Ciao! I’m Giuliana Mazza, and I am currently a junior majoring in Finance and Marketing. I am studying abroad in Florence, Italy through the CEA Capa program. I have never been to Europe before this journey, and I wanted to push myself to do something different and out of my comfort zone this semester. That being said, I figured moving across the ocean for 4 months would be a great solution to that! Italy is the place I have dreamed of traveling to my entire life, and I could not be more excited to be based out of Florence. While I am here, I want to immerse myself in the Italian culture and experience as much as I can. 

My classes here in Florence are quite different from what I am used to at Pitt, but I love it! I’m taking Italian, and hopefully I will be able to start speaking some soon! Additionally, I am taking a Renaissance Art History class, and I have learned so much about Italy and art in just one month. Classes here are much significantly smaller than what I am used to at Pitt. I am also taking a painting class that is different from the business classes I usually take. Since Italy is a country with such deep roots in the arts, I thoroughly enjoy learning about these subjects in a place where it is so meaningful. 

I live in North Florence with 11 other Pitt students in an apartment about 20 minutes away from the Duomo. Our apartment is really nice and we even have a dryer and air conditioning (which is rare in Italy)! On the walk, there are a bunch of shops and restaurants that I like to try out quite frequently! My roommates and I even became friends with a local waiter at one of our favorite restaurants on our street. Everyone in Florence has been so welcoming and kind.

In the beginning, moving here was definitely a huge adjustment, however, I can now confidently say that I love Florence and everything it has to offer. I absolutely love trying every restaurant, getting my daily gelato, walking everywhere, and meeting people from all over the globe. I cannot believe I have already been living here for a month. The time is flying by. I am truly looking forward to the rest of this journey and exploring new places along the way!