Ciao! My name is Rylie Banks, and I am a junior currently studying abroad in Florence with CEA CAPA! I am a Human Resources major and plan to pursue law after my undergrad. At Pitt, I am a part of the Pitt Dance Ensemble, the Ballet Club at Pitt, Women in Business, and held two different board positions for the Fashion Business Association. Although I love all that I am involved in at Pitt, I was ready to step out of my comfort zone and make a change, and this program helped me do just that!

Before coming to college, I knew that I wanted to study abroad, and I also have always wanted to travel to Italy, so this was the perfect opportunity for both! I am excited to immerse myself in the culture and learn about Florence and its history. That is why I am taking courses such as Exploring the Global City of Florence and Renaissance Art History, in which I have already learned so much! I am also very excited to be taking Italian, so I can eventually start communicating with the locals more. These classes are much smaller than my usual business classes back at Pitt, which I am starting to enjoy because I can build a stronger connection with my teachers. My classes are filled with a majority of Pitt students, but I get to meet new people from different places across the US! I also have the opportunity to tour different art museums and go on walking tours around the city as part of my classes. 

I live with 11 other girls in an apartment that I love! It was definitely an adjustment, as I am used to only having 3 other roommates, but it is going well! Our apartment is about 20 minutes from the Duomo, so it’s a bit of a walk, but it lets us explore more of Florence outside the city center. Just like at Pitt, we walk everywhere, whether that be to class, dinner, or shopping. I am definitely getting a record amount of steps here! We even made friends with a waiter at a local restaurant and different shop owners who are used to interacting with study abroad students. At first, I was a bit homesick, but now I never want to leave! I am grateful to be given so many opportunities through this program, whether it be traveling to different cities in Italy or participating in activities such as an Italian cooking class!