Hello my name is Julia DiPietro and I am a senior at the University of Pittsburgh. I am majoring in Marketing, minoring in Spanish, and getting a certificate in Innovation & Entrepreneurship. This summer I am completing the Global Business Institute program, a six week stay in London, England. During my time abroad I am taking a course on Shakespeare and the Globe theatre. I am also interning at a company called Luxuriate Life magazine as an editorial and marketing intern. 

Although I have been fortunate enough to have grown up traveling the world, I have never lived abroad on my own before. I felt that the GBI would allow me to gain some new independence and self confidence in living so far away from home. It felt overwhelming at first, as students are responsible for all of their day to day schedules, including classes, internships, housework, all in a brand new city with different cultures and structures. Once the jet lag wore off after the first day, however; I found myself exploring London and all it had to offer, like I had lived here my entire life. My initial impressions have been nothing but positive. My favorite part so far has been the transportation, the Tube, as it is so convenient for people to commute on and get anywhere they want to go in efficient time. 

There were a few culture shocks, such as searching for eggs in the grocery store only to find them on a shelf instead of the fridge. I also immediately took notice in how nicely everyone dressed, no matter the occasion or rainy weather, for at home I had gotten too comfortable going to classes in lounge wear in the dreary Pittsburgh weather. 

As someone who dreams to have a career abroad one day, I was the most excited to receive an internship offer to complete during my time here. At Luxuriate Life magazine, some of my duties so far have included writing and editing articles on WordPress utilizing SEO strategies and creating social media content based on new luxury goods and exclusive events (some of which I have had the opportunity to attend!) 

Overall, during my time in London, my goals are to excel my technical skills in my line of work, as well as soft skills for international relations. It is crazy that we are already half way done with the program, the time is flying by. 

I am so excited to see where this program takes me, hopefully on a plane or two for some weekend travel!