Ciao! This is my fourth week of classes – I can’t believe I’ve already been here a month. I have loved exploring Florence so far. I went to Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens, which is where the Medici family used to live. I have also traveled to a few cities nearby, including Venice (for the Venice Carnival), Bologna, Siena, and Montevarchi, and I took a weekend trip to Interlaken, Switzerland. I have a couple more exciting trips planned, such as Rome and Paris!

I am taking five classes through CEA CAPA: International Economics, International Finance, Global Workforce Management, Italian 4: Firenze Popolare, and Analyzing and Exploring the Global City: Florence. My classes count toward my Certificate in International Business, my Finance major, and general education requirements. My classes have students from Pitt and other American colleges, such as Purdue, CU Boulder, and the University of Maryland.

I have found that the skills needed to be successful in this academic environment abroad are similar to those needed at Pitt. As with any college class, it is important to have good study habits, such as looking over notes before class, reviewing the content after class, asking questions, and doing homework. 

However, there are a few differences in the dynamics of the academic culture in Italy compared to what I am used to in the United States at Pitt. In Italy, my grades are more heavily weighted on participation and engagement. The class sizes here are very small, and professors like to have lively discussions, student presentations, and answer questions. My professors value input from students and want to hear our opinions and thoughts on the content. All of my professors in Italy have learned my name. At Pitt, the class sizes are slightly larger, and the main objective is to get through all of the course content. Participation is not as important at Pitt, and the focus is on understanding and applying the course content through homework and exams. 

I have noticed additional differences in Italian students compared to American students. I visited a library this week that was full of Italian students from the University of Florence. At this library, Biblioteca delle Oblate, they had a full cafe with extensive drink and food offerings. The library was used as more of a social hub than a study space, which was surprising to me. While students at Pitt also go to Hillman to socialize, food is not allowed and studying is still the main focus. I saw a group of Italian students at this library order cappuccinos and espressos, sit at a table and socialize, and then leave. 

I am excited to explore more of Florence and Italy in the coming weeks! Although a month has passed, I have three more months studying abroad. I have a few goals that I plan to continue working towards during these months. I want to grow my independence more by traveling solo. I planned a trip to Rome by myself, and I think this allow me to learn to properly prepare for a trip, safely explore by myself, and experience new things on my own. 

I am very grateful to have this experience of studying abroad – it has been incredible so far, and I am very excited for the next couple of months.