Many of us would love to learn a new language, and there could be unlimited reasons why that is. However, for some, it can be difficult to get started. It could be that some cannot afford in-person classes, private tutors, study abroad experiences, or simply do not have enough time. But this changes today, because it's never too late to start and it doesn't always have to be costly.

Why learn Italian?

Think about it. Even if you haven't had the chance to set foot in Italy yet, you are likely exposed to Italian culture almost daily. Literature, art, and food from the Bel Paese are known and appreciated all over the world. You will always be able to find the opportunity to show off your Italian knowledge, whether it's during a museum visit, ordering food at an Italian restaurant, or when you ask an Italian out on a date.

How long does it take to learn Italian?

It ultimately depends on your end goal and whether your timeline for achieving it is realistic. If your goal is to get a C2 certification in one month, that probably won't work, and you'll drive yourself insane. If you would like to get to a level that is good enough for you to converse or watch television, and allow yourself enough time to do so, you might have much more fun along the way.

How to learn Italian on your own

Before you start your learning journey, come up with a plan. Choose when you want to study, how much you want to invest (either daily or weekly), and finally gather all the resources available to you. Identify the learning method that is most suitable for you. If you don't enjoy reading, it goes without saying that reading in a foreign language is not going to be a pleasant experience for you. Try listening to music or podcasts instead. Watch TV in Italian. Start with English subtitles and eventually switch to Italian. Last but not least, you should practice your speaking, either with other language learners or, if possible, with natives.

What to watch in Italian

Netflix has a decent amount of Italian content you might be able to watch from your home country. If that's not the case, try using a VPN.

Here's a list of Italian series and movies available on Netflix: Cinema Paradiso (Best Foreign Language Film, Academy Awards, 1989); Life is Beautiful (Best Foreign Language Film, Academy Awards 1999); Under the Riccione Sun (Netflix Original); SKAM Italia (originated from Norway, every country has now a different version of it); The Life Ahead (Netflix Original); Summertime (Netflix Original); Suburra (Netflix Original); Baby (Netflix Original); Everything Calls for Salvation (Netflix Original).

The more you watch and rate on Netflix, the higher the chances you have of being suggested other shows you might like.

Infinity TV is an Italian streaming platform that contains a greater catalog of Italian movies and TV series, here are some of the most popular ones: Perfetti Sconosciuti, Tutta Colpa di Freud, The Place, Benvenuti al Sud, Benvenuti al Nord, Così è La Vita, Ma Che Bella Sorpresa, I Cesaroni, and many more.

Italian Music for language learners

I don't necessarily like all of these artists. Still, hopefully you will find some whose music you enjoy: Ligabue, Maneskin, Ultimo, Ariete, Coez, Marco Mengoni, Jovanotti, Cesare Cremonini, Negramaro, Fedez, and more. Use a music platform that can suggest similar artists to you until you find your rhythm.

Italian podcasts

If you are looking for something to listen to while cooking, drawing, commuting, etc, podcasts might be right for you. I haven't actually listened to any of these, but I heard good things about them from Italian learners: Coffee Break Italian, Café Design, 5 Minute Italian, Italiano Automatico, ...

What to Read in Italian

If you would like to practice your reading, I'd suggest you start with books you've already read in your native language. That way, you will be able to visualise the story, and it won't be too hard to follow. Additionally, make sure you always have a dictionary close by. Underline the words you don't understand and translate them. Some of the most famous Italian books you can read are the following: The Adventures of Pinocchio; The Late Mattia Pascal; One, No One, and One Hundred Thousand; The Name of The Rose, but these - depending on your level - can be tougher reads.

Practice your Speaking 💬

Now that you've spent hours watching TV and reading books in Italian, the next step is to practice your speaking. Find Italian speakers in your community who can help you practice. Ask them to converse with you or correct your reading. SPEAK Social is a platform where you can find many language groups. During the first COVID wave, all language groups were offered freely online. Language groups are usually in person and cost a small fee.

