Hi! My time spent abroad is coming up on a month now, and I cannot believe it. Here in Florence, I am taking four classes, a lighter course load than my typical  semester at Pitt. However, what I love most about classes so far is delving into my other interests. Its safe to say I have never had any courses in the business school where I was asked to sculpt a replica of the eye and nose of Michael Angelo’s “The David,” walk a half an hour and shop at a farmer’s market, or spend two hours roaming the Uffizi Gallery on a Wednesday morning. Needless to say, these classes go beyond the structure of the typical lecture-focused courses I have taken so far in college. Additionally, I am used to taking courses in which the subject matter overlaps from one course to the other. However, the content, as well as how the class is conducted differs from day to day in my schedule, each offering something unique. Moving from finance class on Mondays and ending with an art class on Thursdays makes for a week devoid of monotony. Taking sculpting this semester allows me to unleash my creative side, Renaissance Art History gives me the chance to learn about a new subject, Italian rejuvenates my love of language learning, and International Finance keeps the fundamental concepts of my area of study fresh in my mind.

When I arrived at the doorstep of my apartment late at night on January 9th, I was filled with curiosity at what was beyond the end of my cobblestone street in the quiet residential area I would be living. Just a month later, with the help of my teachers, guided tours, and many hours wandering the streets of Florence with friends, I have a greater understanding of the story Florence has to tell. I have begun to notice the different architectural styles of the churches and buildings of each square due to my Art History class. When I walk into a cafe, I do my best to order with care so as not to use the incorrect plural form of “espresso.” Each of my classes subtly interweaves itself into my daily routine, and it is becoming more and more apparent to me the longer I spend time in Florence. 

Regardless of the many universities my classmates attend, we all have one thing in common: this city is much different than the one we come from, and for many it is different than anywhere we have ever even visited. One of the most important qualities one must possess when putting themselves in this position is open-mindedness. Embracing the cultural differences in and out of the classroom has been one of my favorite parts of studying abroad so far, and has heightened my curiosity about the rest of the world. Overall, studying abroad requires a blend of adaptability and cultural sensitivity to navigate unfamiliar environments effectively. Strong communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal, are essential for building connections and thriving academically in diverse settings.