Looking back on my time abroad, I can honestly say that it has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my college career. Spending my final semester studying in Florence gave me the chance to grow in many ways. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to have had this experience and for the support that made it possible.

Personally, I think one of the biggest areas of growth has been stepping outside of my comfort zone. Living in a different country comes with a lot of small challenges. Things like navigating transportation, communicating through a language barrier, or adjusting to different cultural norms. At first those things can feel intimidating, but over time they become normal. I feel much more confident now in unfamiliar situations.

Academically, this program pushed me to learn in new ways. Many of my classes involved more experiential learning. For example, in my Renaissance Art History class we often visited historical sites around Florence. Being able to see and experience the history directly made the material much more interesting and memorable. My Italian class also helped me improve my communication skills and gave me a better appreciation for how language connects to culture.

Professionally, this experience helped me develop several transferable skills. Adaptability is probably the biggest one. Living abroad requires you to adjust constantly. Whether it’s solving small everyday problems, or navigating situations where things are unclear. I also developed stronger communication skills. My communication improved especially when interacting with people from different backgrounds. I learned how to better approach conversations across cultures and make an effort to understand other perspectives. I am sure it will be useful in any career.

One of the biggest takeaways from this program is the importance of perspective. Being in a different country allows you to see how people live, work, and think. It made me realize how valuable it is to listen and learn from those differences.

As I finish my time at Pitt Business and prepare to start my career, I plan to carry these experiences with me. I want to continue staying open to new perspectives and challenges, just like I had to do while living abroad. I also hope to apply the adaptability and communication skills I developed here in my professional life.

Overall, this experience has been something I will always appreciate. I’m thankful for the opportunity to have been able to learn, travel, and grow during my time abroad.