Studying abroad in Florence has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. As my semester comes to a close next week, I cannot believe how much I have grown in just a few months. This experience pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me develop a stronger sense of independence, confidence, and adaptability.
On a personal level, I have grown significantly in my being independent. Before this program, I often struggled with being alone. However, living in a new country encouraged me to embrace being alone. I became more comfortable traveling solo, exploring new cities on my own, and participating in activities independently. This has given me a greater sense of confidence that I will carry with me moving forward.
Academically, studying abroad challenged me to improve my time management and organizational skills. With frequent weekend travel and a different academic structure, I had to learn how to balance coursework with my experiences abroad. I became more disciplined in planning ahead, prioritizing assignments, and making the most of limited time. These skills will be valuable as I continue my studies at Pitt Business.
Additionally, being in Italy allowed me to observe how business operates in a global context. I saw how Florence functions economically, from its focus on tourism and craftsmanship to its role in international markets. Taking the class Internationally Marketing also has helped learn more about the international market too. This helped me better understand how different countries interact through trade, culture, and business practices, giving me a more global perspective.
Professionally, this program helped me build confidence in communication and presentation skills. Many of my courses emphasized participation, which pushed me to become more comfortable expressing my ideas. Being in an international environment also strengthened my cultural awareness and ability to work with diverse groups.
Some of the most important transferable skills I developed include independence, time management, communication, and cultural awareness. Living abroad required constant adjustment, which strengthened my ability to remain flexible and open-minded.
The biggest takeaway from this experience is the importance of stepping outside of my comfort zone. Moving forward, I plan to apply these lessons by continuing to seek new opportunities, staying organized, and actively participating in my academic and professional life.
I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity. As someone who had never been to Europe before, this experience felt both exciting and eye-opening. I will always cherish the memories I’ve made. I also learned the importance of having a strong support system while becoming comfortable on my own. Most importantly, I learned to be present and fully embrace each moment. These lessons will be something I carry with me long after this experience ends.
