Dear Pre-Study-Abroad Melissa,
Get ready for the experience of a lifetime. You really have no idea what is in store for you for these next few months, but it is nothing short of amazing. The people you will meet, the things you will learn, and the places you will go will exceed all of your expectations. I know it can be a little nerve wracking moving to a foreign city for four months, but those nerves are completely valid. You will need to learn about a whole new culture, navigate through the city knowing little about the language, and take time to find your own ‘comfort spots’ in a completely foreign environment. It may seem overwhelming now, but within a few weeks you will feel comfortable enough to act like a local.
My biggest piece of advice would be to always say ‘yes’, but it is also okay to say ‘no’ sometimes. Say yes to every free walking tour, going out to get gelato after dinner, getting the extra truffle on your pasta, and all of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunities because abroad will be over before you know it and you will miss these opportunities more than you expect. With that said, it is also okay, and even important, to say no when you are feeling burnt out. Some days will be more relaxing than others and that is okay! It is necessary to take time to recharge to fully make the most out of your time.
Throughout my time in Florence, I have made new friends, learned about the city and its impact on a global scale, found my favorite restaurants and gelato spots, and had the opportunity to explore so many new places. I have seen immense growth in my global mindset as I know so much more about new cultures and have interacted with people from all over the world. I have also learned how to navigate through challenges on my own and have become more independent and less reliant on others. When I return to Pitt I will absolutely carry these lessons with me. I think that studying abroad has widened my mindset and has given me a greater appreciation for the content I am learning in my classes at Pitt Business. With that being said, I believe the saying ‘distance makes the heart grow fonder’ holds true because while these are unique experiences that I will remember for a lifetime, there are many aspects of Pitt Business that I miss and can’t wait to return to. I am looking forward to being back in Sennott and Mervis with a brand new mindset and being able to add a brand new perspective into my studies. I know that the experiences I have gained here will leverage me beyond the classroom and into the professional world.
Get ready for the best four months of your life and don’t take any of it for granted!
All the best,
Post-Study-Abroad Melissa
