Ciao! I’m Denae Mobus, a junior at Pitt majoring in finance and a member of Alpha Kappa Psi. On campus, I’ve been able to dive into my interests in business and leadership, and this summer I’m looking forward to gaining even more professional experience!

I’m currently studying in Florence through Pitt’s Global Business Institution in partnership with CEA CAPA. I’ve always loved traveling and experiencing new cultures, which is a big reason I decided to study abroad. Florence is smaller than cities like Rome or Milan, which I think has helped it keep so much of its original culture while still welcoming visitors from around the world.

One of my main goals for this trip is to grow more independent. Moving to Florence has been a big lifestyle change, and I’ve been pushing myself to navigate new challenges on my own. From figuring out the language to exploring the city by myself and adjusting to Italian customs, every day is teaching me something new about myself.

Compared to Pitt, CEA CAPA has a very different academic feel. My classes take place in museums, art studios, and CEA CAPA’s own buildings rather than lecture halls. I love the atmosphere here in Florence. The markets, the streets, and the energy of the city make every day feel like an adventure. Being in such a central location also makes it easy to travel to other places on the weekends, which has been one of my favorite parts of studying abroad.

After just over a month here, I can honestly say that studying abroad has been one of the best decisions I have made at Pitt. This was a great opportunity for me to grow before I start working full time at US Steel, and I am excited for everything the next few months will bring.