University of Verona — Local services in Verona

My Experience as an International Student in the Mathematics Department

I studied in the Mathematics faculty as an international student, and while I initially had high hopes due to the university's good scholarship opportunities, my disappointment started from the very beginning.

First of all, many of the courses offered have little to no relation to what you’ll actually study. Some of them feel completely useless or like a random mix of unrelated topics. One of the major issues is the overwhelming focus on theory — there are barely any practical exercises, problem-solving tasks, or project work during the semester. The entire system seems focused on memorizing material just to pass exams, with very little real understanding developed. Personally, I found the quality of teaching inconsistent — some professors were excellent, while others lacked clarity or motivation to teach effectively.

The academic system is designed in a way that expects you to know everything, while giving you very little opportunity to truly learn during the semester. There’s almost no hands-on experience, no group work, and no practical preparation for the job market. It’s all about the final exam, which determines everything — a system that encourages cramming, not thinking.

There were times when I seriously thought about quitting and leaving everything behind. I went through a period of depression, and at my lowest point, I was haunted by suicidal thoughts. Financial difficulties made it even worse — I considered dropping out completely and just working full-time. I felt lost, unsupported, and invisible.

My luck changed when I got the opportunity to go on an Erasmus exchange for one year. That experience saved me, emotionally and academically. I was truly happy for the first time during my studies, and I even received a regional scholarship while abroad. But that opportunity wasn’t thanks to the university’s administration — it was because of my own efforts, the help of my friends, and a few professors who genuinely cared and supported me. I’m deeply grateful to those individuals.

I want to be fair — not all professors are bad. Some of them are brilliant, dedicated professionals who deserve full respect. But unfortunately, others were a complete disappointment. Still, poor teaching isn’t the biggest problem. The real nightmare begins when you have to deal with the university’s departments and administrative offices. That’s where the drama starts.

The staff in the administration rarely speak English, and often treat international students with indifference or even disrespect. They are unresponsive, slow, and unwilling to help. I dealt with delayed scholarships, constant errors in documents, and absolutely no assistance with personal or academic issues. If anything goes wrong, the only way to get help is through anger, yelling, or constant complaints — which is exhausting and mentally damaging.

Another thing I observed is the overall environment among students. Most local students know how the system works, and they adapt easily. But many international students — often from very poor countries — have little interest in studying and are only here for the financial benefits. Cheating is widespread and overlooked, which makes it extremely frustrating for those who genuinely want to learn. I repeatedly witnessed unfairness during exams. I believe assessments should be based on coursework, projects, and participation — not just a final written exam. Learning should be about thinking, not memorizing.

In the end, although I graduated on time, I regret the overall experience. Erasmus was the highlight — the contrast between systems made me realize how poorly this university functions. I would not recommend this place to international students. It’s better to invest more in a country where you are respected, supported, and surrounded by people who want to grow — not where you feel stuck in a system that...

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