Why did you decide to study architectural engineering at Politecnico di Milano after your bachelor degree?
After completing my bachelor’s degree in India, I was eager to embrace a program that offered more than just traditional architectural studies. I chose Politecnico di Milano because its architectural engineering course provides a truly holistic education. Not only does it cover urban and architectural design, but it also delves into energy efficiency and structural engineering. This comprehensive approach not only broadens my technical expertise but also prepares me to handle the complex challenges of modern urban development. Learning from international professors and collaborating with a diverse peer group has allowed me to gain a global perspective on how sustainable, innovative design can shape the future.
What challenges did you encounter while studying in a foreign country? What are the main differences of studying in your home country and studying at Politecnico di Milano?
Studying abroad was an incredible journey, but it definitely had its ups and downs. At first, adjusting to a new culture and language felt overwhelming. There were moments when I struggled to keep up with both my academic workload and the everyday conversations in Italian. While the master’s program is taught in English, I quickly learned that proficiency in Italian becomes essential when it comes to securing internships and job opportunities. This language barrier added another layer of complexity to my experience. It took time and effort, but I gradually found my footing. The academic environment at Politecnico di Milano was quite different from what I was used to back in India—it was much more hands-on and research-focused. At times, it felt intense, but it also pushed me to think critically and apply what I was learning in practical ways. It was challenging, sure, but also incredibly rewarding. Looking back, the experience taught me how to adapt and become more independent, and those are skills I know I’ll carry with me, both in my career and in life.
Are you satisfied about the knowledge and the skills acquired during the study program? Absolutely, I’m so grateful for everything I’ve learned through this experience. This course helped me strike a perfect balance between the technical and creative aspects of design, providing a solid technical background that, in turn, boosted my creativity. I’ll never forget this one project where everything just clicked. I was struggling to connect the theory to practice, and then suddenly, it all made sense. That moment was a huge confidence boost and really levelled up my skills. But honestly, what made the biggest impact was the people. The community at Politecnico di Milano was so supportive and diverse and being surrounded by such driven and talented individuals pushed me to grow in ways I never expected.