It has been nearly four years since Sara, a young Iranian expat, settled in Rome. Originally in Italy to pursue her higher education, she eventually landed her dream job in the city after graduating. She shares her experience and talks about the myriad of opportunities that the eternal city of Rome has offered her.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your background?
Hey there, I'm Sara, from Sanandaj, a Kurdish region in Kurdistan, Iran. Since I was a kid, I've always had this desire to see the world. So, I started learning English at a young age, putting in a lot of effort. But that's not all—my love for travel and computer science played a huge role in shaping my academic path. When I got into university, I knew I wanted to specialize in computer engineering, specifically focusing on computer science. The thing is, there weren't many universities in Iran offering this program at the time. That's when I made up my mind to pursue my Master's degree abroad.
So, what brought you to Rome, and how long have you lived here?
I chose Rome mainly because of my interest in the arts and IT. I was called to submit an application to La Sapienza University in Rome to study computer science. I've always been fascinated by this country's artistic charm, and I wanted to see the masterpieces of Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Bernini with my own eyes. It's been about four years since I've lived in the Eternal City.
Can you tell us about your academic background in Rome and how it all came together?
Sure! I started my Master's in computer science in 2021. Back in Iran, I studied information technology engineering and decided to pursue my Master's degree in computer science here in Rome. It has been a good experience for me, as the higher education system here is less stressful, even though the workload can be heavy. All in all, things went well.
How did your final exams and graduation go?
The end of my studies went really well. I had the opportunity to collaborate with a company called Enel, which is a leader in the Italian energy sector. I had a 6-month thesis internship, which was a practical part of my thesis, and then I completed writing my essay. The whole process took me about 8 months, and it was quite intense but definitely worth it because I learned a lot.
On my graduation day, I experienced a whirlwind of emotions. At first, I felt a mix of stress and anxiety since I only had 20 minutes to cover all the topics I had worked so hard on. Presenting in front of my professors and friends was a bit nerve-wracking because I didn't want to miss any important points or exceed the allotted time. Additionally, it was a bit emotional for me because my parents couldn't attend the ceremony, and I really wished they could have been there. Before my presentation, I called them, and they wished me good luck, and we celebrated via video call afterward.
Fortunately, my presentation went really well, and my professor was happy. Once everyone had presented their thesis, we gathered on the university campus to celebrate. Our department head called out our names, and we were awarded the title of Dottore e Dottoressa (the title given to all graduating degree holders). At that moment, we put on our graduation caps and celebrated with champagne. After the ceremony, I organized a small party with my friends near the Colosseum.
How was your job search experience in Rome? Was it challenging?
Honestly, I didn't face much difficulty in finding a job. Although Italy's job market isn't booming, I consider myself lucky. The combination of my thesis internship, my degree, and my IT knowledge helped me secure numerous interviews, and I eventually landed the job I had always wanted shortly after graduating.
What language do you use at work?
Currently, I'm fortunate enough to be able to work in both English and Italian. It has been a great opportunity for me to improve my Italian language skills.
Have you noticed any cultural differences and similarities?
I've noticed some similarities between Italian and Iranian cultures. Both are known for being warm, friendly, and kind, with a genuine interest in connecting with others.
However, there was one cultural difference that caught my attention, especially when it came to food. In Iran, all types of pasta are referred to as "Macaroni" (quite amusing, to be honest), and the way it's cooked is very different from how it's done in Italy. A similar situation happened with pizza. When I first tried Roman pizza at Menza, I didn't really like it as it seemed like a simple bread with tomato sauce and cheese. But over time, I gradually adapted to Italian cuisine, and now I really enjoy it.
What about your social life in Rome? Was it difficult to integrate and make new friends?
Italians are kind, friendly, and easy to communicate with, so integrating was relatively easy for me. The only challenge I faced initially was the language barrier. In the early years, not speaking Italian fluently could be a hurdle to building strong friendships.
Any advice for people looking to move in Rome?
I would strongly recommend learning Italian before moving here. It makes a big difference in everyday life, especially when it comes to fully embracing the Italian way of life.
What are your plans for the future?
In the future, I hope to quickly climb the ladder in my current job and achieve promotions. I also hope to pursue a Ph.D. in cybersecurity to further specialize and have access to more exciting career opportunities.
Is a return to Iran a possibility? If not, do you plan to stay in Rome?
I have a deep love for Iran, no doubt about it. However, unfortunately, the current situation there isn't as desirable as it should be, and working and living there as a woman can be challenging. That's why I prefer to stay in Italy. Someday, when I feel ready, I might leave Rome, but I know it won't be easy because this city has given me everything I've ever wanted.
