Ciao! My name is Ashlyn Coates, and I am a junior at the University of Pittsburgh studying business information systems and marketing. At school, I am a member of Women in Business and was on the member relations committee this past year. I chose to study abroad in Florence, Italy, this semester because I saw it as an opportunity of a lifetime to live and study in a completely new place. During my time in Florence, I hope to immerse myself in a new culture, meet new people, and work hard on my classes. I am taking an international marketing class here that will be especially interesting, since it will give me a new lens to look at my major through.

My first month in Florence has been amazing. my neighborhood is quieter and a little outside of the city center, which I appreciate because I do not know if I would end up exploring this area if I did not live out here. The weather here is definitely warmer than Pittsburgh, especially now with all of the snow back at Pitt, but it is still a little chilly. One of the main differences is the streets. There are a lot less cars here and most people walk to where they need to be. I live in an apartment with 6 roomates, who I love and get along amazing with. Overall, I think I am adapting well to my living situation here, even though it is more people than I have ever lived with we all have been able to live together extremely well. I also have been lucky enough to get to travel to so many cool places already! Being in Europe and being so close to so many interesting places has been such an incredible opportunity.

Overall I am loving my time in florence more than I even thought I could and I am so excited to see what these next few months hold for me!!