Having written about the professional aspect of my life in Italy, I now want to delve into life itself. What is daily life like in Sardinia? How does it compare to life in the UK, and what can you anticipate if you’re considering giving it a try?

I didn’t face any issues when I moved to a different country. Having relocated to the UK for my studies, I already had some experience with culture shock and different customs. However, I met people who were in a different situation and hopefully helped them to get through it the easier way.

I can say that I was one of the youngest individuals who decided to embark on an Erasmus traineeship in Sardinia. I had the pleasure of meeting some really fantastic people during my time there. It was incredibly refreshing to connect with like-minded individuals who shared a passion for traveling and seizing new opportunities

To be honest, it was a truly eye-opening experience. I met incredible people and engaged in discussions I probably wouldn’t have with my closest friends, even those I’ve known for years. That’s the beauty of an Erasmus traineeship – it radiates positivity and support. Of course, there was the expected culture shock, which I believe happens sooner or later, and it’s something you can’t avoid. Personally, I found this aspect of the journey fascinating, and after living in Italy or Moree specifically in Sardinia for three months, I can confidently say that Italy feels like my second home. It suits me well. There are, of course, downsides, but the positives far outweigh them, and I’ve cherished every moment of it.

Travelling was a big part of my traineeship

I’ve travelled a lot. The first month, I was trying to put myself together after two years in the UK, but the other two, I travelled a lot and saw a huge part of Sardinia. Not all of it, but lots of it. I went to the capital Cagliari, I’ve seen big cities such as Olbia, Nuoro, Oristano or Alghero. I’ve visited the colourful Castelsardo, had a breakfast in Porto Torres or taken a boat to Asinara Islands.

I’ve stepped on the white sand of one of the most beautiful beaches in Stintino and on the other hand the black sand beach as well. I’ve discovered all of its history of Argentiera and stepped on the streets of Bosa. I was hiking in Capo Testa, and slept on the beach.

I haven’t seen the Costa Smeralda which is a shame. And unfortunately I haven’t seen the La Magdalena either. But who knows I might come back to Sardinia in a year or two. I’ve spent lots of money on travelling the beautiful island of Sardinia but don’t regret it at all.

Money, money, money

When it comes to finances, my grant was initially around 400 euros per month. However, I discovered later that you can receive up to 600 euros, so my recommendation is to pursue the higher amount. The actual grant amount can vary depending on your home country and the destination country, which might be a bit confusing for those who aren’t native to the country they’re leaving. For example, as a Czech citizen studying in the UK, I might receive more than a British student going from the UK. While I can’t confirm this, it’s something I learned from the various brochures I read on the subject.

In any case, more financial support leads to a better quality of life. Expenses like breakfasts, ice creams, pizzas, and other daily items add up, and you’ll likely spend more than you initially expected. Sardinia tends to be relatively expensive, from food to personal care products. Clothing isn’t budget-friendly either. On a positive note, there are plenty of sales at the end of July and the beginning of August that offer great deals.

Overall, even if you’re going as a tourist for couple weeks, chances are you will spend more than you think. Sardinia is definitely more expensive than mainland Italy and quite obviously the prices only go up in the main summer season.

The language

One of the aspects that wasn’t perfect during my time in Sardinia is my Italian language skills. Although I can understand much better now than when I first arrived, there’s still plenty of room for improvement. However, a recent incident brightened my day. I was able to help a lady at a bus stop with directions to Platamona, and she even asked if I was from Florence because of my accent. That was a confidence booster. I can manage daily conversations, but when it comes to more complex topics, I struggle. It’s safe to say that you can’t expect a miracle in just three months. One thing that became abundantly clear is that there aren’t many English speakers in Sardinia.

I have seen some reviews from English people complaining that people in Sardinia were not friendly enough because they didn’t speak any English. I mean they don’t speak English and why should they? If you can’t learn couple of phrases or even just ciao and grazie, maybe Sardinia won’t be the island for you.

So, what should you expect?

Three months provide a decent amount of time to acclimate to a new country. It’s also sufficient time to start missing Sardinia once you’ve left. For me, it was a perfect summer, a well-rounded blend of a good job, fun experiences, travel adventures, and delectable Italian cuisine. I’ll probably be sharing stories about Sardinia for the rest of my life, and I wholeheartedly recommend that anyone give it a try.

I would definitely recommend more than just couple weeks for this beautiful island full of hidden beaches and amazing food. One thing I really want to mention is having a car, it will make a real difference if you want to explore this island little better!