During this experience I cannot believe how much I’ve grown. I think the most important realization I’ve had is that no matter where you are in the world, hardships can still follow. Whether it be technological issues, injuries, family illnesses, death in the family, or heartbreak, these hardships would have occurred regardless if I was in Pittsburgh or not. What I learned however, is how to deal with said problems in a whole different environment, which changed my entire approach. I think especially as a junior in college, it was really helpful to learn how to move forward in such situations without the comforts of home, friends, and family, something many of us will have to deal with after moving for job opportunities.

I do wish I knew in the beginning of my trip here to be a little more independent from the beginning. I would have done more solo trips, more so of what I wanted to do than following what others wanted to do. I also would’ve been far more conservative concerning money. I think when I first arrived in Florence I was very excited to do and try everything, leaving me very little money towards the end of my trip. I also wish I saved up a little more money, to decrease the financial stress I have in April. I think I would have also used better time management skills if I knew how busy I was going to be. It is much easier to get work done ahead of time than try to work through essays or assignments on a train or in a hostel because I’m too used to procrastinating. Weekends abroad are not like our typical “get caught up” days like they are in Pittsburgh. Chances are, every weekend consists of traveling, and there isn’t much time for school so time management is everything if you want to be successful academically and have fun.

I think what surprised me most was how much I was able to accomplish. I have travelled just about every weekend here, while taking classes through the week. It’s exhausting, it is, however when I go home I won’t remember being tired I’ll remember all the amazing things I did.