Tension of Opposites

University, graduation... then what? What was originally a buffer period before entering "the real world" brought about a little more realisations than expected. Today, we being our third series along with a new travel companion (I sound ancient I know), having just completed three years of Arabic and actually wanting to speak it for a change. Thus, our journey continues through a language course in Amman, Jordan. 

Riprendiamo il tema podcast introducendo la prima puntata da groupie sul programma che ha formato un buon 70% dei miei interessi di oggi (e la scelta di carriera lavorativa). Vi parlo di Dee Giallo, dei personaggi che ha portato alla luce e che hanno segnato la cultura americana e italiana. Storie di culti, criminalità, esperimenti psicologici e molto altro.

In this episode, we get down to the series of disappointing interviews that threw me for a loop 🎢 A reflection on career expectations, the concept of never giving up, and the wavering sense of value as a young professional in a hyper-specific job market. 

As of June this year, I officially found a job! And if this does not come across as groundbreaking news, you probably didn't need to face the trainwreck that is the job market in 2024. For those who get it, I've decided to put months of uncertainty and low self-esteem to good use as I recount the first months of venturing into the humanitarian field.

Oggi propongo una conversazione che parte dal concetto di identità nazionale per poi fare un giro immenso parlando di patriottismo, esperienze Erasmus, lo studio dell'arabo e tutte le considerazioni (pacate o meno) sui vari popoli e culture che solo degli ex studenti di lingue ✨cittadini del mondo✨ possono offrire. Gli stereotipi sono dopo tutto così sbagliati? Vi presento Alessandro.

Sometimes, the university-to-early-career pipeline is very straightforward. Other times, you're stuck like me in an endless limbo, sending applications into oblivion as months go by and very little feedback is received. Those who get it, get it - and this episode is dedicated especially to you. Join me and today's guest as we discuss the side effects of this waiting period and its unlikely perks. Here's Charlotte.

Ever heard talking about podcasts on a podcast? Genius concept, right? In this episode, we (AKA me and myself - literally) discuss the meaning of podcasts, the evolution of the format, and the dystopian direction it may be headed towards as it is increasingly becoming a mainstream business 

Inauguriamo il primo episodio non appartente a una serie con Adriana, ex vicina di casa diventata come una zia negli ultimi anni. Parliamo di Roma negli anni, le sue esperienze di vita, e cosa intendiamo per "scambio" nelle interazioni con gli altri.

Chiudiamo la serie in bellezza con il personaggio che si è dovuto sorbire la mia persona ma soprattutto la mia personalità ansiogena alla giovine età di vent'anni. Riflessioni sull'Erasmus, critiche "costruttive" su Roma, e campagne elettorali europeiste... Ascoltare per credere! Vi presento Otto.

Spoiler: nel corso dell'episodio, Octavian usa molte parole inglesi come "spoiler", appunto

Mi ripresento!

Here’s to the last chapter of my Parisian adventures, adventures being of course a euphemism, but you get the gist. Nothing more to say, you’ve waited long enough: enjoy my second semester, sniffles, and long-winded conclusions 

My first semester can be easily described as delirious, confusing... Revelatory for sure, but fundamentally uncool. This episode is a love letter to whoever is lost in the very idealistic clichés as well as the very real stress surrounding one of the most fabulous cities on earth. Not really what you think of when you think of Erasmus but that's what we're here for, right? Debunking fantasies one hour at a time 

We are opening a brand new series today! Continuing our journey through the journeys, our second stop comes about the second year of university. Just as we did last time, it's always interesting to recap: how did we get here? Welcome to my unfailingly confusing beginning to an very well-known exchange program: the Erasmus series.

As our first series comes to an end, you've listened to my experience as the exchange student, but what about the host families? Join me as I discuss all things year abroad (and the revelations that came along with it) with my first and long-awaited guest: my host dad. Here's Jason.

We did it! So far I've been doing an episode per phase, but I've decided to come full circle by discussing ALL of it. In this episode I go through Recovery, Adaptation, and everything in between. Spring break, prom, graduation, last goodbyes.. We're closing the HSY Abroad Series, 5 months in one go. Buckle up, friends. This is a big one ✨

Okay okay... It was all fun, friends and trips over the span of the first three months. But what happens once the novelty starts to wear off? That moment in time in which you were off the radar. A mix of uneasiness, confusion, and doubt. The Culture Shock not only challenges you on a daily with the outside world, but it forces to face yourself in a way you had never done before. It's Crisis time.

Ahhh, the infamous curve! This is the chart they show you at the beginning of your experience abroad - a first glimpse of what your high school year will look like. In this episode, I go back to the first stage, the one that holds the most beautiful memories all at once: welcome to my Honeymoon period.

You might know of people who have done an exchange year in high school. You might have been an exchange student yourself. But have you ever shared the full story behind the pretty pictures? I stepped into this unaware of how deeply it would impact my life. In this first part, I recount the unglamorous yet unforgettable start to my Senior Year in the United States - the beginning of everything.

Hi, my name is Elena and I speak more than one language. Join me as I use past and present experiences as an excuse to bring around people I've met in different places and in different lanuages. This is a space to discuss whatever and whoever shaped our views on the world.. All while standing somewhere in the middle.