Ciao! In Florence, I am taking a class for both my major and personal interests. As a Pitt student studying abroad, all students are required to take an Italian language course. I am currently in Italian: Here and Now, which is a beginner level class focused on basic conversation skills. So far, we’ve learned how to order at a café, identify classroom items, describe rooms and items in a house, and use common verbs and adjectives. What I like most about this class is that I can immediately apply what I learn. Whether I’m ordering coffee or asking for directions, I feel more confident doing basic tasks.

I am also taking international finance, which counts towards my Finance major. Being in Europe while studying global markets has made the material feel much more real. A couple of weeks ago, we learned about currency fluctuations and exchange rates. I was able to apply that knowledge when I visited London after learning about the UK’s departure from the EU. I better understood the implications for the British pound and why currency values fluctuate the way they do. I loved getting the opportunity to connect something I learned in class to a real-world experience while traveling.

I am also taking Renaissance Art History. Taking this class in Florence feels surreal because we are learning about artists like Ghiberti, Brunelleschi, and Donatello while passing their works on the way to my classes every day. Every week, we have lectures on Monday and have site visits every Wednesday. So far, I’ve been able to visit about seven museums, including the Opera de Duomo Museum. In addition, I am taking Sculpting, which is very different from my other three classes. I chose it because I wanted something hands-on and creative. So far, we have sculpted David’s nose and David’s eye.

I think the biggest skills needed here are open-mindedness, adaptability, and time management. Classes feel different than they do at home, so being open to new teaching styles and expectations is important. You have to adapt quickly, balancing traveling with coursework and learning a new language at the same time. Professors are extremely helpful, not just with coursework, but with life in Florence. They love giving recommendations for museums, weekend trips, and restaurants- you just have to take initiative and ask. Classes here are much smaller, making them feel more personalized and supportive. Overall, this experience has pushed me to become more independent, organized, and willing to step outside of my comfort zone.