My classroom experience abroad has been great so far. All of my professors are very knowledgeable. But what really stands out is how engaged they are with students. Participation is a big part of the culture here, and that has made classes feel more interactive than what I am used to. Instead of just sitting and listening to lectures, we are expected to be more involved. You need to ask lots of questions and contribute constantly.
I am currently taking Renaissance Art History, International Finance, Composition Drawing, and Italian: Here and Now. It’s a mix of subjects that I probably would not have taken all together at Pitt. However, that has been one of the best parts of studying abroad. Each class feels connected to where we are living, which makes the learning experience feel more real.
One of the coolest parts has been how much learning happens outside of a traditional classroom. In Art History, some of the most important historical sites in Florence actually became our classroom. Instead of just looking at slides or reading from a book, we are standing in front of buildings and artwork that are hundreds of years old. That makes a huge difference in how you understand the material. In my Italian class, we also do a lot of practical learning. We go to places like cafés and practice speaking in real situations. It can feel uncomfortable sometimes, but it definitely helps you learn faster.
To be successful in this academic environment, I think you need to be open-minded and willing to try new things. You also need to pay close attention, especially when classes involve being out in the city. Another important thing is not getting discouraged by mistakes. Whether it’s speaking Italian wrong or struggling with a drawing assignment, failure is kind of part of the process here. The expectation is that you keep trying and improving.
Something I’ve noticed about the academic culture is that it feels more experiential. Learning is not just about memorizing information. It’s about observing, doing, and participating. There also seems to be more emphasis on being present in the moment, especially during site visits or activities outside the classroom. That has helped me slow down and appreciate what I’m learning more.
Overall, this experience has been different from what I expected in a good way. Being able to connect academics to the actual environment around me has made learning more interesting and memorable. It’s definitely pushed me outside my comfort zone, but that’s also where I feel like I’m growing the most.
