For the past month my Mondays here in Florence have begun bright and early with an 8:30am International Economics class. After a quick stop for my morning cappuccino at local cafe John Borno, I begin my week learning about the macro and micro trends that influence and define the changing business landscape. What I love about this class is the intimacy of the environment. The class consists of only fifteen students which I have found has enhanced my learning and encouraged much more collaboration and discussion. There are also multiple presentations throughout the semester which will allow me to further develop my research and public speaking skills. While this class has proven to be one of my more challenging courses this semester, I enjoy and appreciate the opportunity to learn about economics from a global perspective.
After my three hour International Economics course, I have a two hour break before I head over to my Beginners Composition Drawing class. In this class we are learning and practicing the different skills and techniques of observational drawing. As the weather is beginning to warm up we have started to take class outside to practice drawing some of the unique Florence architecture. This past week we sat in the Piazza Santa Croce and drew the beautiful Basilica of the Holy Cross. While this class requires a lot of patience and dedication it is quite therapeutic. Despite this being a course that I would not typically take at Pitt, I have been excited to branch out and try something a little more outside my comfort zone. And what a better place to try this, than with the beautiful backdrop of Italy.
Compared to Mondays my Tuesdays consist of much more free time as I only have my Italian 101 class in the morning. In this hour and fifteen minute course we have been continually developing our Italian speaking and literacy skills. A typical class day starts with us reviewing a new weekly topic followed by practicing this new vocabulary through speaking and comprehension activities. We end every class with a quick karaoke session singing songs like Bella Ciao and Non Succedera’ Piu. Learning a new language is very difficult and mistakes are common, however, our professor is great at motivating us by making each class an engaging and overall fun experience. The best part is how this class transcends beyond the classroom. Living in Florence I am constantly learning and practicing my Italian everywhere I go. By the second week words like ciao and grazie had already become second nature.
My academic week concludes with a three hour Cross-Cultural Psychology course where we learn about how culture influences aspects like human behavior, attitudes, and values. Within this course there are two assigned field components which offer unique hands-on opportunities to learn about the city and its culture. In the first field component we got to directly experience Italian coffee culture. CAPA gave each student in the class 5 euros and sent us into the city to observe the interactions and etiquette that take place in a local Italian bar. Upon observation I noticed that, unlike American cafes, there were no laptops in sight and people seemed to just enjoy interacting and chatting with one another. I also noticed they tend to drink their espresso standing at the counter of the bar as there is an extra charge if you sit down. It was fascinating to see what we learned about in class put into action.
Overall my academic experience here in Florence has been very educational and has reminded me that the classroom should always extend beyond the four walls. Our learning always can transcend and be implemented outside of the room in which it is taught. Being able to apply what I am learning in class to everyday life has helped me not only grow academically, but personally as well. I am so grateful for this opportunity and hope to continue utilizing all its benefits.