A girl in front of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy

Conclusion

These are just some of the many resources you can use to learn Italian. I haven't watched or read all of the things I listed above, so don't take my suggestions as personal recommendations. If you are learning Italian, have you watched some of these Italian movies and TV shows? Are there more you recommend? Any more books that can be good for beginners/intermediates? Respond in the comment section so that I can add them to the article. 😊

- Cris

You've probably heard it countless times: studying abroad can change your life. At the end of the day, who doesn't like to travel, make new friends, try different foods, and speak new languages? However, even though we always say the world is small, it is extremely big. So... How do we choose where to study abroad? Stay with me, and you will find out.

Why Study Abroad

Education is important, and those of you who have access to it should consider themselves lucky. Studying abroad in high school will benefit you even more. Those with academic experience outside their home country are more likely to get a job (World Economic Forum). Additionally, they will be able to demonstrate emotional maturity and adaptability. Not many feel ready to leave their homes at 16; if you do, welcome to the club! Moreover, by living with host families, you will be able to learn about new cultures and traditions. In fact, I'm sure that after living abroad, the word "normal" is going to leave your vocabulary because you will develop new habits and everything new is going to become familiar. In short, does studying abroad change lives? Yes, it does.

When to Study Abroad

Given that you are now informed about the benefits of studying abroad, you should definitely explore what programs are available and whether you are eligible or not. Students usually study abroad during their second-to-last year of high school. However, in some countries, students can also take a gap year between high school and college. If you don't feel ready to face this big step during high school, don't worry! Exchange is definitely an option at university as well.

Where to Study Abroad

It is easy to take someone's advice to study abroad; it is tougher to decide which country will become your home away from home. I get it; I still struggle to this day to decide where I want to move next. Unfortunately, I won't be able to make this decision for you. You won't feel 100% sure either. Therefore, you have to be open to taking risks. Even so, today I will try to list several factors you can consider when choosing where to study abroad.

Language Preferences

It goes without saying that thinking about which language you are interested in is important. However, you should also think about why you find that language important. Have you always wanted to speak it fluently? Do you have family that speaks it? Or is it going to benefit your future career? Identify your target language and focus on your long-term goals.

Career Prospects

Are you looking to move abroad permanently? Perhaps you should consider a country with a low unemployment rate and generous job offers in your desired field. Keep in mind that you will be living with a local family, who will be your main point of reference in building a stable network in your host country.

Cultural Differences

Are you looking for a country with a completely different culture from yours? Or are you looking for a place that is similar to home? Keep in mind that culture shock is real, and it is up to you how you embrace the differences.

Distance

Are your parents hesitant about sending you overseas? Perhaps going to a country that is only a 2-hour flight away will help your chances of convincing your parents to let you study abroad. Generally speaking, those who studied close to home also visit their host country way more than those who studied far away, as it is more affordable and logistically easier to go back and visit.

Welcoming Environment

The factors mentioned above are all valuable; however, the biggest advice I can give you is to go to countries where diversity is not considered a threat. Unfortunately, there are still parts of the world where not all forms of diversity are tolerated.

Conclusion

Leaving your comfort zone is going to make you a people person. You are going to become a better version of yourself. There will be ups and downs, and times during which you are going to regret your decision to study in one country rather than another. However, eventually, everything will make sense, and you will learn how to appreciate things as they come. Times are even tougher when you go home from your exchange, and everybody thinks you hate home, but the reality is that you miss your experience abroad and just need time to adjust.

Now I would like to hear from you. How did you decide where to study? Share your story in the comment section. If you are yet to go abroad, feel free to ask questions.

- Cris

If you had told me a year ago that by now I’d be living in Portugal (again), I probably would have laughed. Portugal wasn’t on my radar as a place to call home back then; I hardly knew anything about it. But here I am today, and honestly, I’m so glad I took the leap.

Why I Originally Chose Covilhã Over Lisbon or Porto

Back in February, I moved to Covilhã, a small city tucked near Serra da Estrela, the highest mountain in continental Portugal. Most people head straight to Lisbon or Porto, so why didn't I do that? I needed some time away from daily life, and I decided to follow love all the way to Covilhã.

