Wow! Writing this final blog post means that my experience of studying abroad is coming to an end. If you were to ask me how I was feeling when I wrote my first blog, I would have said confused, excited, and overwhelmed. But as I sit here today, I would say that I feel so beyond happy and satisfied with my time here in Florence. This experience has allowed me to grow professionally, academically, and personally and it is something that I will hold close to my heart forever!
Coming to Florence has taught me resilience and a newfound sense of independence. Immersing yourself in a new culture that does not speak the same language as you has been one of the hardest yet most exciting things I have ever done! Having to learn how to adopt a Florentine way of life has been very eye-opening and has brought me challenges, but learning how to adapt and overcome my feelings of frustration and confusion has taught me how to be resilient and has proven to me that I can do whatever I set my mind to.
My courseload this semester heavily focused on business with a cross-cultural aspect. These courses have been so beneficial to me as a Human Resources Management major. I had the chance to learn how different cultures work together and the importance of cultural intelligence (CQ). The most notable experience that I have had academically is my mock interview assignment in my internship course. With this assignment, I met with a professional for a 20-minute interview, which was followed by feedback and a reflection. In a regular interview setting, I have never had the chance to get feedback about my performance, and it was one of the most beneficial assignments I have done during my academic career. In addition to my business courses, I took a Pitt-only Italian class taught by a Pitt professor. This class has been one of the most fun and comforting classes that I have had during my time here, it felt like a small piece of home. Professor McCord created a classroom where each and every student felt comfortable making mistakes and encouraged us to work together in every activity. Every course that I took this semester has made such an impact on my education, and I cannot wait to take the tools I learned in the classroom and apply them back in the classroom at Pitt!
The last aspect of development that I want to touch on is my professional growth. I have talked about my internship in many of my past blogs, but as it comes to an end, I want to emphasize the appreciation I have for it. This experience has allowed me to utilize all the tools that I have learned in the classroom in a “real-life” situation. Being immersed in such a diverse workplace is something that I have never experienced before. I was lucky enough to be surrounded by a team that embraces each other’s differences instead of putting them down. I have learned to work alongside others who speak four to five other languages fluently and had the opportunity to understand how body and non-verbal language affect different cultures. Although my internship was very time-consuming, I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world and I am grateful for the doors that this position may open for me in the future.
Before I go, I wanted to let those who are contemplating going abroad or who are just starting their experience know that this will be the best four months of your life. They will be filled with fun, laughter, and tears, so embrace every emotion! I am so sad for my time to come to an end, but I am grateful for every moment spent here.
Arrivederci!
