Ciao! My name is Caidyn Hurley, and I am a junior at the University of Pittsburgh studying Human Resources Management with a certificate in Digital Media! I will be graduating in the spring of 2026, and I am still figuring out what I want to do post-graduation. I am from West Chester, Pennsylvania, about 30 minutes outside of Philadelphia and 4 and a half hours outside of Pittsburgh!
I am currently studying in Florence (Firenze) through the CEA CAPA program which is provided through the Global Business Institute (GBI), specifically the study + internship program. Pitt students are lucky enough to be provided with various opportunities through this program, which caught my attention when looking at what program was right for me! I had never been to Europe before, so I knew that I needed to make the most of my time here professionally, academically, and socially! While I am here, I am taking three courses plus a 20-hour-per-week internship. I will be interning at a widely known tax-free shopping company called Global Blue! I have not started yet; however, I am excited to keep everyone updated on my professional journey here in Florence.
Although I have only been here in Florence for about two weeks now, the culture shock has been pretty significant. The streets are smaller and more crowded, people walk a lot closer to each other than what I am used to in the States, and Florentines do not use AC! Those differences are so miniscule and as I acclimate to the culture and environment, I learn to respect it! A similarity that I wanted to note was how much walking I do here! When on campus I do not have access to a car, so I am always walking to class, or Shadyside if I need to do a little shopping!
I am currently living in a 7-person apartment, with three of my friends from back home at the University of Pittsburgh! The other three roommates are from my same program, CEA CAPA, but they go to school all over the United States! It has been amazing getting to know other girls in our program, especially living with them. Not only do I have an amazing roommate situation, but the people here are the most welcoming and charismatic people I have ever met. All my professors and advisors in the program have made my academic experience exciting and engaging, which I know many of us students appreciate. In addition to professors and advisors, the Florentine people welcome us with open arms and are very curious about where we are from and what the United States is like. Being abroad has opened my eyes to many different cultures and experiences, and I am beyond excited to continue meeting new people and seeing new places during my time here!
This is only the beginning, and I am so excited to bring you guys along on my journey! The adventure is just getting started!
