Ciao! I’m Ellie Kwak, a current junior at the University of Pittsburgh majoring in Marketing and Finance. My life around school includes my involvement in ASA and the Asian Student Business Association. This semester, I am taking classes in Florence, Italy through Pitt’s GBI program partnership with CEA CAPA. I chose to do my semester abroad in Florence because Italy has always been somewhere I’ve wanted to visit. Additionally, so many of my friends had such a great experience about their time here and I wanted to be able to experience that for myself. Through this program, my goals are to strengthen my independence, improve my Italian language skills, and gain a deeper understanding of Italian culture beyond just the perspective of a tourist. I also hope to grow academically while learning how to navigate a new country, and fully step outside of my comfort zone.

For this semester, the classes I am taking through CEA CAPA differ from the primarily business classes I am used to taking back at Pitt. Some unique classes that I am enrolled in this semester include my Business Consulting and my Art Renaissance History course. In my Business Consulting class, we are partnering with multiple local businesses to help plan, promote, and run an event. The goal of our event is to bring the community together so that locals in Florence and people visiting internationally can enjoy the city together. As for my Art Renaissance History course, a lot of our classes are held in different museums/historical sights around the city. It has been so cool to learn about the history and significance of many of the famous sculptures, paintings, and architectural pieces that are in Florence. Most of my classes are located right in the city center. It has been so cool to take classes in many historical buildings literally right across the street from the Piazza del Duomo. Since I am doing through program through Pitt GBI, I also get to see a lot of familiar faces from the business school in many of classes which has been nice. 

My apartment is located just a 10 minute walk from the Piazza del Duomo and is in a great location. There are many delicious restaurants close by and it has been cool living among the locals here in Florence. One of the highlights about our apartment location is that the best kebabs in the city are just a two minute walk away! In addition to being close to classes, we are right near the grocery store which has been super convenient. Adjusting to my new living situation has definitely been a learning experience, but in the best way. Living in Florence has pushed me to become more independent and I’ve learned to enjoy exploring the city on my own. 

Overall, my time in Florence has been growing me in ways I didn’t expect. Everyday feels a little different and I get to see a new side of the city. I am looking forward to the next few months that I get to be here and I am excited for all the memories I will be able to make during this semester!