Studying abroad has honestly been such a different classroom experience than what I’m used to at Pitt. My schedule here is a mix of creative and business focused classes, which makes every day feel a little bit different. I’m taking Oil Painting, Renaissance Art History, International Marketing, and Italian. It’s the perfect balance between analytical thinking and creativity.
Oil Painting has definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone. Spending three hours a week in the studio forces you to slow down and observe colors, light, shadows, and tiny details you’d normally ignore. It takes a lot of patience, especially when a painting isn’t turning out the way you imagined. Renaissance Art History pairs so well with it. Learning about artists like Giotto and Masaccio while actually living in Italy makes everything feel more real. Seeing works in person that we talk about in class adds so much depth to the experience.
International Marketing feels more familiar as it’s my major, but even that class feels different here. We talk a lot about global branding and cultural differences and being surrounded by international students makes those discussions more meaningful. Italian, though, might be the most challenging class. Learning a new language every day requires patience and a willingness to be uncomfortable. You have to accept that you’re going to mess up pronunciation or grammar sometimes, and just keep going.
One big difference I’ve noticed in this academic culture is that it feels more hands-off. Professors expect you to manage your own time and come prepared without constant reminders. There’s less micromanaging and more independence. I think can feel intimidating at first, but it’s also very empowering. I feel more in control and responsible for my own learning.
Overall, this classroom environment has taught me independence, patience, creativity, and adaptability. It’s challenging in new ways, but it’s also made me more confident in my ability to figure things out on my own. I am really enjoying my time here in Florence this semester. I am excited to continue to grow in new directions and learn more about myself and the culture here.
