Welcome back everyone! I’ve been getting adjusted to the Florentine life, and I love my new location. I was placed in an apartment that’s a great distance away from many bakeries, stores, and restaurants.

I am especially enjoying the food in Florence. I have tried so many new foods, and have eaten a lot of gelato!I’m getting the perfect experience living right in the heart of Florence. 

Living in Florence is definitely a change, but I’m adapting really well! It’s been a fun process of figuring things out, and I feel like I’m developing a routine. Having a consistent schedule throughout the week has made everything feel much more manageable, from grabbing a coffee, walking to class, or finding a dinner spot.

One similarity between Pitt and Florence is the high academic standard and the faculty’s dedication to student success. Both universities really seem to care about getting students where they need to be, and there are plenty of resources available to help you out academically and personally.

A big difference however, are the classroom rules. At Pitt, I normally take notes on my iPad, however here, they only allow paper and pencil. Definitely a change! 

The classes I am taking here are Renaissance Art and History, and International Marketing. For Renaissance Art and History, we have the opportunity to get direct access to the museums and churches. My favorite experience so far was going into the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. It’s a place I probably wouldn’t have thought to explore on my own. I ended up learning so much about the incredible architecture and artworks that make Florence so unique.

For International Marketing, I am learning and understanding the differences between how industries operate domestically versus globally and how companies adapt to changing markets internationally. 

To be successful in this academic environment, you need to stay on top of your work. It’s a different environment here. Professors don’t always send out reminders for deadlines, so you have to be super proactive and organized with your own schedule. 

It’s also about adapting to a whole new way of learning, whether it’s how you learn in the classroom or learning how to use new transportation. It’s all part of the experience of flexibly adapting and embracing the new culture and country you’re in.