Now that I am back home, I will forever look back at my study abroad experience as the most memorable six weeks. I am beyond grateful to have been able to travel across the world and study in a city with amazing culture and scenery.

Firstly, I enjoyed my classes far more than I expected. My drawing class was was instructed by the sweetest and very talented professor who is from Florence. He genuinely cared about his students and gave the best advice to improve our skills. I gained lots of confidence in my drawing ability from taking his class. I’ve always held a great interest in art and it was an experience getting to immerse ourselves in such new surroundings with our graphite pencils and sketchpad. The art history class I took taught me so much especially about the greatest artists Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. I enjoyed learning about the content, but also getting to see it first hand in the museums and monuments.

Through studying abroad, I met new friends who go to Pitt as well. I am very excited to see them again during the school year! We made so many memories together and I miss them already. We traveled to so many places during our weekends there. Switzerland was on the top of my list and we were able to visit during our second weekend. The chocolate and gorgeous water and mountains were worth it! I will never forget my weekend in France with my roommate. We explored Disneyland Paris and had a blast on the rides! Of course we had to visit the Eiffel Tower, too! I also really enjoyed my final weekend at Rome and Cinque Terre. We toured the famous Colosseum, saw the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps, and had the best Carbonara from the entire trip! Cinque Terre’s water was so blue and I enjoyed the cute shops and restaurants. I wish I could see so much more!

I learned to not be afraid to try new things, but also how to manage my time. Going back to Pitt I can apply the balance of studying and having fun. I performed well in my classes abroad meanwhile having the best time with my new friends and seeing new places. At Pitt, I can do this too! What I learned from my classes I can also apply to my future at Pitt and career.

I am extremely appreciative of what I have been able to experience while being abroad. It will be an experience that I will look back on forever and take with me as I continue to grow. Thank you to everyone who has made this possible!