By Brenda Daniela López
Travel has been my greatest teacher. With a degree in Art History and Cultural Management, I was always fascinated by eras, traditions, cuisines, and languages. That curiosity became a turning point in 2016, when I crossed the ocean to discover Europe after my studies. Exploring Art, Culture, and History of Europe was something that changed the way I saw the world, teaching me lessons about creativity, resilience, and the beauty of different cultures.
Being both Italian and Argentine gave me a blend of identities that shaped the way I connected with cultures. Living in Italy revealed the richness of dialects, the beauty of gestures, and the contrasts between regions. What fascinated me most was gastronomy: food as a cultural map, a way to understand the soul of each place. From Italian kitchens full of regional flavors to French cafés and Spanish markets, every dish told a story of identity. Some recipes remain part of my life, and this passion even led me to study coffee and tea rituals — symbols of connection and community.
👉 Read about the Top 10 things to do in Argentina.
Italy also showed me something else: how possible it is to build a life abroad without extraordinary means. Many international students and young professionals discover that living costs, especially outside the main tourist cities, are manageable. Universities and cultural institutions often open doors for foreign students, and for those willing to adapt, Italy offers not just art and history but also real chances to grow academically and professionally. Working and studying abroad in Italy can be surprisingly affordable, and international programs or local scholarships make the dream even more achievable.
While traveling, I discovered a new calling in tourism. As a receptionist in hostels and hotels, I turned hospitality into a stage, weaving my background in art history with cultural storytelling. I created experiences that revealed hidden architecture, brought people together, and made travelers feel at home. Working in tourism is one of the most accessible ways for young people to finance their time abroad, and it builds skills that go far beyond the job itself: communication, adaptability, and cultural awareness.
👉 Explore the education and career opportunities in Italy here.
Later, in Denmark, I learned a different lesson. Life there is shaped by simplicity and balance, a culture where design and daily living reflect order and calm. While Denmark is known for being expensive, it also offers many scholarships, exchange opportunities, and part-time student jobs that help international students manage costs. Danish universities are ranked among the best in Europe, and their focus on innovation and sustainability makes them a strong choice for students looking for education and career opportunities abroad. What stayed with me was not only the refined Nordic cuisine or minimalist aesthetics, but the way people truly value education, community, and trust. It showed me that even in places where life seems challenging from the outside, opportunities exist if you know where to look.
👉 Read more information about education and career opportunities in Denmark here.
Languages became bridges too: Italian, French, and even a few Scandinavian words opened doors to deeper ties. And in every place I visited, from Italy to Denmark and beyond, I found what monuments cannot give — the warmth, generosity, and hospitality of people.
Nearly a decade of journeys has taught me resilience, adaptability, and creativity. Above all, it showed me that travel is not just movement but an invitation to live actively. You are not a spectator; you are the protagonist of your own story. Travel doesn’t just broaden horizons — it teaches us to live fully. Because in the end, every journey is not about where you go, but who you become along the way.
👉 And that is perhaps the biggest lesson for those dreaming of studying or working abroad: you don’t have to wait for the “perfect opportunity.” Begin where you are, take one small step — apply for that scholarship, join a cultural exchange, or simply start learning a new language online. Like Brenda, you may find that the journey itself becomes the teacher, and every experience builds the story of who you are becoming.
Informarius Team
Check for the different international opportunities on Informarius.
Additional sources for study opportunities in Denmark and Italy.
