Studying abroad in Florence this semester has truly been a life changing experience. I have had the opportunity to grow so much more than I could have ever imagined, both personally, academically, and professionally. I’m so grateful for the opportunity this generous scholarship gave me, and I want to thank you for making this opportunity possible.

Living in a new country and adapting to a completely different culture pushed me out of my comfort zone, in the best way possible. I have learned to adapt to their lifestyle, improved my time management skills and enjoy all the little aspects of life. Whether it was ordering coffee at a local cafe in Italian or exploring the surrounding neighborhoods, each experience helped me expand my horizons and build my confidence. Academically, being in Florence gave me such a unique perspective on global business. As I grew up surrounded by a way of life and attended college in a similar area, seeing a new perspective of business has opened my eyes. Italians have put a large focus on relationships and personal connections which is something I want to take with me into my professional career. They also tend to have a better work life balance from my perspective, emphasizing the quality of life which I will incorporate into my future. I’ve also learned how to see things from different points of view and communicate better across cultures, skills that I know will be valuable in any career. I also got the opportunity to meet and learn from people from all over the world, which was an amazing experience in itself. Everyone has been so warm and welcoming, and the people have truly made the experience. 

As I head into my last years at Pitt Business, I’m excited to bring everything I’ve learned with me, both in the classroom and beyond. Not only has this experience been eye opening for me, but I look forward to sharing my experience with other students who are thinking about studying abroad. To anyone unsure or nervous about studying abroad, my advice would be to take this opportunity, even if it makes you uncomfortable, because it will be one of the best experiences ever. This semester has been so much more than just living and studying in a foreign country, it’s been an unforgettable chapter in my life that makes me look forward to all of the chapters to come! Once again, I wanted to thank you for making all of this possible!