Inspired by Italy: the creation of a St Andrews-Ca’ Foscari exchange
Kitty Vickers (MA 2023) was so inspired by the history, art, culture and language of Italy that she proposed – and subsequently established – an undergraduate exchange programme between St Andrews and Ca’ Foscari University in Venice. She reflects on her love of the Italian language and the study abroad legacy she has left for students to come.
Light from the shimmering canal danced on the frescoed ceiling above my head. Vivaldi drifted in through the open windows from the music school across the water. Venice, with its canals bordered by patchworks of ochres and ambers, is alive with history and breathtaking beauty.
Venice in the sunshine
Discovering a passion
As a student of marine biology at St Andrews University I was able to study a range of subjects during my first two years. I took an Italian module and found myself so drawn to the Italian language that I decided to change my degree before ever setting foot on Italian soil. I had always enjoyed languages at school and the idea of starting another from scratch was thrilling. The small classes allowed for plenty of time to put into practice what I was learning, and I found it very satisfying progressing quickly from the theoretical to the practical. The flexibility and openness towards changing degrees at St Andrews is something that I greatly valued during my time there.
Alongside my discovery of Italian, I embraced all St Andrews had to offer – from sports and music, to exploring its stunning surroundings and regularly swimming in the sea, not to mention making lifelong friends. As much as I adored being in St Andrews, I was inspired to spend a year abroad immersing myself in the Italian language and culture.
Gondolas on the canal
A year in Venice
I was due to start my Erasmus exchange in September 2020 in the industrial city of Turin. The onset of the pandemic and the introduction of online classes earlier in the spring, however, made me hesitant to risk my exchange experience moving online. I consequently decided to take a sabbatical year from St Andrews and set about finding a way to continue developing my language in person, despite the many restrictions of Covid-19. Having loved my own education at the Edinburgh Steiner School, I wrote to a handful of Italian Steiner schools in the hope of finding one in which to work and improve my language skills. I was invited to join a school near Venice.
There, I was welcomed with open arms and was made to feel at home right away. At first, I was a class assistant, and subsequently became the English and Music teacher for the second half of the year. My Italian improved rapidly, and I thoroughly enjoyed teaching the enthusiastic children. Living and working in the Veneto region allowed me to integrate fully into local life, while also learning some of the Venetian dialect. The year sped joyfully by. I had become so attached to the region that the subsequent thought of traversing northern Italy to start my deferred Erasmus exchange in Turin no longer felt right.
Proposing a partnership
By this time, I had explored much of Venice, from the alleyways – sometimes silent, sometimes bustling – to the countless bridges and campos, as well as the neighbouring islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. I was eager to stay. Venice is home to Ca’ Foscari University, housed in the 15th Century palazzo built for Doge Francesco Foscari. Venice, however, was not on my list of exchange options.
Determined to realise my aspiration, I contacted both the University of St Andrews and Ca’ Foscari University to enquire about the possibility of creating an undergraduate exchange between the two. With Venice equally steeped in history, culture and art, it seemed to me to be a perfect destination for exchange students.
I was delighted when my idea was welcomed by both universities and, consequently, I spent the following year studying at Ca’ Foscari University. It was fascinating. I felt as though I was exploring the city and the language through a new lens. My professors were kind, encouraging people, and passionate teachers. I studied a range of subjects all taught and assessed in Italian which was extremely rewarding.
Kitty on her year abroad in Italy
Foundations for future students
On returning to St Andrews for my final year, I noticed a real improvement in my language abilities, as well as my understanding, knowledge and appreciation of Italian culture and history. I am proud to know that St Andrews students are following in my footsteps and making their own positive experiences in this unique city.
Kitty celebrating her graduation
I have St Andrews to thank for my firm base in Italian, which allowed me to fully embrace my time abroad. I graduated with a First Class Degree in June 2023 and left excited for the next chapter of life.