Ciao! As I begin the last few weeks of study abroad, I would like to write a pre-departure letter to myself:
Ian:
Although you may be questioning your decision to study abroad, this experience will be once in a lifetime and full of growth. Appreciate every single moment and be present because time flies. When you arrive in Florence, you may feel signs of culture shock or just out of place, but these things are natural. Slowly embrace the change, integrate cultural norms into your routine, and most importantly, interact with locals! After arriving in Florence, orientation for CEA CAPA will start very soon. Be sure to use orientation and the first two weeks to meet other students and make new connections outside of Pitt students. The orientation will talk a lot about different optional programs that CEA CAPA offers, whether it’s an excursion, cooking class, dodgeball, soccer league, etc. Although these activities may initially sound like a waste of time, be sure to sign up for them! These additional programs are included in the program and are a great way to experience Italian culture and meet new people.
After orientation is finished, you will start to plan weekend trips! For any locations that you 100% want to visit, try to book in advance. This will save you money and a lot of stress in the long run. Outside of the few places that you book in advance, keep an eye out for cheap flights in cities across Europe. If you look hard enough, you can find incredible deals! Soon enough you will become a travel master. You will be able to get from Florence to any city in Europe. You will learn how to use buses, metros, trains, reserve air bnb’s, and more to be as efficient as possible. Furthermore, managing all of your travel plans will significantly improve your organizational and time management skills. Second, you will learn how to fully live in the moment again without being constantly occupied with schoolwork, clubs, recruiting, and work. You may find yourself in Spain, Ireland, England, Belgium, Greece, Austria, The Czech Republic, or Portugal, to name a few. You will take on unique activities like ice skating in front of Vienna’s city hall or learning about your heritage in Dublin. These places that you visit all present unique opportunities to learn about history and really immerse yourself in different cultures. Remind yourself that studying abroad is a privilege and savor these moments. Also, I know you are a frugal spender and like to hold back at times, but now is the time to spend the money and experience as many things as possible within reason. Money will come back, but these memories will last forever.
