It is crazy to me that my study abroad program in Firenze is coming to an end so soon! Looking back on this experience, I feel really grateful for the opportunity, and for the support from my scholarship donor that made it possible. I was able to experience so many new cultures and see so many different places throughout the semester. The experiences that I have had abroad have taught me so much both about myself and the would around me. Growing up in the United States my whole life, I have only ever experienced the American way of living, and it has been really eye opening being immersed in Italian culture. This experience has had such a lifelong impact on me!
Personally, I’ve noticed a big shift in my confidence and independence. At the beginning of the program, even small things like figuring out transportation or communicating in unfamiliar settings felt intimidating. Now, those same things feel normal, and I’ve become much more comfortable handling uncertainty. Gaining confidence in small interactions like communicating with local staff in a cafe really can transfer to bigger issues I may run into in the future. Academically, I’ve also grown by learning how to balance coursework while often being on the go. It taught me discipline and time management in a real-world way that feels more meaningful. Professionally, I’ve developed a stronger sense of adaptability and global awareness, which I know will be important in any business career. The skills I have learned have helped me already in my personal experiences, and I am confident they will help me communicate professionally as well.
Some of the most important transferable skills I developed are communication, adaptability, problem-solving, and independence. Communication has been huge. Whether it was navigating language barriers or working with classmates in a different environment I am not accustomed to. Adaptability became second nature because plans would constantly change, and I had to stay flexible instead of stressed. Problem solving showed up in everyday situations, and independence was something I built through doing things on my own more than I ever had before.
The biggest takeaway from this program is that growth really happens when you’re uncomfortable. I plan to carry that mindset back to Pitt Business by continuing to challenge myself academically, especially by taking on courses and opportunities that feel a little intimidating at first. I also want to be more involved in experiences that build global and professional awareness, like internships and leadership roles. In my future career, I know I can leverage these skills in any team setting, especially in roles that require communication, adaptability, and working across different environments or cultures.
Overall, this experience has been one of the most impactful parts of my college journey so far, and I’m incredibly thankful for the chance to learn and grow in this unique way!
