Ciao! My name is Ian Strong, and I am from Downingtown, PA. I am a junior at the University of Pittsburgh majoring in Finance with a minor in Economics. Previously I interned at an active asset management firm, where I gained hands-on experience and deepened my understanding of the financial industry. That internship confirmed my interest in pursuing a career in public markets after graduation. In my free time, I enjoy snowboarding, running, watching sports, and listening to music.
I am currently studying in Florence, Italy through the Pitt Global Business Institute. I choose to study abroad in Florence because of the very historical culture, famous art, incredible food, and architecture which have interested me for a while. Additionally, Pitt Business provided a fantastic opportunity for me to not only live in Italy for nearly four months, while taking interesting classes within and outside of my major. I hope that throughout this program I can immerse myself into the Italian culture as much as possible and try to become a “local” around Florence. I also hope to gain as many new perspectives and experiences as possible whether that’s through travelling, interacting with others, or stepping out of my comfort zone to try new things.
In Florence, I am studying through CEA CAPA’s program. CEA CAPA is similar to Pitt in that the staff are incredibly welcoming. All of my professors and the staff are very approachable and want to make this program the best experience possible for you. During the first week, we were able to take a hike to Piazzale Michelangelo with a bunch of fellow students and most of the staff! Additionally, similarly to Pitt the orientation and onboarding process was very smooth for arriving to Florence, scheduling classes, and moving into housing. In terms of differences between CEA CAPA and Pitt, I think that the number of staff is the biggest difference. Through CEA CAPA I feel like you have an easier opportunity to develop relationships with professors and administrative staff due to the more intimate classroom settings and smaller number of students.
In Florence I live in a six-person apartment in the city-center. Three out of five of my roommates are Pitt students, most of whom I didn’t know very well before arriving in Florence. However, throughout these past three weeks I have really enjoyed getting to know them. My other two roommates are students at the University of Iowa, and we have all connected very well. My roommates have allowed me to find a comforting group immediately and plan activities. We have gone to dinners, explored different neighborhoods in the city, and even travelled together.
I really enjoy our neighborhood due to its proximity to CEA CAPA’s classrooms, many restaurants, and the Duomo! I have already found some of my favorite places just around the corner from my house. We have a famous sandwich shop just steps from my apartment, Pino’s which is a fantastic option for a quick lunch. We also have a couple cafes right next door that have incredible pastries and coffee. I typically stop at these cafes every morning for espresso and a pastry. I recently tried this croissant with pistachio inside. I didn’t think I was going to like it, but it was delicious!
My favorite part of the Italian culture so far, besides the coffee has been aperitivo. Aperitivo takes place from roughly 5:00 – 7:00 pm where friends gather after work or studying for casual drinks and a variety of little bites. I feel like this is the perfect social environment as I have been able to meet other people, connect more with my roommates, and even play fun games like Jenga!
Overall, living in Florence has been an amazing experience so far full of adjustment and many memories. While there may have been some culture shock, like needing to pay to use the restroom at the train station, or adjustments while buying groceries, I think I have been adapting very well. I’m really excited to continue growing throughout the semester, create more memories, and fully embrace everything Florence has to offer!
