Catching up with Federico Arengi Bentivoglio and Anna Bianco
Federico Arengi Bentivoglio (International Economics and Management, 2025) and Anna Bianco (Exchange Student, 2025) came from the US to study at Bocconi. Following different paths, they each created a well-tailored Bocconi experience. Federico completed a three-year degree, and Anna joined our Milan campus as a one-semester exchange student.
Federico and Anna recently shared a few thoughts about their experiences as international students from the US studying at Bocconi. While they pursued different opportunities at the University, both encourage US-based students who are “Bocconi curious” to find their own ways to join the vibrant Bocconi student and alumni communities.
In Federico’s words: Q&A with Federico Arengi Bentivoglio
Q: Federico, you have just completed your degree at Bocconi. What motivated you to choose Bocconi for your undergraduate degree?
Federico: Bocconi offers the highest quality academics, and, in the vibrant environment of Milan, the outstanding academic experience is paired with a quality of life and a rich social landscape that fuel innovation in so many fields. It was really inspiring and productive to be a student while immersed in the Milanese culture. Very few universities around the world can offer such a high standard of excellence across the board.
Q: Now that your experience in Milan is over, how would you describe it to your American friends and colleagues?
Federico: My three years at Bocconi were demanding and fun, and I value both aspects of my Bocconi experience. The rigorous academics helped me to channel my drive, and the vibe among classmates gave us all a natural community, a team, really. I took a lot with me from my student experience, including the best friends that I made at Bocconi.
Q: So much of any university experience involves personal growth. Describe a bit of your personal evolution, how did study at Bocconi shape your academic and professional path?
Federico: The demanding environment at Bocconi forced me to create a routine centered on discipline and organization. There is little room for error at Bocconi, but we were always encouraged to keep working, keep growing. I think that we understood quickly that we needed to develop a high degree of time management and efficiency. Those personal qualities are critical to a successful and productive professional experience.
Q: It takes courage, a sense of global possibility, and confidence to embark on a Bocconi degree program as an international student. Do you have any advice for prospective students from the US?
Federico: Don’t feel intimidated by anything. Bocconi is a fantastic university in an incredible city with an amazing international presence and culture. Bocconi offers a student experience that you will never find in the US. My advice? You should explore it.
Exchange Diaries: Q&A with Anna Bianco
Q: Anna, tell us a bit about your motivation to attend Bocconi as an exchange student from the US?
Anna: I decided to be an exchange student at Bocconi because my family has roots in Milan. I visit Italy every year, and I wanted to connect more deeply with my Italian side. I first learned about Bocconi from my father, a Bocconi alumnus and I though a semester there will fit into my academic program and gave me the perfect opportunity to experience daily life, strengthen family connections, discover an exciting campus, and take and study in a stimulating academic environment in Italy. Immersing myself in the life of a Bocconi student gave me a glimpse into my father’s student experience, and I’m glad that we share that now.
Q: Next, a short-answer question: Which three words describe your experience at Bocconi?
Anna: Picking just three is tough, but I’d say “rigorous,” “stimulating,” and, going over the word limit, “abundant in self-discovery.”
Q: You’ve said that the course you pursued here drew you to Bocconi but tell us about your favorite non-academic part of your Bocconi experience.
Anna: Experiencing the small, cultural rituals: class espresso breaks, concerts in the park, and an after-class aperitivo that turns into a dance party. All of these may seem normal to any Bocconian, but to an American, they are super-different and fun. And I picked up this fantastic expression: to have “puzza sotto il naso”, which is useful when someone is acting snobby or pretentious.
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to another US student coming to Bocconi, what would it be?
Anna: Branch out beyond the exchange-student population to meet full-time students! I didn’t find language to be an obstacle at all, and I had only the kindest interactions with everyone on campus. People give great advice on navigating the University and they’ll tell you the best local places to go.
Q: Anna, tell us a bit about your motivation to attend Bocconi as an exchange student from the US?
Anna: I decided to be an exchange student at Bocconi because my family has roots in Milan. I visit Italy every year, and I wanted to connect more deeply with my Italian side. I first learned about Bocconi from my father, a Bocconi alumnus and I though a semester there will fit into my academic program and gave me the perfect opportunity to experience daily life, strengthen family connections, discover an exciting campus, and take and study in a stimulating academic environment in Italy. Immersing myself in the life of a Bocconi student gave me a glimpse into my father’s student experience, and I’m glad that we share that now.
Q: Next, a short-answer question: Which three words describe your experience at Bocconi?
Anna: Picking just three is tough, but I’d say “rigorous,” “stimulating,” and, going over the word limit, “abundant in self-discovery.”
Q: You’ve said that the course you pursued here drew you to Bocconi but tell us about your favorite non-academic part of your Bocconi experience.
Anna: Experiencing the small, cultural rituals: class espresso breaks, concerts in the park, and an after-class aperitivo that turns into a dance party. All of these may seem normal to any Bocconian, but to an American, they are super-different and fun. And I picked up this fantastic expression: to have “puzza sotto il naso”, which is useful when someone is acting snobby or pretentious.
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to another US student coming to Bocconi, what would it be?
Anna: Branch out beyond the exchange-student population to meet full-time students! I didn’t find language to be an obstacle at all, and I had only the kindest interactions with everyone on campus. People give great advice on navigating the University and they’ll tell you the best local places to go.