IR Study Abroad In Milan: See what they see, feel what they feel

See what they see, feel what they feel

The study abroad program at XJTLU is available to all International Relations students. Although one semester may seem brief, it provides an invaluable opportunity to expand academic and personal horizons while stepping outside one’s comfort zone. Studying at a different university allows students to explore diverse cultures, customs, and perspectives firsthand. As the Chinese proverb “百闻不如一见” suggests, direct experience surpasses secondhand knowledge—a key reason many choose to study abroad.

With 34 partner universities across 18 countries, the program offers limitless learning possibilities. Students can discover new regions, build international friendships, and experience different academic environments. For those eager to engage with other cultures, languages, and people, this opportunity is highly recommended. It’s not just about academics, it’s about seeing, feeling, and growing in ways that classroom learning alone cannot provide.

01.Student Profile

I was born and raised in Sendai, Japan. I attended the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at high school, which nourished me to be open-minded and intrigued me to pursue international relations as a major. During my diploma, I had opportunities to visit China, which later motivated me to study a bachelor’s degree here. The first time visiting China in 2016 and 2018 fascinated me with its culture and rich history. Moreover, I was captivated by warm-hearted people, an enormous land with a long history—also, China's rapid growth, people’s solidarity, and hardworking culture. I fell in love with this country and was keen to live, experience, and explore it.

My first academic life in China was at the capital, Beijing. After learning the language there, I discovered XJTLU. Having the option of studying abroad was one of the main reasons I chose to study here. In this increasingly globalized world, gaining other perspectives and deepening our understanding of different education, values, and cultures is critical. In early life, I saw significant meaning in living local and international experiences in both East and West. During high school, I realized that true learning does not solely come from books and interacting with people from different cultures at my home country. Broadening perspective through travel is an incredible way to grasp another part of the world and getting insights, however, there is a limit. Thus, I view studying abroad as a powerful agency to expand one’s capability, enhance awareness of surroundings, and a diverse and multi-layered society. Further, strengths one to embrace disagreement and differences, resilience to tackle emerging issues, and ultimately, promote a harmonious and peaceful environment in this world.

02."Why Milan? How the University’s Global Environment Shaped My Growth"

Over the course of years, I had the privilege of knowing friends from Italy. Italian friends and acquaintances recommended that the University of Milan offers Italy's best lecturers and professionals if I study international relations and am interested in politics. I was also impressed by the stories of their study program. It sounded challenging yet still intriguing. Beyond academic pursuits, my personal devotion in Italian art, it has been my dream destination to live in country obtained rich history that influence in the world for centuries.

Besides, the University of Milan offers many interesting courses I could’ve never taken in BA International Relations at XJTLU. Topics regarding the EU were especially abundant and valuable. The two most interesting courses I have taken were Geopolitics of Migration and the master's degree course Globalization and Human Rights. Having exposure to other major master's degree courses during bachelor’s was a rare opportunity; even though it was challenging to achieve high marks and was warned by local students and the professor, the efforts invested in this subject were a rewarding process and also reflected in grades. I have received 30/30 cum laude full marks with praise on combined points from different assessments, weekly essay entries, lecture presentations, joint projects, and class participation.

Overall, engaging in class discussion exponentially broadens knowledge and exercises strength in writing and reading in more extended periods and analysis. Taking a course in social studies and approaching it with a human rights perspective over the topics I learned primarily about the political and economic issues faced by the study before in XJTLU allowed me to understand the objectives holistically. Uniquely, being only one of two Asian students amongst the Italian majority and several exchange students from France, Turkey, Belgium, South Africa, and the UK entailed emotional struggle.

Commonly, I am a minority in both environments, though I figured it was different. In the context of studying in Milan, it was indeed a new experience surrounded by different perceptions that were widely embraced. I was pressured to share the Asian views and examples of Japan and China since I was the only one to share these aspects. Under such circumstances, I endeavoured to present concise outlooks. Thus, struggle was inevitable and insurmountable at the beginning. Through continuous reviewing, reflection, improvement, preparation, and adaptation, with the aid of a well-coordinated, respectful, and open-minded environment. I gained greater confidence, critical thinking, and resilience to share opinions in class.

03.Balancing Act: Overcoming Challenges of Academics, Work & Leadership

Moving to Milan, a historical and highly touristic city, was a drastic change from the urban yet calmness of SIP. The ambience reminded me of the life I had experienced in Tokyo and Beijing. The city center was lively, always filled with foreign visitors. Diverse ethnicities mingled, and various languages were spoken.

Milan is also known as the fashion capital of Italy. Walking to the political science campus on Via Conservatorio from the Duomo, I pass through San Babila. I admire the cathedral's architectural work that took 600 years as I stroll past the shopping arcade of Galleria on my left. Every day during my commute on the tram, I gaze at the beautiful colors, the decorative wrought iron gates at every building, the detailed bas-relief walls, and the enthusiastic expressions of the people passing by. I grab a quick espresso at the bar counter between classes. Initially, it seemed peculiar not to sit down and enjoy a break, but it soon became a habit. Eventually, I discovered that people typically drink cappuccino only for breakfast, while espresso is enjoyed with sweets. I exchanged random greetings with strangers, and little kind gestures were shared around the city— customs and unwritten rules that can only truly appear when you live there. It's not just the coffee culture of Italy that deepened my understanding of its culture but living and breathing its essence while proactively learning in its environment. This opportunity gave me the intangible treasure of my life.

04.Friendship in Milan: Navigating Cross-Cultural Connections

I have experienced academic growth, and I want to share insights about my life in Milan. I believe that friendship and the people around us play a crucial role in achieving true balance and well-being. Without balance, academic success or personal well-being. Therefore, making friends and living alongside them during the study abroad period is just as important and valuable as the academic aspect. People often assume that most of my friends are Chinese because I once said I lived in China. Similarly, they tend to think that most of my friends are now Italian once I say I live in Milan. Neither of these assumptions is accurate. Once you step outside your homeland, you have the opportunity to meet people from all over the world who reside there. And you already become part of an international community. Most people I have met in Milan are from many events held by the host university. The University of Milan holds many events, from city tours to day trips to the nearby cities and wine tasting at the winery. With an open mind and respect, once meeting with one person, it is like a domino effect to make 5 and 100 more acquaintances abroad. Having a student network leads other international students in the same university, other international students, and workers in the city to connect. Indeed, as an international student, this experience is the same as my experience in China.

I lived with students, interns, and workers from Italy, Egypt, Iran, Armenia, and Germany in Milan. I maintained close friendships with people from Argentina, Egypt, Italy, France, South Africa, Turkey, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, and Russia. Through these relationships, I had the opportunity to explore the city of Milan, experience holidays from their cultures, and learn about their cuisines and traditions. Additionally, I had unexpected encounters with students from Japan, which allowed me to reconnect with my home country and engage in discussions about my country.

(Content from X Global)