Non Parlo Italiano

I have officially been an Italian law student for two entire weeks. WOW. 

The Italian semester works a bit differently than the American semester. For example, not all of my courses have begun. Different courses have different starting times and the Fall semester here starts in September and lasts until February. Since I have to be back in the states by January for the American semester I will actually take my finals in December before the holidays. This is fairly typical. Something that is atypical, and I think us American students would give our two left toes for, is the ability to retake exams. Here, it is quite possible to sit for your exams not once or twice but three times. Unfortunately, due to the fact I have to be back by January I will get one shot on my exams just as we do in America.

I’m enrolled in Comparative Energy Law, Comparative European Contract Law, Comparative Constitutional Law of Groups and Minorities and Legal Framework of EU Policies.  I have begun the first two courses, the other two start on Monday. My first week of classes were a bit hectic. Access to my courses online portals still isn’t worked out. However, the law is the law, and my classes are not out of the ordinary for a typical law course. I am learning quite a lot about not only the EU and how it works but how the separate member states operate within the EU. I’ve also picked up a lot of new lingo specific to European law! Additionally, I now have a wealth of knowledge on how law schools function in a multitude of countries.

Even though I have a full course load I have also enrolled in an intensive Italian language course. This course has proven to be a true test of my character. Our instructor speaks to us only in Italian. Since leaving America I have been near tears only twice. Once on the plane when I realized what exactly I was about to do, and once after my first Italian language class. Moving to a country where you don’t speak the language is scary, plain and simple. The smallest tasks become large and daunting…ordering food, asking for directions, shopping, etc.

One of my pet peeves in America is when I hear someone say “You’re in America, speak English” because usually it’s coming from someone who only speaks English, and has never tried to speak anything else. To learn another language is an extremely difficult task ESPECIALLY if you are an adult,  unable to take actual lessons, or be tutored by a native speaker. It takes time, and it’s frustrating. You can be surrounded by people yet feel completely alone.

So before you judge those people who don’t speak your native language in your country…take a moment.  Instead, consider commending them, whether they were forced to leave their country or they did so willingly, it doesn’t mater.  To move to a country where you cannot understand anything is difficult enough without someone being a jerk to you just because you aren’t fluent in their language. Consider how you would feel in a similar situation.

All I’m trying to say is don’t be a jerk to someone just because they can’t speak your language… and try not to get too frustrated. You don’t know their story or their circumstances. Chances are they could use a friendly, and helpful smile, be that person for them. I know there’s already been multiple times  here when I’ve appreciated that person. That encouraging smile or gesture as I bumbled my way through what little Italian I knew was the only thing that kept me from feeling completely incompetent. Oh, and talking louder is not helpful…slower, yes…louder, no.

Sidenote:  I’m excited to announce I’ve planned trips to Munich, Germany, Zurich/Lake Lucerne, Switzerland, Salzburg/Vienna, Austria, and Krakow, Poland! If anyone has any travel suggestions please leave comments!

Carpe Diem Folks <3