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“ You can learn languages in a more real way , learning from native speakers , totally different to studying in a classroom at school ,” she says . People from across the student community are brought together in a dedicated space , which becomes a bustling hub of enthusiasm for language and socialising .
Situated next to the Global Lounge on the first floor of Senate House is the Centre for Study Abroad , supporting students travelling around Europe and further afield as part of their studies here in Bristol . Francesca Colangelo , like Nico and Janet , joined the University of Bristol around three years ago and works in the Centre , helping those who come to this country as students , just as she did during her own studies . “ I spent six amazing months at the University of Warwick ”, she explains , and “ after such an incredible time , I started exploring postgraduate programmes and ultimately ended up in Bristol .” After completing her masters at UWE in Intercultural Communication , she now proudly calls Bristol home .
As with everyone I spoke to , Francesca highlights the fact that Bristol is a “ welcoming and multicultural city ” and that the University “ is a great environment for creating connections , as there are really students from all over the world ”. Working closely alongside the Global Lounge in her current role , she perfectly encapsulates its purpose within the student community , describing it as a “ fantastic spot where students can come together , share their stories , learn and feel right at home .” She also talks of the importance of maintaining Italian traditions within the workplace , first and foremost sharing a coffee with colleagues . Francesca emphasises the fact that “ in Italy , coffee is more than just a drink – it ’ s a social ritual . You would always try to gather with friends or colleagues for a quick espresso and a chat . I like to connect
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When I ’ ve gone home recently , I do hear people in Italy talking about Bristol . |
with colleagues at work over a coffee , even if it ’ s not an espresso !” This convivial environment is clear to see throughout the first floor of Senate House , and as I walk away , I promise myself to return soon for the Global Lounge ’ s weekly language exchange .
My final meeting is with Simone Matarazzo , hailing from Sicily and working at the University for over six years now . In his early twenties , he wanted a change of lifestyle from small town Italian life and
Source : Alex Patterson
moved to the south-west of England , working first at the nearby Clifton College , before starting at the university . Over his time in Bristol , Simone has taken on several roles , such as being a weekend porter at university residences , an estates assistant looking after the campus , and now works on managing the University ’ s IT systems , a job he really enjoys .
“ The work culture here is really good ,” he explains , as we sit and talk about his experiences . “ In Italy , there is more of a tendency to keep a job once you have it , and not move around as much . But in Bristol , the work environment is a lot more easy-going and there is freedom to take on different roles and jobs . If you want to do extra training , you can ask your manager and there is a positive relationship there .”
The topic of professional development within the University is an interesting one , something which
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Simone feels is well-supported . He elaborates that there is space to grow professionally , and that there is the opportunity to complete training courses as part of his role .
Interestingly , Simone mentions that Bristol has become more talked about as a destination for Italians looking to work and study abroad , at least in his personal experience . “ When I ’ ve gone home recently , I do hear people in Italy talking about Bristol .” Although we discuss the rising costs of living in the city pushing people away , we also draw on the many positives Bristol has to offer , such its flourishing nightlife and social culture . Regardless of what the future holds , Simone is confident that the university is the perfect place to contribute to Bristolian life . “ Things are more relaxed here , and I like the strong international community we have too .”
As the afternoon draws to a close , I bid Simone farewell and walk back home through the streets of Bristol . What strikes me most was everything I had learnt from the genuine and interesting discussions I had had over the past few days , speaking with members of the university community I never would otherwise have met .
The Italian community at the University of Bristol extends far beyond the School of Modern Languages , as my conversations with Nico , Janet , Francesca and Simone proved to me . Everyone has a unique story of how they ended up in this vibrant corner of the West Country , and their impact within the university is something to be celebrated and continued .
By Alex Patterson ( He / Him ) // Final Year ; Italian and German
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