Tatum Boyd

Give us a brief introduction about yourself. What inspired you to return to Monash Prato, after taking part in GIG 2023, and what have been the highlights of your experience so far?

My name is Tatum and I’m currently a fourth-year law and commerce (economics) student.

My return to Monash Prato was inevitable after having the pleasure of experiencing GIG here in 2023. GIG was an enriching and eye-opening experience which allowed me, for the first time, to foster connection with a country beyond Australia. The two-week GIG program opened my eyes to the beauty of Italian life, both inside and outside the classroom. I loved the unique atmosphere at Monash Prato and knew I wanted to immerse myself further in everything both this campus and Italy have to offer.

My experience has been full of highlights including attending university in a palace, smaller class sizes, and eating delicious Italian food. Above all, the friendships and connections I’ve made here have been the major highlight. Sharing this journey with incredible classmates and staff has been extremely special.

You participated in our cultural and social program, which included intercultural activities including cooking classes, conversation exchanges, local excursions, and Buon Appetito. Tell us how these unique experiences helped you connect with the local culture and community during your stay in Prato?

The social and cultural program enhanced my experience of Italian life and culture, giving me a richer sense of the country I have been living in for the past 3 months. The program offered a hands-on connection to the country beyond the classroom.

The cooking class was a fun and interactive introduction to pizza making, allowing us to craft our own pizza as a unique way to experience Italy’s rich food tradition. Through the conversation exchanges, I had the chance to meet Prato locals, each with diverse backgrounds and stories. These interactions helped me learn more about the city and life in Prato, revealing cultural nuances that I potentially would not have otherwise discovered.

The field trips to stunning locations like Val d’Orcia, Lake Tresimeno and Arezzo were a fantastic opportunity to explore beautiful and historical places that broadened my understanding of Italy’s diversity and heritage – places which, without this program, we may not have been able to experience.

One of my biggest highlights was the Buon Appetito dinner with a local family. Sharing a meal with an Italian family in their home created a special sense of belonging. Despite the language barrier, we found ways to communicate and connect, making the experience all the more meaningful.

What’s next for you, and how do you think this experience will shape your future and promote your career?

My next step is going back to Australia and finishing off my degree. With two years of university still ahead, I am fortunate to have been able to immerse myself in life abroad and to have explored so much of Europe whilst based in Prato, prior to finishing university.

This experience will have a lasting impact on my future, both personally and professionally. Living and studying in Italy has inspired me to consider pursuing any potential future endeavours in Europe, following my graduation. Living in Prato, stepping outside my comfort zone, and getting to know people from all over has made me more curious and open-minded.

Throughout my time here, I have had countless opportunities to build new connections, create lifelong memories, and develop essential skills. Navigating daily life in a foreign country has afforded me independence, resilience and confidence in unfamiliar situations, which are qualities I believe will be beneficial to my career.

Looking ahead, I am keen to keep on seeking out opportunities that are beyond the classroom, as I work toward my professional goals. The lessons, friendships and sense of adventure I found in Prato have made me extremely excited for the next stage of my journey.

What advice would you give to other students considering a study experience at Monash Prato?

My biggest piece of advice is to get involved in everything! Make the most of all that is on offer to you, whether that be the social and cultural program, or travelling to a new country on the weekend, you will create unforgettable memories and gain life-long friends.

The experience isn’t just in the classes or Prato itself, but in the experiences along the way. Push yourself out of your comfort zone and embrace all opportunities so you can return home with not only academic growth, but a broadened perspective on life. Make the most of every moment!