Ciao! This semester I am studying a range of courses that are supporting my personal and professional development. The first class I am taking is International Finance, which is an elective for the Finance major. It gives a high overview of the world of finance while introducing some deeper topics like exchange rates and international banking. This applies directly to some of the work I will be doing in my internship this summer. The next class is Figurative Sculpture, an art class designed to give us exposure to clay sculpting and pottery. I’ve enjoyed this class a lot because it’s something I’ve never done before. I also find it a great way to relax and be creative. The third class I am taking is Italian 101. It is incredibly helpful to get exposure to the basics of Italian because you will use it every day. I’ve enjoyed being able to practice speaking the language to local residents, rather than in a classroom environment only. The final course I am taking is Cross Cultural Psychology. This class is designed to give us a better understanding of Italian culture and how it is both different and similar to American. This course has helped me navigate some of the cultural norms I’ve never been exposed to.

One of the key things I’ve learned so far in order to be successful in this new learning environment is to be open-minded and flexible. Living and learning in a new country brings on many challenges that you can’t prepare for. In order to adjust quickly and get the most out of the experience, it is important to be open to differences from your previous experiences. One of the big differences I’ve noticed is that professors tend to be more hands-off when it comes to you keeping up with assignments. It is viewed as your responsibility to complete your work on time. With that, a skill that is helpful is organization and time management. While abroad, you will be traveling, going to classes, studying, and much more, so it is key to have a well organized schedule. I suggest setting up an online calendar and making a to-do list of assignments and due dates.

I’ve been able to utilize my Clifton strength of focus to put myself in positive circumstances. During the week, I make sure to focus on going to class, studying, and taking care of my health. Focusing on these tasks allows me to sustain a busy schedule and make the most out of this experience. It is easy to get distracted with the many activities you can do outside of school, but focusing on balance is key to avoid burning out.