Reflecting on my Time in Florence

Studying abroad was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I am so grateful to everyone who made it such a special semester. This experience gave me the chance to travel, meet new people, and see so much. Before this semester, I’ve traveled out of the country one time. While abroad, I was…

Sharing My Life Abroad

One of the most meaningful moments from my semester so far was when my family came to visit towards the end of march. Before they arrived, I had to figure out everything on my own, so this experience has felt very personal so far. When they got here, it was the first time I felt…

Adapting to Life in Florence

One of the biggest adjustments for me in Italy has been the pace of life. People here take a lot more time with everyday things, whether it’s meals, conversations, or just moving through their day. There isn’t the same sense of rushing from one obligation to the next that I am used to. Coming from…

Academic Experiences in Florence!

Ciao! In Florence, I am taking a class for both my major and personal interests. As a Pitt student studying abroad, all students are required to take an Italian language course. I am currently in Italian: Here and Now, which is a beginner level class focused on basic conversation skills. So far, we’ve learned how…

Falling in Love with Florence

Hi! I’m Isabella Ricciardi, a junior at the University of Pittsburgh majoring in finance, graduating in December 2026. On campus, I’m involved in Delta Sigma Pi, Pitt Stop to Wall Street, Smart Woman Securities, and Women in Economics. Last summer, I worked at Strategic Exit Advisors, a boutique investment bank in the Philadelphia suburbs. This…