Erasmus+ experience Sapienza University of Rome – Mateo Sušić

All roads lead to Rome - including mine. My name is Mateo Sušić and I am currently a student at Sapienza University through Erasmus exchange in beautiful Rome. This adventure is not just a trip to another city; for me it is a journey to a new experience, personal growth and discovery of a world far beyond the comfort of home. Before I came here, I often heard the saying "all roads lead to Rome." And now that I'm here, it seems as if my path was destined to converge with this city that pulses with history, culture and endless inspiration.

Arriving in Rome was like entering a living museum. With every step, I felt myself colliding with centuries of history. My first glimpse of the Roman Forum, which I stumbled upon on one of my walks, took my breath away, and walking around the city made me think about how much we, as humans, have come through time. Although it was a challenge to adapt to a different language, culture and pace of life, Rome welcomed me with open arms and showed me its warmth through the people I met, the flavors of Italian cuisine and the charms of the streets that never sleep.

Studying in Rome gave me access to new ways of learning and access to knowledge. The Erasmus program gave me the opportunity to listen to the lectures of top professors and to participate in projects with current topics that challenged me to think outside the already known framework. Working in a team with colleagues from different countries is an amazing experience because I learned how different cultures contribute to different perspectives in solving problems. I met people whose friendships and contacts will be precious even after returning home. Living in Rome showed me how important it is to be open to new experiences and how much can be learned from simple, everyday conversations.

Being away from home and loved ones is not always easy, but it was in those moments that I discovered how lucky I am to have the opportunity to be here. I felt grateful for every new person I met, for every small success and for every challenge that taught me to be more patient, brave and resilient. Here in Rome, I'm learning to appreciate the little things – like spontaneous walks through the narrow streets of Rome, moments when the whole city is bathed in the golden light of sunset, and conversations with new people. Gratitude has taught me to slow down, enjoy the moment and be present in everything I do. I'm grateful that I'm learning to accept the moments when I don't know something, because now I see them as challenges that I believe I can overcome. In the end, I can only say that all my roads really did lead to Rome, and I couldn't imagine a better place for this phase of my life. Here I found more than a city - I found a home away from home, friends who became family and experiences that will shape me for life.

I am grateful to the Erasmus program and my University for providing me with this amazing opportunity. This exchange changed my view of the world and taught me valuable messages that I will carry with me throughout my life. Now, whenever I think of Roman Streets, I am filled with gratitude and happiness because I know that a part of me will forever remain here, in the Eternal City.