The Italian NYC = Milan?

Before coming to Milan, I heard countless times that Milan was “the New York City of Italy.” I never really knew why, but I kind of took it as a fact. After living here for two months, my perspective has changed on the topic. So… is Milan the Italian NYC?

Kind of!

Given that Milan is the most modern metropolis in Italy, yes, out of all of the Italian cities, Milan is most comparable to New York City. Like NYC, Milan is Italy’s capital of fashion, finance, and converting dreams into reality. There are several renown universities in Milan: Bocconi University (for economics, business, and law), University of Milan, or “Statale” (Milan’s version of a state uni), Politecnico (for engineers), European Institute of Design, or “IED” (for fashion), Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, or “Cattolica” (a Catholic uni), and several others. Milan hosts several high-end shopping districts, like Via Monte Napoleone, with infamous designer brands, many of which were born in or are currently based in Milan: Versace, Prada, Armani, Dolce & Gabana, Valentino, and many others. Lastly, Milan is the heart (and the body) of Italy’s stock exchange, Borsa Italiana.

Likewise, almost every piece of information listed above is directly parallel to NYC’s. New York City is one of America’s financial and fashion capitals, and it’s also a city internationally famous for the pursuit of the “American Dream.” NYC hosts several prestigious universities: Columbia University (NYC’s Bocconi), New York University, Fordham University (NYC’s Cattolica), the Julliard School, the Fashion Institute of Technology (NYC’s IED), several SUNY state unis (NYC’s statale), and many, many others. Likewise, many famous companies’ headquarters live in NYC, like IBM, Verizon, American Express, Ann Taylor, Deloitte, Deutsche Bank, Ernst & Young, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan Chase, and tons of others. NYC is the home of the New York Stock Exchange, America’s most famous stock exchange. Just as Milan is the city where Italians hope to find a job and make it big, New York City is where Americans and immigrants come to start a new life with the hope that the American Dream will become a reality.
But Not Really…

Despite the general similarities, Milan and New York, in terms of appearance and lifestyle, are nothing alike. NYC is so huge that it has five boroughs which span over 789 km^2 whereas Milan covers only 181.8 km^2. The buildings in NYC consist of towering skyscrapers and modern architecture. On the other hand, Milan is a mix of old and new buildings and infrastructure, but barely any buildings are tall enough to be considered skyscrapers.

Milan’s lifestyle is affordable, and the quality of life is different. In NYC, everything is expensive because the market for any normal good is massive between the inhabitants and visitors that flood NYC’s shops every day. Most of Milan’s tourists visit the City Center, so much of its shops are more expensive than normal. However, areas farther away from the center are normally priced since only residents tend to leave the center. Perhaps most evidently, Milan is, well European, and New York City is American, so most of the major differences between the continents apply also to the cities.

Milan is so unique that I wouldn’t compare it to any American cities. However, if I had to choose one, I suppose Milan would be the most comparable. Do you NY-see what I mean?

Now for some random NYC photography!

A globe, which symbolizes New York’s being a melting pot of cultures from all over the world

The Manhattan skyline from a ferry on its way to Ellis Island

A pink Cherry Blossom tree in Central Park

More skyscrapers! Hopefully the sky isn’t in pain.

Some sort of tall statue that resembles some sort of historical figure 

Casual skyscrapers

Tall buildings bordering Central Park ft. yellow daffodils

The same skyline, but with me in front of it 

Feel free to comment any additional points below.

Thanks for reading! Al prossimo venerdì ❤

xoxo

8 Awesome Facts Everyone Should Know!

This is not a drill. I repeat, this is not a drill! Here are 8 completely random facts that everyone should know about in life. Here we go!

1. “Casino” is the Italian word for “mess.” Coincidence? I think not.
2. Pineapples aren’t from Hawaii. Although the tangy fruit is often associated with the dreamy Hawaiian islands, the pineapple originates from South America.
3. “Frappucino” is Starbucks jargon. The general name for the beverage is “frozen cappucino.”
4. The ASL term for “pasteurized milk” is a gigantic pun. In American Sign Language, the term for “milk” is signed by creating a squeezing motion with one’s hand. To sign “pasteurized milk,” sign “milk” with your right hand, and continue signing it across your forehead from left to right. You will have signed “milk” past your eyes. Past your eyes, pasteurized… actual proof that deaf people are amazing.
5. Wawa outsmarted hash brown eaters with a 2 for $2 promo… when it regularly charges 99 cents per hash brown. Wawa, which was ranked America’s #1 convenience store in 2015, often rewards its awesome customers with promotions, its most famous one being Hoagiefest. Perhaps its most legendary (and unrecognized) promotion was its hash brown promotion, during which Wawa offered its customers the opportunity to purchase two hash browns for two dollars, plus tax. The best part was that Wawa normally charges 99 cents per hash brown, so the customers ended up paying more than they would have during the non-promo period. Well played, Wawa. Well played. 
6. There is a difference between “farther” and “further.” Despite the common misconception that they can be used interchangeably, the two words actually differ in meaning and grammatical usage. When talking about distance, “farther” is your word. For example, you can run farther than someone else, or move farther away than you expected to. On the other hand, if you’re talking about a more abstract concept, “further” is where it’s at. It’s used if you’re explaining further or if you wish to understand something further. Or, furthermore, it can even be a filler word, as demonstrated in this sentence. Who would have thought?
7. A coconut is considered as a “drupe.” According to the dictionary, a drupe is “a fleshy fruit with thin skin and a central stone containing the seed.” Furthermore, if the definitions are applied loosely enough, the coconut is considered a nut, a seed, and a fruit!
8. You’re awesome. You’re a thinking, blinking, breathing human being with a heart and a conscious mind. You are alive. And as Pitbull says, “Every day above ground is a good one.” Savor life, because you only get one of them. Seize the day, and embrace the fact that you are awesome!