Covilhã is a peaceful student city with stunning mountain views, a super affordable cost of living, and a laid-back vibe. The food is delicious, the nearby villages are adorable, and the scenery is next-level. The city sits between 400 and 800 meters above sea level, so you get epic viewpoints everywhere you go. Don't mind the height difference; Covilhã has free elevators to help you get around the hilly streets, so no car is required! I lived there for two months while finishing my final major project for university, and it was exactly the quiet escape I needed.

Fast Forward: Life in Lisbon

Nine months later, I am now living in Lisbon. While Covilhã was perfect for a fresh start, Lisbon has so much more to offer in terms of education, jobs, and things to do in general.

What's the Real Cost of Living in Portugal?

Portugal is budget-friendly compared to other Western European countries. Here’s a quick breakdown:

A beer with friends: As little as €1, if you are willing to look.

Movie ticket: Around €7 (look for discounts on the WTF app!).

Lunch deal: Main course, drink, dessert, and coffee from just €6. Look for 'Tascas'.

Nightlife: Clubs are often free before 12:30am with an ESN card. So, get one if you can.

Mobile data: NOS WTF usually* offers unlimited social media, unlimited calls/texts, and dedicated data for YouTube/Netflix. Keep an eye out for discounts on Uber, movies, and much more. (*plans subject to change).

Getting around: Bolt App is usually the most affordable among others (use the U4RCPQ code upon activation for a discount). A 5am ride to the airport from my place? Only €4.50! Split it with friends and it becomes even cheaper.

How to Learn Portuguese for Free

Worried about the language barrier? Don’t be! The government offers a free program to study Portuguese at your own pace. As far as I know, you can also sign up for on-site classes.

Must-Try Portuguese Foods

Ready to eat like a local? Here are my top picks:

Sweets: Pastéis de Belém, Travesseiros de Sintra, Ovos Moles de Aveiro

Seafood: Bacalhau com Natas, Bacalhau à Brás, Sardinhas Assadas

Meat: Alheira, Bifanas, Cozido à Portuguesa, Francesinha

Is Portugal a Good Erasmus Destination?

Absolutely! If you love colourful streets, sandy beaches, stunning landscapes, and friendly people, Portugal is the place for you. Besides Lisbon and Porto, other popular student cities are Faro, Coimbra, Évora, Aveiro, and Covilhã.

My Favourite Spots in Lisbon

If you decide to visit Lisbon for any occasion, whether it's your Erasmus destination or simply home for a few days, don’t miss these places:

Torre de Belém

Miradouro da Graça

Miradouro de Santa Luzia

Miradouro Parque Eduardo VII

Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara

LX Factory (especially on Sundays!)

Feira da Ladra (Tuesdays and Saturdays)

Are you thinking about moving to Portugal? Have you lived here before, or do you have questions? Drop a comment below!

{All photos are my own. If you want to repost, please give credit.}

- Cris

It goes without saying that if you are a big fan of the TV series Game of Thrones, you’ll love exploring Croatia’s streets, many of which were featured in the show. As I haven’t watched the series myself, I’ll focus on what makes Croatia special beyond its TV fame.

First Things First: Plan Smart

Croatia is beautiful, but summer crowds can be overwhelming. High season runs from July through September, meaning accommodation prices skyrocket and tourist hotspots become packed. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, consider visiting in May or late September to save money and avoid the crowds.

Be mindful of tourist traps. Many restaurants hand tourists English menus with inflated prices. If possible, ask for the local menu or check reviews beforehand to avoid overpaying.

Split: The Largest Coastal City in Croatia

I lived in Split for a couple of months, and one of my favorite activities was simply walking around its charming streets. The narrow alleys and picturesque architecture make it hard not to stop every few seconds to snap a photo. Some bars are affordable and cozy, perfect for embracing the Croatian concept of Pomalo—“take it easy.”

Must-See Attractions

Diocletian's Palace: A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, this ancient Roman palace is a must-visit.

Grgur Ninski Statue: Don’t forget to rub its shiny big toe for good luck—it’s a fun tradition!

Park Šuma Marjan: A green oasis perfect for hiking or relaxing. Head to Vidilica bar at the top for stunning panoramic views of Split.

