21/12/2025
An introduction from Guy Juter, the ANU Italian language student who is the recipient of our first-ever scholarship at the University per Stranieri in Siena and whose upcoming journey you will be able to follow right here on our Facebook:
"A little over a year ago, just two days after completing my final high school exam, I began learning Italian. For the first time in many years, I had the freedom to fully follow a curiosity that had no connection to school assessments or obligation. Throughout my final years of school, I had the idea of learning a new language, but being fully invested in my senior studies made starting anything new impossible. Having the time and space to myself, it was the perfect time to start. Within days, Italian became the only thing I wanted to think about or talk about.
My choice of Italian was somewhat impulsive. I had a few Italian-Australian friends, my grandfather spent a few years living in Rome, and I loved Italian food. Yet almost from the very beginning, it became clear that I found a much deeper connection. As I learned more of the language, I was drawn further into Italian culture, history, and society. Writers and artists which I already enjoyed and respected - Caravaggio, Michelangelo, Dante - took on a whole new level of relevance to my everyday life. I found the language itself beautifully rhythmic and expressive, and I became fascinated not only by what Italian meant, but by how it felt to speak it.
After a few weeks of small wins, I decided that I would continue studying Italian at university, where I would have the opportunity to meet other Italian speakers and could be pushed to higher levels of fluency by my professors. Alongside my main study of a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics, I added on a Bachelor of Arts Degree specifically to undertake an Italian Studies major at the Australian National University.
Unlike many students, I did not have Italian family, had never been to Italy, and had not studied the language in high school. I was placed into the ‘continuing’ class with no idea what to expect - completely a fish out of water. Nonetheless, the challenge of being outside my comfort zone pushed me to catch up quickly, and once I did, I found myself continuing to learn simply for the joy and passion of it. The support of other students and the encouragement of my professors fostered a sense of belonging that has become one of the most meaningful parts of this journey.
Now, one year later, studying Italian has become an integral part of who I am. What has kept me going has never been grades or requirements, but a passion for the process. Following this passion for this beautiful language has taught me discipline, ignited my curiosity, and given me a new sense of cultural connection. When I first began, I could not have imagined the friendships, opportunities, and personal growth that would follow.
I am deeply grateful for how Italian has enriched my life, and plan to continue studying it well into the future, wherever it may lead me. Looking forward, I hope to use my passion to continue growing as a person, building connections across Italy and Australia, and discovering the perspectives, stories, and experiences that the Italian language makes possible."
