My name is Talia Goldshtain, and I decided to study abroad in the GBI Spring Florence Program as a junior at the University of Pittsburgh, College of Business Administration. At the University of Pittsburgh, I am double majoring in Supply Chain Management and Marketing. I’ve always loved traveling, but the main reason this trip was feasible with being able to continue with my academic career was that necessary courses I needed to graduate with within CBA’s requirements were offered here abroad. These courses include Managing Global Supply Chains and International Marketing. While I could’ve taken these courses at Pitt, I definitely feel learning the international material from a perspective abroad adds a special element to the course that I can appreciate!

Moving from South Oakland to the local neighborhoods of Firenze has definitely been a culture shock. From the number of people I live with, to drying my clothes outside with pins, to having to cook for myself everyday as they aren’t microwaves or toasters provided, to the long walks to class, my lifestyle has changed drastically. Currently, I live in a very nice apartment with seven other girls, approximately a 30 minute walk from class. I live in a more local part of the city, with the streets being very quiet and not a lot of English spoken. I honestly love the balance though as the city can be very touristy, and I feel myself becoming more acquainted with the culture when I’m in my neighborhood.