My Study Abroad Experience in Florence, Italy
Studying abroad in Florence was a transformative experience that challenged me in ways I never expected. I immersed myself in Italian culture, improved my Italian language skills, and balanced the demands of a 20-hour-a-week HR internship with my academic responsibilities. While I didn’t get to travel as much as I had hoped due to financial constraints and mental well-being, I found so much meaning in exploring Florence and nearby cities. I discovered my favorite spots, deepened my appreciation for Italian culture, and created memories that will stay with me forever. Living with seven roommates was far from ideal, but it pushed me to grow, adapt, and find balance in a challenging living situation. This semester taught me resilience and showed me that I’m capable of thriving, even in tough environments.
How I’ve Grown
Personally: I’ve grown more independent and self-aware. Living in a foreign country tested my ability to adapt and thrive, and I’ve learned to embrace challenges with positivity and flexibility. Connecting with new people and navigating cultural differences also strengthened my empathy and communication skills, which I know will stay with me.
Academically: This experience broadened my global perspective and deepened my understanding of how culture influences business. I learned so much about cross-cultural communication and international business practices by observing and participating in them firsthand, which has made my learning feel so much more real and relevant.
Professionally: My internship was one of the most rewarding parts of this experience. Working in HR for an educational organization gave me the chance to refine key skills like onboarding, policy development, and bilingual communication. Whether it was translating documents from Italian to English or creating resources for staff, I felt like I was making a real impact while gaining valuable experience that I’ll carry forward into my career.
What I’m Taking Away and How I’ll Apply It
- Adaptability: Living and working abroad taught me how to navigate unfamiliar situations with confidence and creativity.
- How I’ll Use It: I plan to challenge myself to take on leadership roles in group projects where I can use my adaptability to guide others and problem-solve in real-time.
- Cultural Competence: I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how to communicate and collaborate across cultures, which is an invaluable skill for working in diverse environments.
- How I’ll Use It: I’ll actively pursue internships or seek full-time roles with international organizations or ones that prioritize diversity and inclusion. I’ll also focus on tailoring my communication styles to fit the needs of different audiences, especially in professional settings.
- Independence: Balancing work, school, and life abroad showed me the importance of setting priorities and managing my time effectively.
- How I’ll Use It: I’ll apply this independence and focus to my senior year, ensuring I make the most of my remaining time at Pitt by staying on top of my goals and commitments.
Leveraging This Experience for My Future
This experience has equipped me with so many tools to help me stand out professionally. I plan to highlight my international exposure and how it strengthened my adaptability, problem-solving, and cultural intelligence. My improved Italian is a skill I’ll continue to build on, especially as it could be a real asset for roles involving European markets or international work. I’ll also share stories and lessons from my time abroad in interviews and networking opportunities to demonstrate my ability to thrive in diverse environments.
Overall, my semester in Florence wasn’t always easy, but it was absolutely worth it. I’ve grown so much—personally, academically, and professionally—and I’m excited to take what I’ve learned into my last semester at Pitt Business and beyond.
A Presto,
Logan Skelly
