This semester, I have had an amazing experience studying abroad in Florence. I am so grateful for the opportunity to live in a new culture, meet new people, and grow personally and professionally.
Throughout the semester, one area that I have grown a lot in is navigating unfamiliar situations. Before coming to Italy, I often felt nervous when things didn’t go as planned, such as getting lost or facing unexpected challenges. Now, I feel much more comfortable embracing uncertainty and figuring things out on my own. Living in a new country has pushed me outside of my comfort zone, helping me become more independent and self-assured.
Academically, this experience has also been very impactful. I have learned how classes in Italy differ from those at home, particularly in terms of structure and participation. Over time, I became more comfortable engaging in class discussions and contributing my ideas, which is something I hadn’t always felt confident doing before. This has helped me grow as a student and will continue to benefit me when I return to Pitt Business.
One of the most important transferable skills I developed during this program is adaptability. Life in Italy is often more relaxed and less structured than what I am used to, which can be both enjoyable and challenging. A moment that really tested my adaptability was while traveling back to Florence by train with a transfer in Bologna. As my train was arriving, the board suddenly changed to show that it was canceled. I was caught off guard and had to quickly find a solution, especially since it was getting late and I needed to get back that night. After figuring out an alternative route, I was able to make it back safely. This experience taught me how to stay calm under pressure and adapt quickly to unexpected situations, skills that will be valuable in both my academic and professional future.
One of my biggest takeaways from this program is the importance of making the most of the time and opportunities available to you. Living in Florence has allowed me to explore not only the city itself but also many surrounding areas. This has inspired me to adopt a more adventurous mindset when I return to Pitt. I plan to spend more time exploring Pittsburgh and taking advantage of everything it has to offer, rather than staying within my usual routine.
Looking ahead, I know that the skills and perspectives I’ve gained during this experience will continue to shape my future. The confidence, adaptability, and willingness to step outside my comfort zone that I’ve developed will help me succeed both at Pitt Business and in my future career.
