Since my last post, my classes have amped up, which has been refreshing! Having both new classes and classmates is greatly enhancing my experience here. At Pitt I am so used to seeing the same familiar faces in my classes and courses having a generally similar structure. Through CEA CAPA I have been exposed to different styles of teaching and new classmates which has amplified my academic experience in a global perspective.
The courses I’m taking include Italian, Analyzing the Global City, International Marketing, and Oil Painting. Back in Pittsburgh I am so used to taking soley business classes, so here the variety has made my courses more engaging. Italian has been super important as it allows me to connect with locals and immerse myself more in the local culture. It’s been a fun class to take alongside other Pitt students for an hour three times a week. It involves out of the classroom practice but it’s so convenient to be able to understand the material more by communicating with Italians every day. We have projects and quizzes each week that assess our ability to speak and understand the language.
Analyzing the Global City is also a class that contrasts any I’ve taken before. The first half of every class is typical to ones I’ve taken where we discuss our readings. In the second half of class, we get to walk around and explore the city! We have explored various neighborhoods and tasted traditional Florentine food. This class has been a proper guide regarding the history and local knowledge needed to thrive in Florence.
International marketing has been one of my favorite courses as it directly correlates to my major. I find myself using the topics from this course in my everyday life here, which has strengthened my adoration for marketing as my future field of work. Oil painting has been such a change of pace from any class I’ve taken before. I never thought I would be in a studio art course, but it’s a relaxing course where I can make souvenirs that speak to my time here!
Studying while abroad requires an open mind and a global mindset. Courses can be challenging to manage while feeling homesick, but our professors and CAPA staff provide unwavering support during this time. I am eager to continue learning and growing inside and outside of the classroom as much of my learning will come from experiences within the culture.
