I returned home earlier this week from my study abroad program that ended nearly two weeks ago. It is so hard to believe that one of the most amazing experiences in my life has already come to an end. As the constant running around has stopped, I can finally reflect on my 6 weeks in Florence. Over the past 6 weeks, I have met the most amazing people and made the best memories of my life. 

One of the most important things I learned personally was how to step outside of my comfort zone. I found myself in many situations where I stepped out of my comfort zone and loved every second of it. I skydived in Switzerland and went cave rock climbing in Croatia. If you told me before arriving that those would be my favorite memories, I wouldn’t have believed you. This was my first time being so far away from home, and I learned a lot about myself through this experience. I got my phone stolen halfway through the program and had to navigate and come up with a solution on my own. At Pitt, my parents are only a phone call and a 35-minute drive away, so it was hard at first to adjust to that.  I learned a lot about myself through this experience along with a lot about the Florentine culture. One of my classes was based around learning about other Florentine culture and how to fully emerge myself in other cultures. I learned a lot about myself along with how to adapt to other cultures.

During my time abroad, I traveled to many places throughout Italy along with other countries such as Switzerland, Croatia, and Greece. Through leaving the country I had already adapted to, I was forced to keep adapting to new situations and other cultures. 

This experience has helped learn a lot about me that will carry into the workforce. I learned that I have an open mind to new experiences and can adapt to all types of situations. These experiences have taught me so many things about myself that will carry with me throughout everyday tasks along with in the classroom and eventually in the work force. 

I can’t thank Pitt Business and Pitt’s Global Experiences office for this opportunity. This was the best experience of my life so far and will be hard to beat. I have so much sadness writing this blog finally realizing it’s over, but grateful for every experience and lesson learned. I already miss Florence so much and can’t wait to be back. If anyone is on the fence about studying abroad, I can’t express enough to take that chance and do it. This was the best decision I have ever made, and it will be yours too.