The decision

The reason for the decision was actually very simple: I had actually wanted to do an exchange at school. Unfortunately, that didn't work out, so the Erasmus semester was the ideal opportunity to experience what it's like to live abroad for a longer period of time. In addition, it is of course useful for the degree programme to have had the experience of changing your own cultural frame of reference.

The preparations

The application process was fairly relaxed. The online mobility portal is very clear, uncomplicated and everything is clearly explained. Communication with the FHP was very good the whole time and I always felt informed.

The portal at the University of Palermo takes some getting used to and registering with the university is a little difficult, but you get used to it.

It is very difficult to get an overview of the course selection and it takes a long time to find your way around. It would be useful to have someone who is already familiar with it explain it to you.

I attended a language course, but due to my internship, which was not in Berlin, I was only able to attend a one-week crash course. That was enough for a few basics.

The journey was very relaxed: Direct flight to Palermo and then taxi to the front door because the train had stopped running.

The accommodation

I was lucky enough to be able to take over the room of a fellow student who was in Palermo the semester before me. This meant I didn't have to look for a flat. I lived in a very relaxed shared flat in a good location.

Studying at the university

There was an introductory event, but it was not very informative. The university in Palermo is very large, it is very confusing and communication is often not clear and you definitely have to keep up with your courses. For me it was much more impersonal than at the FHP.

Unfortunately, the quality of the teaching didn't appeal to me very much and in my opinion the programme could have been made much more appealing and informative with simple means. There were hardly any discussions and the seminar lessons were not very innovative, as it was more of a dull lecture than an informative seminar with its own work and participation component. Unfortunately, I felt poorly prepared for the exams and the entire course (including many Italian students) felt left behind.

Of course, I can only speak from my own experience, but in general I can say that many people are not very happy with the university there. However, it is definitely worth the experience and I have to say that my experience there made me appreciate university in Germany more again.

Everyday life and free time

The cost of living is okay. Some things are a bit more expensive and some things a bit cheaper than in Germany. Eating out is definitely cheaper, which also makes it a great leisure activity with friends. Life in Palermo takes place on the street and so does leisure time. You can just go with the flow and something always happens if you're open to it. In the evenings, you always meet the same people because the scenes are very small.

Travelling to the beach and the mountains is great, the hot springs in Segesta are fantastic and it's just fun to discover everything else.

Conclusion and tips

It was a great, intense experience where I learnt a lot about myself, made a few new close friends and Palermo will now always be a bit of a home to me. I am glad that I was able to have this experience and I can absolutely recommend Palermo. Italian life is different and living it - and not just briefly on holiday - is interesting and enriching. To all those who go to Palermo, I can recommend eating well, drinking good wine, enjoying nature and the sea, getting used to unpunctuality, buying an ugly rattletrap bike (otherwise it will be stolen) as soon as you arrive and paying damn good attention in traffic.