YOUniversity: Zaliha, a future manager who loves Italy and the environment

Zaliha is currently studying Environmental Sciences here at Ca’ Foscari, after moving from Turkey to Italy to further her knowledge of Italian and also get her Master’s Degree in the country she had previously fallen in love with. This international student has big plans for her future, which involve making our planet a better place and safeguarding the environment. Find out why she thinks you too should move to Venice and choose Ca’ Foscari!

What made you choose Italy and more specifically Ca’ Foscari for your studies?

When I started my undergraduate studies, my first goal was to learn another language besides English. While I was studying engineering, I also attended Italian classes at the Italian Cultural Center for two years and a half. As a result of my interest in learning Italian, I received a one-month scholarship in Italy and I chose to Florence as my destination, where I furthered my studies at a very good language school. After 6 months, I was able to take the CILS test and pass, thus gaining a B2 level certificate. After an Erasmus experience in Cosenza, which lasted six months, I decided that Italy was the place where I would move for my Master’s Degree. I chose Ca’ Foscari because it is ranked high among the universities in the world and the education here is excellent. I am very happy of my choice. 

What do you feel is the biggest difference between your home country and Italy? What is your favorite place in Venice?

Even though Italians and Turks are very similar due to the fact that they are both Mediterranean people, I still found some differences between my home country and Italy. I come from İzmir, a Turkish metropolis. My city is very large and busy, every place you can think of stays open day and night and you can find something to eat at any time of the day. Venice is quite the opposite, it’s a quiet and romantic city, but most places close early for my standards. But the food here is so delicious! I especially like seafood. 
Venice is a unique city because of its location and the way it was planned, I can’t think of another place like this. 
One of the things that I like the most about the city is the amount of culture and art it hosts; I really enjoy listening to music while walking through the calli and admire the beauty of the place. 
I would recommend visiting the classic touristic attractions like the roof of the Fondaco dei Tedeschi, Rialto Bridge and Saint Mark’s square, but also lesser-known locations like the Sant’Erasmo Island to enjoy its beautiful green scenery and the Fondamenta delle Zattere to have a glass of wine or spritz. 

Can you tell us about the most memorable experience you’ve lived here so far? 

I’ve made so many beautiful memories so far: my classmates and the trips we took together, the house parties, all the events, the Venice Biennale and the Film Festival… and last but not least the mouth-watering seafood pastas! These are the things that remind me each day why I chose to live here 

What advice would you give to other students who are considering moving abroad?

Studying abroad is a wonderful experience - meeting new people, getting to know new cultures, speaking in different languages, all of these things are so useful! 
If you’re looking for a romantic, quiet and safe city filled with art, history and culture, then Venice Is the place for you. Moreover, you get to enroll at Ca’ Foscari, a university that offers top-notch education and services.

Do you have any plans for the future? What would be you dream career?

My dream would be to remain in Italy, because I really love this country. I want to start working in the quality department of a corporate company. In the more distant future, I would like to become a manager. 
I also wish I could found my own company and deal with waste recycling or waste reduction, maybe even by fostering partnerships between Italy and Turkey. My long-term goal is to develop a green-friendly approach to manufacturing, minimizing the environmental impact of the production activities and creating the potential to improve the compliance with existing environmental regulations. Time will show what my path will be.