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Meet Martina from Italy who joined us for the Summer English Course in 2025.
What country and town are you from and where do you study?
I’m originally from Catania, Italy.
I am currently studying Economics and Management in Milan, one of the most dynamic cities in Italy.
Living in Milan has given me the opportunity to experience a city full of culture, history and innovation, which motivates me every day in my academic journey.
Why did you choose to study the UCL Summer English Course?
I chose to study the UCL Summer English Course because I wanted to improve my English skills, which will be very important for my future career.
UCL immediately attracted me, as it is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, and I was excited about the opportunity to study in London.
The course offered the perfect combination of language learning and cultural activities, which made the experience even more enriching.
What are the main differences between studying in your university and studying at UCL?
At UCL, the teachers encouraged us to interact with our classmates in every class, exchange ideas and share our cultures.
I found this valuable because it not only helped me improve my English but also opened my mind to different perspectives.
At Bocconi, the teaching style is more formal and focused on theory, while at UCL the lessons were more dynamic and communicative.
This approach helped me feel more confident in speaking and allowed me to discover the history and culture of London.
Do you have any personal highlights from the course and why?
My favourite topic was the history of London, because I found it fascinating to learn more about the city while living there.
It made me feel more connected to the places we visited and gave me a deeper understanding of London’s culture.
The activity I remember most fondly was the trip to East London, as it allowed me to discover a different side of the city and to practise English with my classmates in a fun and relaxed way.
Which skills have you developed during the course?
During the course, I improved my English, as I had many opportunities to interact with my classmates.
I also developed teamwork skills, since we often worked together and shared ideas in group activities.
At the end of the course, I gave a presentation with my group about the British academic system, which helped me to practise my presentation skills and gain more confidence speaking in front of others.
Is there anything you enjoyed doing during your free time?
One of the activities I enjoyed most during my free time was the trip to Oxford.
It was amazing to walk around such a historic and beautiful university city, and I loved discovering its colleges and unique atmosphere.
Spending the day there with my classmates made the experience even more special, as we could practise English while exploring together.
What advice would you give to future Summer English Course students?
At first, I was worried that I might not be able to communicate well in English, but from the first day I felt comfortable and quickly gained confidence.
The atmosphere at UCL was very supportive, and this helped me to practise, improve my speaking and make new friends from different countries.
I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to develop their English skills, learn new vocabulary and experience British culture in a real and engaging way.