The amount of growth that can happen in the few months abroad is hard to put into words. There is a vast amount of soft skills I have gained, adaptability, problem solving, heightened awareness of my surroundings, and travel skills in general.  This list is not exhaustive, but some of the ones that come to mind. Being able to adapt and problem solve has come with traveling in a country with new transportation systems and language. For example, when traveling to Lake Como this past week, our tickets wind up having a transfer, from one station to the next, that I was not aware of. This caused me to have to come up with a solution in a short time period, to get to the next train station. I was able to swiftly find a public transport to the next station, with all directions in Italian and no staff. After reaching the next station in time, with a bit of jogging involved, I reached the next train. After sitting I was able to realize, I never became anxious, worried, or fearful. Although it was late at night in a more rural location, I was able to think quickly, problem solve, and get to the next train. Being able to stay calm in situations such as this, as well as in large crowds, has been a skill I have gained. This has additionally built my confidence to try new things and talk to new people. Further, my awareness and safety of myself and my belongings has grown. I have become a lot smarter in regards to travel, being wary of pickpockets, when to wear big headphones or not, and other general safety. Lastly, this has translated into me being a better decision-maker. I used to be a very indecisive person, and now I can confidently make decisions.

Some hard skills I have gained are practice in other languages, international financial concepts, and cross-cultural studies.  I have been learning Italian, and have been having to properly greet Italians and order from restaurants. My Italian professor has pushed us out of our comfort zone by having us communicate with local Italians, as well as do weekly speaking assignments. I also was able to practice French in Paris staying in a family’s home that spoke very minimal english. Next, I have gained an international perspective in finance. Two major areas I have enjoyed are studying foreign exchange market and researching mergers happening right now for my final project. Lastly, I have begun an International Marketing plan for my final, which is a semester-long project that applies class materials. As mentioned previously, I am taking a cross-cultural psychology class that provides in-depth discussion and review of cross-cultural skills and subjects. Particularly, I have been able to explore gender roles, developmental differences, and communication. I have greater social awareness and respect, especially after traveling to larger cities with people from all over. When you experience more people, you are better able to understand differences and similarities between yourself and them. This allows you to minimize stereotypes or judgements you may have previously thought. Overall, I have broadened a lot as a person, and really recommend travel to my University of Pittsburgh peers!