My name is Sikai Zheng, and I am a junior studying Finance and Business Information Systems at the University of Pittsburgh. While my professional focus lies in business strategy and consulting, my interests extend far beyond that. I enjoy being active, checking out new restaurants, and exploring new places. Hailing from Philadelphia, my decision to study abroad marked a big leap out of my comfort zone- my first big venture away from home. Florence, Italy seemed like the perfect place to dive into this adventure with Pitt’s Global Business Institute.
I choose this program for many reasons, but the main ones are to become more open minded and embrace cultural diversity. I am excited to immerse myself in Italian culture and learn about the way people approach everyday life in different parts of the world.
While in Florence, I am studying at the CEA CAPA center located in the heart of the city at Piazza della Repubblica. The academic environment is very supportive in helping us feel at home here in Florence. Classes are very small here in Florence, which allows us to engage in meaningful discussions and learn about my peers and professors.
Living in the Santa Croce neighborhood offers a balance of being away from tourist-heavy areas and walking distance from grocery stores, restaurants, and a beautiful park along the river. Sharing an apartment with fellow Pitt students and others from American universities has been a fun experience. We have come to love our walks around the neighborhood and getting to interact with the locals.
While adjusting to life in Florence has presented its challenges, from missing loved ones back home to dealing with the language barrier, each obstacle represents an opportunity for personal growth. Although my Italian was non-existent upon arrival, navigating daily life has become increasingly easier, with the help of English speakers in this tourist-friendly city.
Thank you for tuning in. I will keep you posted with stories from this experience. Looking forward to the rest of the semester abroad.
