Buongiorno! My name is Grace Brignola and I am participating in the Global Business Institute in Florence, Italy! I’m a junior studying Marketing and Business Information Systems at Pitt. I’ve been waiting to be studying abroad since committing to Pitt and I’m so happy I’m here!
I studied abroad with Pitt Business through Plus3 back in 2023, where I went to Cyprus to study Global Supply Chains. I was so changed from that experience that it made me anticipate this one even more. While I deeply miss Pittsburgh, I am excited to develop during my time abroad. The Global Business Institute allows me to immerse myself globally while taking Pitt Business courses. I specifically chose Florence because of its rich culture, delicious food, and my ancestral connection to Italy through my family. I’m excited to keep this blog to track my findings and personal growth along the way.
The first goal I want to accomplish here is making new friends and meeting new people! Locals, fellow students from Pitt or not, professors, business owners, anyone! I always love to spark conversation, and this time is no different. People truly make the place, and I’m eager to meet more people in a global context. I also hope to gain more cultural awareness and improve my Italian skills!
Through CEA CAPA we are studying at the University of New Haven, and it’s been so exciting having a new environment become the classroom. While Pitt is a relatively urban campus, going to class in a foreign city is very different. Passing the local stores and pharmacies alongside luxury brand stores is not typical in Pittsburgh but I live to see the bustling streets of people appreciating this city just like me! The professors and classmates are just as motivated as the ones at Pitt which is exactly what I need to thrive.
Our neighborhood is Santo Spirito, which is just a 15-minute walk from our classes and is just on the other side of the river. I appreciate that it’s a bit outside of the hustle of the city center, and our neighborhood is full of locals, allowing me to immerse myself in the experience. I’m living with three other roommates in our apartment. It’s beautiful and full of history. While it was a bit chilly to get used to when we first got here, our accommodations will serve our time abroad perfectly.
Culture shock is inevitable in any experience but I know my growth during this process is just beginning. Gelato is aiding in any sad feelings about being away. Arrivederci blog!