Best Beaches

Plaža Ježinac: My favorite beach—quieter than others and just a pleasant walk from my apartment.

Plaža Bene: Great for families, with shaded areas and amenities.

Plaža Kašjuni: Beautiful but often overcrowded during peak season.

Bačvice Beach: Famous for its proximity to the city center but crowded and touristy. It’s popular among young families and nightlife enthusiasts due to nearby bars and clubs.

Zagreb: Croatia’s Capital in 24 Hours

Zagreb’s city center is compact, making it ideal for exploring on foot. I recommend joining a free walking tour—it lasts about two hours and provides fascinating insights into the city’s history.

Historical Highlights

Ban Jelačić Square: Locals simply call it “the square.” Named after Ban Jelačić, who became governor in 1848 during the revolution.

Lotrščak Tower Cannon: Since 1877, a cannon fires daily at noon to mark midday—a tradition that sets the clock for church bell ringers across the city.

Zagreb Cathedral: At 108 meters tall, it’s Croatia’s tallest building.

Unique Features

World’s Shortest Funicular: Only 66 meters long, this funicular has been operating since the 1890s as Zagreb’s first public transport.

Gas Lanterns: Zagreb is one of only three capitals (alongside Berlin and London) where gas lanterns are manually lit every evening—a charming tradition.

Food Recommendation

If you’re hungry after your tour, try Štrukli. This traditional dish consists of dough filled with cottage cheese and eggs; it can be boiled or baked. It’s delicious but not suitable for vegans.

A Glimpse into Croatia’s Recent History

Croatia has been a peaceful country since 1995, but its history is marked by conflict. In 1991, Banski Dvori (the presidential residence) was bombed in an attempt by Serbia to conquer Croatia. The president narrowly survived the attack.

Conclusion

Croatia offers much more than stunning beaches—it’s rich in history, culture, and unique traditions. Respect its streets, beaches, and citizens as you explore this beautiful country.

Have you visited Croatia? What was your experience like? Do you have favorite places or tips to share? Leave a comment below!

Please respectfully mention the blog if you share my pictures.

Only ten days ago or so I moved to Croatia and I already decided to travel out of the country to the near Bosnia and Herzegovina for the weekend. I was only gone for a couple of days but this has been definitely one of the most interesting trips I've been on, and soon you will discover why.

Food in Sarajevo.

As soon as I woke up after a good night of sleep, one of the things I was most excited for was actually breakfast. I wanted to try new foods and there was no time to lose, so instead of the usual croissant and cappuccino, I ordered Burek and Bosnian coffee at what we were told was the best place in town, called Buregdžinica Bosna, and this is what I received:

It was absolutely delicious. Those were baked pastries filled with different things and we obviously ordered all kinds because we wanted to try 'em all. One was with cheese, the second with meat, the third with potatoes and the last was filled with spinach. With our coffee, they also brought Turkish delights. The whole coffee set was made of copper. Everything was absolutely fantastic... and we literally paid only €2.75 each! Speaking of lunch, you can eat the typical ćevapi for less than €4. We were told that the best place to have one is Ćevabdžinica Željo.

Scenic Views.

There's a gondola lift in the city that just reopened last year. A round trip ticket costs €10 and there is no student discount. The view from the cable car was absolutely breathtaking. The city is surrounded by the mountains and you can clearly see which part of it is new and which one is the old town.

Free walking tour with Meet Bosnia.

Given the fact that we knew little information about Bosnia before travelling there, we decided to sign up for a free walking tour with a company called Meet Bosnia. They were fabulous. Our tour guide was really nice, smiled the whole time, and was open to questions. To start off, we were told that the city was the centre of the world on three occasions: 1914, 1984, and 1992.

In 1914 the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife was the start of the first world war. In 1984, Sarajevo hosted the Winter Olympic Games, and in 1992 the longest siege in modern history started. One of the buildings that burned down during the siege is the city hall, which reopened only in 2014. It suffered a loss of around 2 million books.

