As my study abroad experience in Florence comes to an end, I am so glad I decided to take this opportunity and go abroad. I was able to explore Florence, the most beautiful city I have ever been to, and immerse myself in its rich history, art, and culture. From waking up in the morning and going to a local cafe, to walking past some of the most famous art pieces on my daily walk to class, every moment has been so surreal and unforgettable.
Over the past few months, I’ve grown in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. Personally, living in a new country helped me become more independent, self-aware, and open to the unknown. I navigated completely new cities, made friends from around the world, and challenged myself to interact with a different way of life. Academically, I was exposed to global perspectives on business, psychology, and culture that broadened my understanding of the world economy and how cultures interact with one another.
I am also so glad for the chance to visit over 10 countries in the weeks that we were here. One of my biggest takeaways is how important adaptability is. Each new place had different customs, languages, and expectations, and I learned how to stay flexible and resourceful no matter where I was. These experiences taught me to embrace discomfort as part of growth, and I now feel more prepared to take on challenges in both my academic and professional life. I realized that no matter how much planning you do, you cannot anticipate some things. Whether it’s a last-minute project change in a class or an unexpected change in a future job, I now feel better equipped to think on my feet, stay calm under pressure, and work to find creative solutions. These are skills I know I’ll carry with me throughout the rest of my time at Pitt and into my future career
As I return to Pitt, I plan to carry this global mindset with me and apply it to my classes, leadership roles, and future career. Studying abroad has helped shape the way I think about business challenges and how important it is to look at business from a global lens. As I prepare for my upcoming internship and hopefully future career in consulting, this experience has given me a stronger sense of cultural awareness, communication, and flexibility which I know are key skills for working with diverse clients and navigating the complex, fast paced environments I will encounter. I now feel more confident stepping into unfamiliar situations and working across cultural differences. I believe this experience has made me a better student, a better teammate, and a better future consultant.
