As I am beginning to enter the third month of my study abroad program in Florence, Italy, I have been able to grow both my hard and soft skills while in and out of the classroom. While exploring and immersing myself within the country’s culture, I have also had the opportunity to build up transferrable skills that I am excited to bring back to the United States.
The most reoccurring skill I’ve been able practiced is problem solving. Continuously facing challenges while traveling outside of Florence has taught me how to think on my feet, use fast decision making strategies, and staying resilient no matter the obstacle that might arise. To overcome these challenges while traveling, I had to have high social confidence and personal adaptability skills to interact with locals, usually which entails a language barrier, to help overcome any cultural or traveling troubles I might face.
To touch further on the soft skills I’ve grown, my social habits and mannerisms have altered since living in the US. After reflection, I have noticed that I am much more open minded to being outside my comfort zone and trying new things. For example, there is a street food delicacy in Florence called Lampredotto. It is a sandwich dipped in a fatty, spicy broth filled with the inner lining of a cow’s fourth stomach. If I was offered this in the United States, I would decline it 7 out of the 7 days a week! However, with strong persuasion from my Analyzing andExploring the City professor, I was convinced to try it… and I am thrilled I did! It was incredible!
From this experience, along with many others, putting trust in locals opens up an endless number of once in a lifetime opportunities which enable you to immerse yourself in a culture. I have learned that trying new things may be out of one’s comfort zone, but the memories you make and stories you can tell from it are well worth it for the few moments of uncomfort.
On the flip side, taking classes and carrying out my day to day abroad has taught me hard skills as well. First, my sculpting class has allowed me to learn the techniques and methodologies used by sculptors during the Renaissance Era. Understanding this has allowed me to appreciate and cherish the art work more while I walk throughout the streets of Florence. In my Analyzing and Exploring the City class, I have learned the hard skills and methodologies it takes to dissect and understand the culture, food, language, and lifestyle I am immersed in while in a new environment.
Overall, as I begin to enter the third month of my study abroad journey, I will continue to grow and create new hard and soft skills to bring back to the United States to make myself a more well-rounded person. I am very excited to see what awaits for my final month in Florence, Italy!