A Penny For Them...With Leah

Our local, Italian friend, Cristian Di Virgilio, interviews Felix Mo and myself about our Erasmus experience studying in Abruzzo. We compare the food, friendliness of the people and our best memories in this wholesome reflection of the past 6 months living in Italy.

Referee, climber and wildlife activist, Cristian Di Virgilio, gives us an insight into his action-packed world in central Italy. He shares how his life has been transformed by being a referee for the last 6 years. Listen to his crazy stories about his hikes and climbs through the Apennine Mountains and discover how he also stumbled upon a Mariscan, brown BEAR! Cristian also details important advice about animal protection which we should all take home with us - triggered by the death of a well-known Abruzzese bear - Juan Carrito - may he rest in peace.

Welcome to Series 2! In this episode I talk generally about Abruzzo, which is where I am currently studying in Italy. It's a region which I have fallen in love with over the past 5 months. Everything is spoken in both English and Italian - sit back with a cup of tea and enjoy!

Debating taking a placement year? Psychology student, Izzy Smith, studying at Loughborough University, relates her experience so far working at 'Enterprise: Rent-A-Car'. Izzy unpacks her transition from being a student to working more than a 9-5 - with a salary! Learn top-tips for succeeding in the interviews. Listen as Izzy opens-up and explains why it's normal to not know what you want to do - even when there is pressure to plan the whole trajectory of your life. The key is to keep your options open and 'Be Patient'. Stayed tuned till the end to discover better ways to spend your days off work.

Having the courage to follow your gut and leave one career path behind, in order to start a new one from scratch - isn't easy. Especially when people tell you otherwise. Listen to Patrick's first-hand account about his journey from automative engineering to plumbing. Now half-way through his apprenticeship, Pat tells us what life is like being the fourth emergency service! In this episode, we also discuss the pros and cons of self-employment and why you SHOULD consider an apprenticeship over studying at university.

We all know big brands such as SHEIN, PrettyLittleThing and Boohoo. It's cheap, it's quick and it's easy. But at what environmental and humanitarian cost? Fashion Design student, Eloise, currently doing a sampling internship in London with top, high-end designer, Jenny Packam, informs us on the awful consequences during the manufacturing process and later in waste disposal with these garments. Discover why LOVE ISLAND stars need to stop promoting Fast Fashion on social media. Learn tips for how you can shop more sustainably and as Eloise says- 'use your money wisely!'

What's it like in the limelight? Beth really has done it all - from acting, singing, dancing, producing and modelling and even IN THE SAME WEEK! If someone can advise you about getting involved in life outside of work and study it's definitely her. Listen to Beth talk about her experiences at auditions, call-backs and performances. Discover more about her upcoming placement with the charity 'Stormbreak' - aimed at improving children's mental health through movement.

Want to know how you become a vet? Listen to J detail her work experience lambing and the different interviews she underwent during her application. Enjoy the unsolicited and unprofessional tips that we give to her younger sister who is about to start her degree soon. Just as you would expect when you are chatting to your best friend and her sister - stay tuned till the end for lots of bloopers from the many re-takes :)

Want to know the TRUTH about what it's like to be an Oxford Uni student? Listen to Hannah talk through how she got into Oxford - from her personal statement, examination and interviews. Find out the reality of studying History at Trinity College - as Hannah shares more about societies, social-life and work-load. Stay tuned to discover if those rumoured cliques are real... and why you should still apply!