For my last blog post on my experience on the Pitt in Rome study abroad program, I want to talk about how it opened my eyes to other opportunities. Living in another country for six weeks definitely changed my outlook on the possibilities for the future.

This coming summer, I want to try to get an internship in Rome. I have lived in Italy to study, and I now would like to live there while working. I would be back in the place that I know and love, but it would be a different experience this time. Being in Italy as a student is something familiar and although I loved this experience, I think I can take it to the next level and work in Rome. I am going to try my best to make this happen by researching jobs and trying to be as proactive as possible.

I would want to see other places in the world over the summer by traveling on weekends and time off, but with friends and connections in Rome, I for sure would want this to be my place of work. Working in Rome would give me the opportunity not only to be in Italy but also see other parts of Europe as a result of being so close. There are so many positive things I can gain from doing this as opposed to working in the United States this coming summer.

Before Pitt in Rome, I never seriously considered living outside of the United States. I had always assumed that I would graduate college and get a job somewhere that wasn’t that far away. I am so happy that I went on this program because I am more open to different opportunities than ever before. I am not afraid of being somewhere that might not be where I have always thought of as home, but rather I am excited. I can’t wait to find out what next summer will look like for me, and I have Pitt in Rome to thank for the possibilities.

-Shannon