Introduction
Not only the first time, back in 2023, but also the most recent one in 2026.
2023’s Experience
Context
Not only my first time travelling in general ( at a 20 years old age ), but also the first time I was taking a plane ( and even alone )…but even if I was a little bit afraid, I was really excited.
First of all, the plan was really SIMPLE: Spend all the 6 weeks studying in Brighton at the ELC ( English Language Centre ). But it ended up being a lot more than that.
I think the most important thing is one…People in general, but to be more specific one single person…“Hassan”, not a general name but the name of a super kind guy that I’ve met there ( and he was in my general english class ) and to be honest I could never imagine that couple of months later he would be with me for an entire week in Italy travelling between Milan, Venice, Verona and obviously Val di Rabbi.
Secondly, I was amazed from the quality of the school and the daily improvement that they way of teaching was affecting me. I still can remember the first lesson, a speaking one on the beach ( as it was super sunny and hot )…Immediately put in practise my skills ( not so good back then ).
Also, another important part of my experience were the classmate ( Hassan, Sofia, Kei / Minuk, Milena,Sebastian ) and my main teacher ( Freddie ) .
The South Coast: Brighton, Lewes, and Seven Sisters
As it was the first time for me going away from home I also decide to joing some school’s activity and even decide to travel alone to discover as much as possible about the U.K. and the area around me.
Obviously, the old good fashion London ( couple of times ), Cambridge & Oxford ( just a day trip ), and the South Coast ( Brighton, Lewes, Seven Sisters )…but all of this was pure magic to me and I really discovered my core nature -> TRAVELLER
Travel in Italy with Hassan
Here you can also find the playlist of our experience together with Hassan in Italy!
Conclusion
Back then, I could have never imagined that one day I would came there another time ( 2026 ) for a similar BUT different reason…but this is another story ( the next one ).
2026’s Experience
Context
Just finished my bachelor’s degree in computer science and to carry on with my studies I need an ENGLISH CERTIFICATE ( At least a B2, but better a C1 ) and so I decided to go in the same place ( not because I love to go always in the same place, totaly the opposite for me, but because the ELC in Brighton it is known to be the BEST LANGUAGE CENTRE and that’s why I decided to go there again ).
How it ended up
Did you read the first one? You can easily guess how it ended up…I’ve met new people, I’ve improved my english, I’ve didn’t travelled a lot ( only a weekend in London with my girlfriend Mia )…as I was studying for the IELTS EXAM.
But a lot of new experiences didn’t miss to happen ( and I’m not only talking about the exam itself )…I’ve discovered a new passion -> PADEL ( First time with “Essa”, my new friend from Qatar ), But I also met new interesting person and also lived this time with other 3 students:
- Lee: From south korea
- Naif: From Saudi Arabia
- Mohammed: From Saudi Arabia
Probably even “only” with them this experience would have been amazing, but then in the school I’ve met a lot of people…this time ( compared to the 2023 one ) I was more mature, more open minded and really more open to new connections and this brought me to meet:
- Mansour: From Saudi Arabia
- Essa: From Qatar
- Sara, Angelica, Hymena, Samuel, Camilo: From Colombia
- Mr. Baha: From Turkey
- And for sure many others that I cannot remember their name…
Even here the pattern repeated itself…I’ve met a lot of people, I’ve improved my english…totally different activities BUT the key factor is ALWAYS THE SAME: MEETING NEW PEOPLE and learn not only the language….but through the language learn new cultures, new point of views, new ways of thinking, new ways of living and for sure new friends that for me are now part of my life and I really hope to meet them again someday somewhere in this beautiful world ( even if it’s not that beautiful due to some people…for sure different from the one that I’m used to meet ).
Conclusion
That’s why I really think that money are not spent in travel, but invested in experiences…obviously if you travel in a certain way and not as a closed-minded tourist.
YouTube Vlogs
If you are more curious….Here you can find my day to day vlog during this experience…se you on youtube