Now that you know some things that many people don’t know, it’s time to impress the world with your newfound knowledge! *malevolent laughter*

Have a great day!

Carly 🙂

Why I Applied to an Italian College as an International Student

Most seniors are scrambling around right now freaking out about college, and most are probably dreading back-to-school season for this reason (along with many others). I can proudly designate myself as an exception… I actually want September to roll around as soon as possible so I can find out whether or not I’ve been accepted to Bocconi University in Milan, Italy!

Allow me to explain with a Q & A styled format (even though I’m both asking and answering these questions… YOLO)

Q: What the heck is Bocconi University?

A: Well, good question! Bocconi University is possibly one of the most underrated schools in the world. Take a moment and think about how many non-American colleges you can think of. Okay, now exclude Oxford and Cambridge. Now? Probably none. Here’s where Bocconi comes in. Bocconi is ranked as the #1 university in Italy, and has numerous prestigious ranks in the Europe and around the world. If you’d like more info, feel free to check out the school’s website:

http://www.unibocconi.eu/wps/wcm/connect/Bocconi/SitoPubblico_EN/Navigation+Tree/Home/About+Us/Rankings/Bocconi+and+Rankings+home

Bocconi is an international business school. It offers bachelors, masters, and doctorate programs in  finance, economics, marketing, management, and law. The school offers two majors which are taught entirely in English in order to attract a larger pool of international students. And, well, it’s worked! 😉

Q: Won’t it be expensive to attend a university abroad?

A: Heck no! The bachelors programs last only three years, and the tuition is 15,000 euros per year! The university also allows applicants to request a tuition income bracket, which allows students to pay tuition depending on their families’ incomes. Those who earn more pay more, and those who earn less – you guessed it – pay less. On top of that, the university offers various merit scholarships, especially to international applicants. (Score!)

Q: Wouldn’t living in Italy be difficult since you don’t speak Italian?

A: Perhaps it would be. However, I’ve been learning Italian since last summer, and I plan on continuing to study it throughout my senior year. In fact, part of the reason I applied to Bocconi is because I’d like to learn a second language in college. Living in Italy would be the perfect solution!

Q: What if you find out that you don’t wish to pursue international business?

A: I won’t. I’m 110% sure that international business is the perfect career field for me. I’ve been thinking about college, careers, and other elements of my future ever since eighth grade. In tenth grade, I narrowed my career field options to business, veterinary studies, and psychology. Then, in the beginning of junior year, I discovered that international business existed! I researched the field, and I fell in love with it. After a year of reflection, I am certain that it’s the field for me.

Q: Why international business?

A: Wow, who’s asking all of these questions? They’re all on fire! Well, I’ve always been interested in languages and culture. I’ve been taking Spanish classes in school since 7th grade, and I’ve always enjoyed learning new grammar, vocabulary, colloquialisms, idioms, etc. in the Spanish language. I also found it amazing how knowing one language can open one’s mind so exponentially, and how language can reflect other lifestyles and ways of thinking. My interest in Spanish language and culture inspired me to start a Spanish Club at my school! I’ve been the president of the club since sophomore year. Last summer, I began to learn Italian since I heard it was similar to Spanish. To my surprise, although a lot of vocabulary and some grammatical rules are similar, there are a lot of characteristics that distinguish it from Spanish. I took on Italian as a challenge, and what was once an interest — learning Spanish and Italian — blossomed into a passion. That was when I realized that I wanted Spanish and Italian to be a part of my life forever.

Q: Wouldn’t you miss your family and friends?

A: Of course! However, I would definitely keep in touch through Skype, email, messaging, social media, etc. Plus, I am excited to make new friends, who would be from around the world. How cool!

Q: Will you still apply to American universities?

A: Probably. If I’m admitted, I’ll just apply to a few universities, which I’ll use as financial backup schools. If I’m not admitted, I’ll apply to some reach schools, target schools, and safety schools, just as the guidance counselors recommend us to.

So, there you have it – I may be one of the only people you know who’s excited for September’s arrival! I’m eager to know whether or not attending an Italian university will be an option.

Until then, as the kids say these days, YOLO. Do something fun today so you’ll have something to smile about in the future.

Carly 🙂

…

Photo: Rome, Italy. 11/10 would definitely recommend.