When I arrived in Budapest for my Erasmus experience, I knew that living in another country would be different from living in Italy. But I didn’t expect to notice so many differences in everyday life.
After a few weeks here, I started comparing the two countries, not only in terms of food and traditions, but also the way people live, spend their free time and interact with each other.
A different way of living
One of the first things I noticed is that Budapest feels very different from the city where I live in Italy.
Budapest is a big and international city. There are people from many different countries, especially students, and it is very easy to meet someone new. Since I arrived, I have met people from Spain, France, Germany, Hungary and many other places.
In Italy, I am more used to smaller communities where people know each other and where everyday life can feel more familiar. Here, everything feels a little more independent and international.
At first, this was strange for me, but now I really enjoy it.
Food is definitely different
Of course, I couldn’t talk about Italy and Hungary without talking about food.
As an Italian, I am used to eating pasta, pizza and having meals that are an important part of spending time with family and friends. In Budapest, I have discovered completely different flavours and traditional dishes.
I have tried goulash, lángos and other Hungarian foods. Some of them are very different from what I normally eat, but trying new food is also part of the Erasmus experience.
I still miss Italian food, especially when I realise that I can’t just go home and have my favourite meal. But I think living abroad makes you appreciate your own culture more.
Public transport and the city
Another big difference is public transport.
In Budapest, it is very easy to move around the city using the metro, trams and buses. I quickly got used to using public transport every day, and now I can get almost anywhere without needing a car.
The city itself also feels very different from Italy. Budapest has the Danube, beautiful historic buildings and many different neighbourhoods to explore. At the same time, it has a young and lively atmosphere because of all the students and international people living here.
Being 18 and away from home
For me, the biggest difference is probably not between Italy and Budapest, but between living at home and living abroad.
At 18, Erasmus is one of the first times I have had to be really independent. I have to organise my days, manage my money, cook, clean and solve small problems by myself.
Sometimes it can be difficult. Even something simple, like going somewhere I have never been or speaking English with someone new, can make me feel a little nervous.
But every time I manage to do something on my own, I feel more confident.
What I miss about Italy
Of course, there are many things I miss.
I miss my family and my friends, speaking Italian all the time and the feeling of knowing exactly where I am. I also miss small things, like having coffee with my friends or having lunch with my family at the weekend.
Sometimes I even miss things I never thought I would miss before leaving Italy.
At the same time, being away from home has made me realise how much I appreciate these things.
Two places, one experience
After spending some time in Budapest, I don’t think it makes sense to say that Italy or Hungary is better. They simply have different ways of doing things.
Italy feels familiar and comfortable because it is home. Budapest feels new and exciting because there is always something I haven’t discovered yet.
For me, this is what makes Erasmus so special. I am not only discovering a new country, but also learning more about my own.
At 18, living in Budapest can sometimes feel strange, but it is also an experience I know I will remember for a long time.
Maybe the best part is that when I go back to Italy, I won’t see home in exactly the same way anymore. I will probably miss Budapest too.
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