My first two weeks in Florence have been packed full of fun new experiences. The CEA CAPA program in Florence has two locations where classes are held. One is the Levi center which is right in the middle of Florence in the Piazza della Repubblica. The other is the Galli Tassi center which is about a 7 minute walk from the Levi center. I am lucky enough to have one class in each of these buildings. They are both so unique and most likely the coolest buildings I will ever get to study in (besides Cathy of course). During my first day of classes it was hard to believe that I was taking a class in a building that has the most beautiful renaissance mural right in the hallway. 

I live in an apartment with 6 roommates, right near Piazza della Signoria, which is where the replica of the statue of David is. The location of my apartment is amazing, I am only a 5 minute walk from either of my classes and we have a ton of amazing shops and restaurants right around the corner. Florence has so much to offer in terms of unique shops and dining experience that I think even exploring just the neighborhood around my apartment in the next 6 weeks will be a challenge. But my roommates and I have already tried some amazing pizza, pasta, gelato, and coffee around the area. 

I was expecting that my study abroad program in Florence would be very different from Pitt but I have found some similarities as well. The classes I am taking have only about 9 people in them which is very different from classes I take at Pitt which can have anywhere from 30 up to 300 students in them. I have really enjoyed the small scale of the classes because it allows me to participate more actively and get to know my classmates better. Both of my classes are seminar style classes where we mostly discuss the topics we are learning about which is similar to classes I have taken at Pitt. However, something that is very different from Pitt is that in both of my classes I will go on field trips to visit certain historical sights in Florence to learn more about them. This is a very special part of studying abroad which I have really enjoyed, it allows the material to really come to life and creates very intriguing discussions. 

With the classes being mostly conversation based, critical thinking and communication skills are very important. Since there is not a textbook or worksheet to go off of when talking in class, being able to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information quickly and effectively is highly important. In order to be an active participant in class, which is what makes up most of my final grade, I have to be able to listen to my professor and classmates and speak on my own opinions. Communication skills allow me to convey these ideas that I want to share with my classmates and professors. I have really enjoyed my new classes and exploring the city so far and can’t wait for what is to come!