The three week long "Amity India Immersion Program–University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (UNIMORE), Italy" concluded today at Amity Campus, Sector-125, Noida.
As part of the Exchange Program, 25 students pursuing different programmes in UNIMORE, Italy stayed at Amity University for 3 weeks from August 25-September 12, 2014 wherein they were given conciseand in-depth exposure to India's rich culture and traditions, Regions and Spirituality, Pitfalls and opportunities of doing business in India; contemporary industry related trends, latest educational programmes and career options available, Indian LegalFramework, Stress Management, Indian Foreign Policy & International Relations, Travel & Tourism in India and a host of other relevant topics.
Sharing his views, Mr. Alessendro Fichera- COO, Octagona India Private Ltd. appreciated the Immersion Programme and shared his interest in sending next batch of Italian studentsto India as part of the same programme. He stressed that in a globalised economy, it is very important for students to learn about other countries and the way businesses are run there along with their socio-cultural sensitivities. He opined that Europeans shouldlearn about India which is a resurgent economy. He remarked that the present batch of Italian students are taking back interesting piece of memory, which will help them in their respective careers and will bring the two countries together.
Addressing the students, Prof. (Dr.) Gurinder Singh -Group Addl. Vice Chancellor, Amity recalled the mutually enriching journey of Italian students with Amity for 3 weeks, highlightingvarious qualities displayed by each and every student during the Programme. He called upon them to go slow in noise and haste and always remember that excellent decisions could be taken in piece and silence also.
The efficacy and depth of the “Immersion Programme” could be easily discerned from the way Italian students conducted themselves during the concluding ceremony, gracefully donning Indian attire and impeccably recallingtheir brief journey of India during three weeks of the Programme, even remembering the names of historical places, local markets and famous Indian flicks.
Sharing his views, one of the students -MATTEO BOCCHI said that time passes really fast and good time flies. He remarked that before coming to India, the students had expectations about goodand hospitable people, relevant programme structure, friendly environment and Amity University excelled all their expectations. He averred that the student buddies, who were assigned to them during their stay, have become their friends forever.
MARIA CECILIA LAMMA- another Italian student stressed that human beings, through their journey of life, meet and interact with lot of people; some of them leave an indelible impression on otherslife and others do not. She remarked that experience at Amity is one such meaningful and transforming experience which would stay in their hearts and memories for ever and she is going back as a richer person in heart and soul.
ALEX FIORITO expressed his gratitude towards the hospitality extended by Amity which made him feel like home. He appreciated the cultural performances by Amity students, stating that their voiceswere melodious and dances were lively and colorful. Referring to Teachers’ Day Celebrations in Amity, he expressed his surprise and delight at the way Indian teachers are venerated and at the same time, treated as friends, mentors and family members by students.He remarked that the student –teacher relationship in India has changed his view of his own teachers in Italy with whom they share a very formal relationship. He thanked Amity for giving a new meaning to teacher- student relationship in his life.
Ms. BEATRICE GIROTTI expressed that throughout the Immersion Programme, the Italian students have been absorbing rich Indian culture, traditions, ways of dealing with people and every thing around like a Sponge,which is immensely going to benefit them in future. She stressed that all the lectures were very informative and commended the in-depth discussions that followed the lectures.
Some of the Italian students, teary eyed with their buddy students, exchanged “Good-Bye” moment full of emotions and conveyed good feelings about each other with hugs and handshakes.
Also, present during the occasion were Dr. Sanjeev Bansal- Director, Amity Business School, Dr. M. Sajnani- Director, Amity Institute of Travel and Tourism and Dr. Vaskar Sengupta,Dy Director, Amity School of Hospitality and others who narrated their experience of brief association with Italian students.