Ciao! My name is Seth Lemler, and I am a junior at the University of Pittsburgh School of Business, currently studying abroad in Florence, Italy. I am currently pursuing a double major in Supply Chain Management and Marketing. I chose to study abroad because of the value that comes with interacting with individuals of all different backgrounds and experiences. Gaining these new perspectives will be essential for both the start of my professional career and how I connect with others in my personal life as well. I specifically chose to study in Florence because I had visited for a single day several years ago, and fell in love immediately. Once I found out studying here for an entire semester was an option, it was something I could not let myself pass up. Furthermore, the thought of moving somewhere I was unfamiliar with and would have to learn to adapt to thrilled me and presented an exciting new challenge. My main goal for this program is to immerse myself in new experiences and allow myself to feel uncomfortable, even if it feels scary.
The program I am enrolled in here is called CEA CAPA, and they have provided support while I adapt to my new surroundings and culture. Something I’ve had to become comfortable with in Florence is that the primary language commonly used is not English. While most people do speak English, there are individuals that do not or are currently learning it. Although this has presented a challenge, it has been incredibly rewarding learning to navigate. Tourists are abundant in this city, but there are enough students studying here that the atmosphere still feels mostly familiar. The professors are incredibly kind and helpful, and have been a huge help in adapting to my life here in Italy. Taking an Italian class has allowed me to get through certain interactions (like buying my groceries) completely in Italian!
What I loved initially about my neighborhood is how close everything is. There is a historic bridge a minute away, a supermarket right underneath my apartment, and gelato right around the corner. I live in an apartment with seven other roommates right next to the Ponte Vecchio. My roommates are all other study abroad students, mostly from Pitt. Adjusting to living here was difficult at first but has gotten significantly easier as I spend more time in Florence. It definitely helps that my walk to classes is much shorter than in Pittsburgh! What has also helped, however, is just becoming familiar with the city and its people. Whether it is becoming a regular at a cafe or knowing without the help of Google Maps how to get to class, I have learned that becoming comfortable in an uncomfortable place is merely a product of time and effort. The more effort you put into the city, the more it will accept you. Overall, my experience thus far has been nothing short of incredible, and I cannot wait for what lies ahead!
