My time in Florence has been one of the most meaningful periods of growth in both my academic and personal life. Studying abroad has pushed me out of my comfort zone in ways I did not expect, and it challenged me to adapt to new environments, perspectives, and ways of thinking. Living in a different country taught me a lot about independence and resilience, but it also has helped me become more open-minded and aware of the world around me. Throughout my time here, I have developed several skills that I know will stay with me. Adaptability was one of the biggest, as I had to learn how to navigate unfamiliar situations and environments with confidence. I also grew in my communication skills, especially when interacting with people from different cultural backgrounds, where being clear, patient, and understanding really matters. At the same time, I became a stronger problem-solver by learning how to handle everyday challenges on my own and think more critically in new situations.
Academically, this experience gave me a deeper understanding of international business in a way that goes beyond the classroom. It allowed me to connect what I have learned in class to real-world situations, which made the material more meaningful and strengthened my confidence in applying it. One of my biggest takeaways from this experience is how important cultural awareness and flexibility are, especially in today’s global business environment. I have come to understand that success in international business is not just about technical knowledge, but it is also about being able to connect with and understand people from different backgrounds.
As I continue my time at Pitt, I plan to carry these lessons with me by staying engaged, seeking out more globally focused opportunities, and continuing to push myself outside of my comfort zone. Looking ahead, I hope to use this experience as a foundation for a career that involves global markets and cross-cultural collaboration.
Overall, this program has not only helped me grow academically and professionally, but it has also changed the way I see the world. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and for the support that made this experience possible!
