I always suggest to people to study or live abroad as the experience is unparalleled. Meeting Jelena was definitely a highlight of my time in Milan and not because she could speak Italian and therefore be my translator. It was her all round positivity that led to so many good times. So in true European style grab yourself a drink, kick back as I attempt to delve into the mind of Jelena Vasiljevic.
Yeah I love it, it is where I grew up. It's full of culture and therefore I learnt a lot from being in Novi Pazar.
I got to know you whilst we were living in Milan, what made you want to study there?
It’s complicated haha. I met my boyfriend (from Milan) three years before going to Milan in Montenegro, so he was one of the reasons I applied to study abroad. I only applied to Milan and they accepted me haha.
So you didn't have a backup plan haha?
I applied for Milano, Bologna and Roma.
But it had to be Milan?
Yeah haha.
There were quite a few culture shocks for myself, was it easy for you to adapt to the Milanese way of life?
I found it quite expensive, especially if you compare it to Serbia. But for Milanese people it is standard.
Do you miss living in Milan, would you go back?
Yeah haha I miss the people, Italians and Serbs have something in common, the same temperaments and characteristics. Milan has wonderful food so I would live there. Not for the rest of my life but I would like to spend some time there.
There were some memorable experiences in Milan, any that stick out in your mind? E.g. the unlimited wine party.
Haha yeah the unlimited wine was one of the craziest moments thanks to Tamara.
Do you even remember what happened?
I remember everything haha. I remember your face when I came to you in hospital and you were crying. I thought one of you was dying haha.
Haha I don’t know if I was crying but we’ll blame it on the alcohol.
Haha yeah if you want to hear the whole story, Tamara should tell it.
Any other good experiences?
There was an interesting one where we had a massive fight with pillows. I don’t think you were there though. It was in Castello (Sforza Castle). It went on for about three hours, you couldn't see anything there were so many people just fighting with pillows haha. It was good haha.
Obviously you speak Serbian (native tongue), but you also speak English and Italian, did you learn these languages at school or was it more self taught?
I Began to learn English at elementary and then high school but it was taught horridly. But my parents enrolled me in folklore (traditional Serbian Dance) which meant I was travelling a lot and for that I needed English. So I started to take private classes so I could become more involved. With Italian, that started when I met my boyfriend but now I’m speaking better Italian than I am English haha.
Speaking of Education what are you currently studying at University?
I am studying Pharmacy and am currently in my fourth year. When I finish my fifth year I will have a Masters as well as a Bachelors degree.
Do you enjoy the course?
Yeah, after finishing medical high school I knew I wanted to go into medicine but I realised there were more jobs in Pharmacy and you don’t have to come into close contact with patients. I saw so many things whilst I was doing practicals in hospitals and I was just tired of it.
Do you have any plans for life after University?
The first thing I want to do is go abroad. I want to go to America and Japan but we will see. Also I’d like to be employed by an established pharmaceutical company. My course is suited to me being a manager of a product but again we will see haha.
It seems like you are travelling all the time....
Haha that is not true.
What’s the best place you've been to?
For me the best place is Italy. The best place for me is where the best food is. Hong Kong was a good experience because I've never seen such huge cities, full of skyscrapers. But I don’t like it you can't see any trees.
Yeah it is a bit like that in some parts of London.
Yeah I don’t like it.
Are there any places you’d like to go?
America
Cough* London?
America and London haha. I want to visit England but it is very expensive.
Last Year parts of Serbia and Bosnia were quite badly flooded, it seemed a massive shock to country emotionally and physically.
I was very sad because I wasn't in my country, I was in Milan. But when I saw ESN Milano were donating and helping I was so happy. It was a good way for me to contribute.
How is it now?
One city was flooded really badly but the whole of Serbia has given money to fix the houses of the families that live there. It’s been really good thanks to the donations from all over Europe. Some families have moved back so it’s getting better.
I think that’s a good place to leave it but I think we all want to know, do you always drink excessively?
Haha to be honest I don’t like to drink that much alcohol. If you remember I get drunk very quickly, it became a bit of a habit in Italy to drink everyday. But coming back home has meant I've lost that habit.
Anyone you would like to thank?
I want to thank Tim haha nah I want to thank everyone that I met in Milan, making it a great time.Especially Tim.
Haha...
No comments:
Post a Comment