The Academic ENVIRONMENT

Living in Florence has been an incredible experience! What I enjoy most about my new neighborhood is the rich history and stunning architecture that surrounds me. Everywhere I look, there are beautiful Renaissance buildings, charming cobblestone streets, and historic landmarks like the Duomo. The neighborhood is vibrant with local markets, cafes, and art galleries, creating a lively atmosphere.

Adapting to my living situation has been a smooth process. Sharing a dorm with six girls has been both fun and exciting, we often explore the city together. While it requires some adjustment in terms of personal space and routines, the shared experience has made it easier to adapt and feel at home in Florence.

One similarity between my host institution and Pitt is the high academic standard and the dedication of the faculty to student success. Both universities offer a range of resources and support services to help students thrive academically and personally.

However, there are also notable differences. The teaching style in Florence tends to be less lecture-based with a strong emphasis on gaining experiences outside of the classroom. For instance, for my Art Renaissance history class, we have lecture for half of the class and the other half we always visit either a church or a museam. The class sizes are smaller, which allows for more in-depth discussions, which I personally really enjoy.

I am currently taking two classes: Art Renaissance history and Cross Cultural Psychology. These courses are deeply integrated with the local culture, allowing me to explore Florence’s rich artistic heritage firsthand. For example, during one of my Cross Cultural Psychology class we had the opportunity to go to a local Italian Cafe shop where we had to observe how Italians ordered coffee compared to American’s. During the activity I quickly realized how different everything was, the way people acted and talked to one another was very distinct from what I’m used to seeing in the US.

I believe that to be successful in this academic environment, several key skills and strengths are essential. Firstly, Cultural Adaptability: Being open and adaptable to new cultural experiences and different teaching styles is crucial for both personal growth and academic success. Secondly, Curiosity and Passion for Learning: A genuine interest in the subjects and a passion for learning enhance the overall experience and contribute to academic success. Lastly, Communication: Effective communication skills, both in Italian and English, help in engaging with professors, locals and classmates.

Overall, studying and living in Florence has been an amazing experience, can’t wait to tell you all more about it!

See you next time!