Hello, everyone! My name is Gracie and I am in my final year at the University of Pittsburgh majoring in Human Resources with a concentration in psychology. Currently, I am studying abroad through CEA CAPA at the University of New Haven, enrolled in Pitt’s Global Business Institute in Florence. Florence was an easy choice for me; the rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture are unmatched! In addition, Florence has a stellar reputation as a hub for international business and human resources studies — it is a perfect fit for me!
The first few weeks of my program here remind me of my first few weeks at Pitt. At first, I was overwhelmed by the city and how different it is, but it hasn’t taken long for me to feel like it is mine. Just like Pittsburgh became mine, Firenze is now mine too. I have my favorite café where I sip a cappuccino, people watch, and study. I nod to the same old friends on my daily run along the Arno River. I’ve created a separate album to rank my favorite graffiti and murals that have become some of my favorite pieces of art.
I live in an apartment with three other Pitt students, and we quickly became adventurers in our new city. We have mastered the Italian way of shopping (nothing is one-stop!), navigated the transportation system for weekend adventures, and learned to slow down and appreciate our part in the long history of this city. Our neighborhood looks a lot different than South O, but many of the sounds are the same – I was woken up the other morning by trash trucks at 1 am! The neighborhood is filled with quaint shops and cafes where I often see the same customers. I enjoy being fully immersed in Firenze life. Adapting to this new environment has been both exciting and challenging. Embracing the Italian lifestyle and participating in local traditions has been an enriching experience. I find the close-knit community and the emphasis on social interactions to be quite different from my experiences in Pittsburgh,creating a greater sense of connection and cultural appreciation.
Effective communication has always been one of my strengths, and I have quickly learned that learning Italian is going to be vital. Italian class meets daily and I have already used what I’ve learned to order food and ask questions at the grocery store!
My primary goal for studying abroad is to enhance my understanding of global business practices and intercultural communication. Firenze is renowned for its influence on business and art, which provides a perfect environment for studying cross-cultural human interactions and how they relate to business practices. My plan is to use my first-hand experience as a result of this program to develop a concrete perspective on global HR strategies and to build a network of international contacts.
Overall, my time in Firenze is proving to be an invaluable part of my academic and professional journey, providing me with insights and experiences that will shape my future career in global human resources. I look forward to what Firenze has in store for me in October!
