Hi all!
For the past three weeks, I have been enjoying my stay in Florence in a dorm style apartment with five other students. We live in a prime location, as we are not directly in the noisy city center, but roughly a five to ten minute walk from nearly every attraction and school building. Our street is mostly quiet and peaceful, and we are around multiple enticing restaurants. Having been merely acquaintances with my roommates prior to this trip, I have relished in becoming increasingly closer with them and creating memories as a group. I have found nothing but comfort and friendship in my roommates, and I genuinely could not have asked for a better living situation for my time abroad.
I have the privilege of taking a class called ‘Exploring the Global City’ where our main task is to deeply observe an assigned residential neighborhood in Florence and speak with the locals to learn more about their lives. The second class I am taking is an introductory Italian language course. I had previously taken another language course, but was never immersed in an area that spoke it. Now, I have the opportunity to practice the Italian language in the real world as I am learning it. Last week, for example, we went to a local coffee shop and practiced ordering in Italian! I am eager to further this immersive language learning because it truly is amplifying my understanding of Italian culture. Taking these classes simultaneously has and will continue to truly enrich my experience here in Florence.
I have noticed a few differences between the University of Pittsburgh and school here. Professors seem to not be in much of a rush when it comes to the commencement and ending of classes. As someone who typically adheres tightly to a schedule, this took some getting used to. I have come to actually enjoy this because it reflects Italy’s laidback nature, and makes class seem more relaxing. Being that the classes are more intimate with roughly ten students, professors expect more input and engagement from students as well. Because of this, I feel that as students we are getting more out of the material and the class itself. It is also common to abandon the traditional brick and mortar setting and utilize the city of Florence as our classroom, further allowing immersion into the culture and prolonging our time with the city.
To succeed in an abnormal academic environment, adaptability and self discipline are two skills that are imperative to success. It is easy to become overwhelmed with all of the uncertainty in an unfamiliar setting and structure. However, it is important to stay grounded while being flexible and embracing the unconventional. I am thoroughly enjoying my classes, and cannot wait to learn more!
