Moving to Florence for my study abroad experience has been exciting, challenging, and honestly a little overwhelming at times (but in the best way possible). Florence feels very different from what I’m used to, both academically and personally, and living here has pushed me to become more independent much faster than I expected.

One of my favorite things about my new neighborhood is how walkable everything is. Living near The Social Hub Belfiore means I’m surrounded by students, cafes, restaurants, and public transportation, which makes everyday life much easier. I also enjoy how the city feels alive all the time. Even simple things like walking to get coffee or commuting to work feels different when you’re surrounded by historic buildings and people from all over the world. One thing I did not expect was how much I would enjoy simply exploring without a plan and discovering new places.

Adapting to my living situation has taken some time. Moving to a different country means adjusting to new routines, different languages, transportation systems, and daily habits. At first, things that normally felt simple (like grocery shopping or navigating buses) required much more effort. Over time, however, these small challenges have helped me become more independent and comfortable living outside my normal environment.

Academically, studying at GBI Florence feels different from my experience at the University of Pittsburgh. Pitt feels larger and more structured, while the learning environment here feels more personal and internationally focused. There is also a stronger emphasis on experiencing the city itself as part of the learning process rather than only learning inside classrooms. One similarity however, is that both environments encourage independence and require strong time management skills.

For my internship, I work at MArB, an integrated studio focused on design, engineering, innovation, and business. Working in this environment has shown me how interconnected these fields really are. Rather than focusing only on technical work, the experience involves thinking creatively, collaborating with others, and understanding how ideas move from concept to execution.

I think several skills are especially important for success in this industry and internship environment. Adaptability is probably the biggest one because startup environments move quickly and responsibilities can change frequently. Communication is equally important because working across multiple disciplines means constantly sharing ideas with people from different backgrounds. Creativity and problem-solving are also necessary since many projects require balancing technical thinking with business goals and design considerations.

Finally, I think independence and willingness to learn are probably the most valuable strengths during study abroad and internships. Many situations here force you outside your comfort zone, whether professionally or personally. Learning how to navigate unfamiliar environments, ask questions, and remain flexible has probably been the biggest lesson from this experience so far.