where ESN is”.

- Stefania Cuzzocrea #Students4Expo Ambassador -