Ciao! While studying abroad in a foreign country may feel intimidating at first, it is also highly beneficial for young adults in developing skills and enhancing competencies.
The soft skills I have continued to enhance the most during this experience are time management and organization. Since students in Florence often enjoy the city during the week and travel across Europe on weekends, thanks to Italy’s central location, it has been essential for me to make the most of each day. During the week, I make it a goal to explore at least one new food spot, whether it’s a bakery, gelato shop, or restaurant. Additionally, as I am training for the Pittsburgh half marathon, I run at least once a week, allowing me to experience Florence’s beautiful views from a unique perspective. In terms of coursework coursework, I have developed the habit of completing assignments early in the week. This way, I can fully enjoy Florence in the evenings and travel on weekends without worrying about schoolwork. I continue to use a paper planner to organize my weekly assignments, which has made it much easier to stay on track. Also, time management and organization have also been crucial while traveling. My roommates and I keep a shared list to track weekend plans, including bookings for flights, trains, accommodations, and activities. Additionally, I have learned to keep my clothes and important documents well-organized, ensuring that packing for weekend trips is quick and stress-free.
Two other soft skills I have developed are emotional intelligence and resilience. There have been many instances where travel delays have tested my patience, but I’ve learned to stay calm and focus on the positives, as delay is better than a full cancellation. Additionally, adjusting to Italy’s relaxed lifestyle and sidewalk etiquette has been challenging at times. When I find myself feeling frustrated, I remind myself to take a step back and adapt, rather than reacting impulsively as a foreigner.
Beyond soft skills, I have also gained valuable hard skills. Most importantly, learning Italian has been a crucial part of my experience. While many locals speak English, using Italian at bakeries and gelato shops has helped me build confidence in my speaking skills. In my Italian class, studying grammar has improved my ability to understand menus, street signs, and other short texts, making daily life in Florence more immersive and rewarding.
Other hard skills I have gained are field-specific knowledge and research skills. In my museology and sculpting classes, I have learned various techniques that have helped me become both an amateur sculptor and a museum critic. Sculpting has introduced me to a wide range of tools and methods that I never would have thought to be as beneficial as they are. In museology, I have developed the ability to critically analyze not only the artworks themselves but also the reasoning behind their placement, the significance of museum layouts, and the impact of different lighting techniques in each room. Because of these skills, I feel more like a local every day, successfully navigating cross-cultural situations. At the beginning of the semester, my friends and I were frequently approached by scammers trying to sell us things. Now, these encounters have become rare due to the way we carry ourselves on the street. We also feel more confident engaging with locals, taking the time to build connections and learn from their recommendations on food and travel. These interactions have been invaluable in helping us budget trips and choose worthwhile activities.
Overall, studying abroad has equipped me with skills that will allow me to adapt to foreign environments as an adult in the future. Ciao!