Worth mentioning is the legendary story of Inat Kuća, the building with the green balcony. When the Astro-Hungarians wanted to build the current city hall, named Vijećnica, they had to negotiate with the owner of the property, a man by the name of Benderija who did not want to give up his house and the view over the river. He eventually agreed to give up his property only if they would give him a bag of golden coins and, more importantly, if they would move his house on the other side of the river brick by brick.

Sarajevo is a multicultural city that hosts many nationalities and religious groups. In fact, there are many Croats, Serbs, and Bosniaks, and because of all the different religions, the city hosts many places of worship (mosques, synagogues, cathedrals, and Orthodox churches).

There is a point in the city called "meeting of cultures". If you walk East you enter the Turkish looking part of Sarajevo, if you walk West you enter the Austrian side. It is incredible to see how different the architecture is depending on where you are standing. It is clear that Sarajevo was ruled by the Ottoman Empire and later by the Astro-Hungarian Empire.

In Bosnia, many things are hand made with copper, especially coffee sets. I couldn't resist so I bought one, but they also have pens made out of bullets and more stuff to choose from. Results of the recent conflicts are still visible and it was something that particularly touched me.

I haven't mentioned many things of Sarajevo but I could probably continue for hours, so here's a quick list of the things that I haven't mentioned yet that is worth checking out: Sebilj fountain (rumour has it that if you sip from it you will return to Sarajevo in the future!), IIWW Eternal Flame, Sacred Heart Cathedral (the Hungarian architect was inspired by Paris' Notre Dame), Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque (which is the largest historical mosque in the whole country), and last but not least the place where the Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife were murdered:

But Sarajevo is not the only place that I visited while I explored this beautiful country, I also walked around Mostar which is a cute little town full of shops that sell mostly all things made of copper. It's famous for its bridge and, in my opinion, there isn't much to do except walk around.

What Went Wrong.

Obviously, something had screw our plans up. To this day, I don't understand if I got on the wrong bus (even though we specifically asked the driver) or if Bosnia just isn't well connected with its border countries. The bus we were supposed to take was scheduled for 4pm with arrival time estimated for 7pm. It was meant to cut east through the country, but instead, it took us south, through Mostar, which is where we were supposed to go only on our way back home. What was supposed to be a 3 hours ride was extended by five hours. In perspective, it took 14 hours to reach Split from Milan and it now took eight hours to reach Sarajevo from Split.

Alright, next...

As we are trying to get off the bus at around midnight, this guy sticks his head inside the vehicle and asks if we need a taxi. Yes, we do need one. It is probably the safest way to get to our hostel at that time of night, especially because it was approximately 4 kilometres away from the station. We ask this guy if he is a taxi driver and he says yes. We ask which one is his car and he points out at a black vehicle parked on the side of the road, with no signs that would prove that he is a real public driver. As we tell him so, he replies that he is an Uber driver but we know that there is no Uber in Bosnia. "No thanks, but we are not getting in a car with you" and he exclaims "real taxi driver will charge you more than me, choose me!"

We eventually took a real taxi, obviously, and we have been charged the same amount this guy demanded us. When we arrived at our hostel, a really kind and helpful young woman welcomed us. She gave us all kinds of advice on Sarajevo and then we went to bed.

On our way back to Croatia, we obviously had to go through passport control. It never happened to me in my entire like but Rafael and I were the only ones who were told to leave the bus and follow the officer into a room where they had to go through our stuff. We are not sure why we were the only ones but the only right explanation is that they probably choose randomly otherwise I can't explain what made them think that we were possibly dangerous. Anyway...

Bosniaks.
I was really happy with the way locals treated us. Both the people that check us in at the hostels we stayed at were really nice and friendly. Overall, people at restaurants were kind and accommodating and when we were trying to speak the language they would help us with the correct pronunciation. I highly recommend to sign up for a free walking tour with Meet Bosnia. They are well-prepared and will make you feel at home!

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I hope that you enjoyed this post about Bosnia. Feel free to ask me any question in the comment section below and hit the "Follow" button on the right-hand side of the desktop version page. I also took all the pictures in this post, so please cite the blog for reuse. Follow me on Instagram @crisgoesabroad for more pictures of my travels!