Ciao! My name is Owen Wright. I’m currently a junior at Pitt studying finance. I’m a transfer student, so coming to Pitt I really wanted to immerse myself in lots of different aspects of campus. I got involved in Panther Equity, Enactus, and even started my own student organization last semester. I chose to study abroad in Florence with the Global Business Institute to experience a new culture and build on what I have learned in the classroom at Pitt. I’ve always wanted to study abroad and the opportunity to immerse myself in Italian culture. Pitt’s GBI program in Florence allowed me to do just this. 

As I study abroad, I’m excited at all the opportunities that present themselves. CEA CAPA offers many opportunities to gain authentic experiences while being abroad. I signed up to get paired with an Italian family outside of Florence, where I will be able to connect with them weekly to explore a variety of activities that wouldn’t be otherwise possible. There’s also opportunities to teach English at Italian schools, volunteer around the city, and connect with Italian highschoolers. CEA CAPA has a variety of trips to smaller cities inside the Tuscany area which I’m excited to explore. 

My classes contain students from universities all over the USA which has allowed me to meet other college students and make friends. The classes are a lot smaller than those at Pitt which provides a more intimate learning environment. I was also able to enroll in some non-business classes, like Drawing Composition and Art History. Lots of classes have field trips and a very interactive learning style which has made school a lot more engaging. I’m super excited to explore these new subjects in such a culturally rich place. 

I have 2 roommates that I got paired with through CEA CAPA. We live in an apartment next to the Duomo, putting us right in the busy city center. Most things are within a 10-15 minute walk. Our apartment is quite big for being so central and is similar to the apartment I had back in Oakland. Staying with roommates has made it easier to adjust to living abroad since we are all going through and experiencing the same thing. 

I’m excited for all of the opportunities that studying abroad offers. Florence has been amazing so far and I have a feeling it will only get better. It’s different from anything I have done before but I’m excited to see what the next 3 months hold!