I have officially been in Florence for a month and a half! It is crazy how fast the semester has been going by. I do not have an internship abroad, but I am taking five courses while I am here. I am currently studying Renaissance Art History, Italian, Florence and the Florentines in Dante’s Comedy and Boccaccio’s Decameron, International Marketing, and Beginner Oil Painting. Italian has been extremely helpful for learning the basic concepts of communicating with locals, such as ordering food at restaurants and asking simple questions when out and about. My literature class, Florence and the Florentines in Dante’s Comedy and Boccaccio’s Decameron, along with my Renaissance Art History class, has been a great way to understand the history of Florence’s culture.
The key skills and strengths needed to be successful in this academic environment are time management, communication, and adaptability. When studying abroad, I sometimes forget that I am still in school because I am not in my normal academic environment. Having strong time management skills has made it easier to schedule time to complete schoolwork and study for exams while still having time to explore the city. Communication has also been a very important strength for success in this new academic environment. When I feel confused, it has been helpful to talk to my peers and professors about topics I do not understand. Communicating with new classmates has also made me feel more comfortable answering questions in class and has made courses feel less overwhelming.
Lastly, adaptability is another key skill for success, as I am learning how the professors here teach differently from professors at the University of Pittsburgh. For instance, my Italian class uses a flipped classroom teaching style, where students teach themselves the material at home and then review it in class through discussion and exercises. I have never experienced this style of teaching before, so it was a curveball I had to adjust to.
One major dynamic I have noticed about this academic culture is that learning is much more experiential and discussion-based. Classes often take place on-site in churches, museums, or historical locations, which makes the material feel more real and engaging. Professors encourage students to ask questions and make connections between history, culture, and modern life. There is also a strong sense of independence expected from students, as we are responsible for preparing before class and contributing thoughtfully during lessons.
Overall, this academic environment has helped me become more confident, independent, and culturally aware. It has challenged me to think differently and to appreciate learning beyond a traditional classroom setting.
.
