I have learned important things about Digital learning which I can apply in my profession in the near future. Moreover, this enriching experience enabled us to see and do things we wouldn€™t expect, and meet people who have grown up in a different culture.
Ardiana is a student of English Linguistics, both at the University of Prishtina and Ca€™Foscari in Venice, Italy. Together with two other Kosovar students, she took part in the training for digital literacy in Diano Marina, Italy, from the 15th till the 21st November 2021. Being passionate about books, trainings, knowledge gaining as well as traveling, she very much welcomed the experience in Diano Marina.
Ardiana chose to share her experience briefly with us.
NGOTHY: How did you receive the news that you will participate in the training at Diano Marina? What were your expectations in the beginning?
Ardiana: I was introduced to the training by my friend Diellza, with whom we are studying together in Italy. I felt very happy for such an opportunity. I was looking forward to a training experience in Europe and I was very excited to become immersed in a totally different environment, especially in a coastal country like Diano Marina. I expected this training to be profitable for me in both aspects; professional and personal.
NGOTHY: Have you ever participated in trainings abroad? If not, how would you describe this training in a few words? Has it met your expectations?
Ardiana: This one-week digital literacy training was the first training I attended abroad. During that week I had the opportunity to discover unexpected career paths, adopt new traditions and cultures, and become more independent. It also helped me reframe how I think about leadership, work, or my strengths. It kept me motivated, inspired and a more passionate learner.
NGOTHY: In the training you had to specialize with foreign participants from other European countries, even to share the room with foreigners. Did you feel skeptical about such a thing? How did you experience it?
Ardiana: At first, I felt a little skeptical as it is not an easy thing to get out of your comfort zone. However, stepping outside of your comfort zone is one of the things that makes the whole experience so valuable and worthwhile. I knew it was time to try a different experience and I think it was the right thing to do. I enjoyed the time with all the participants in the training. We learned a lot from each other and had fun together.
NGOTHY: Can you tell us in more detail about the academic content of the training, the technicalities, the trainers and, in general, the results achieved?
Ardiana: The purpose of this training was to teach us about digital learning through various group activities, discussions, seminars, etc. The trainer and the organizer of this training, both were excellent in their duties. In a comprehensive training like this the results were definitely satisfactory. Even in the evaluation phase, all participants stated that in addition to gaining a lot of new knowledge, they have also developed personally.
NGOTHY: How did you spend the Cultural Night? What about your free time? Have you socialized enough?
Ardiana: The cultural night was very special to me. I felt very good to have the opportunity to present the culture of my beloved country, Kosovo, although I was considered as a participant from Italy. I also learned a lot about the cultures of the other participating countries, whether through a quiz they had prepared, through their songs, or their traditional food.
NGOTHY: What were the most fruitful moments of the trainings that you enjoyed the most?
Ardiana: I enjoyed almost every moment of this training to the maximum. I can specify the training sessions held on the beach, group dancing, singing time, and of course the fresh, tasty and healthy food served by the hotel staff (I am still starving for their lasagna)!
NGOYHY: How much do you think this training has helped you for professional career advancement, considering that you are already studying in Italy?
Ardiana: I think that this training has been very useful for me in terms of professionalism. I have learned important things about Digital learning which I can apply in my profession in the near future. Moreover, this enriching experience enabled us to see and do things we wouldn€™t expect, and meet people who have grown up in a different culture.
NGOTHY: Who would you recommend this type of training to and why?
Ardiana: I would recommend this type of training to all those students who are eager to learn and interact with people from different cultural backgrounds, all through a dynamic and innovative learning system. Being part of this training is definitely a unique opportunity to live an experience to remember for a lifetime.
