As this program comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on how much my perspective has changed since the beginning. What started as a structured academic project evolved into a much deeper experience centered on adaptability, communication, and relationships. While I initially focused on what I would produce-deliverables, presentations, and training materials, I now…
Stepping into new waters
Before this experience, I didn’t fully realize how much I would be stepping outside of my comfort zone, not just geographically, but academically and professionally as well. I chose to participate in this program in Trinidad and Tobago because it offered something different from a traditional study abroad experience. Instead of simply learning in a…
From Pittsburgh to Portugal
Hello! My name is Gizelle and I am a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh pursuing degrees in political science and economics, along with a certificate in human rights and social justice. This summer, I will be participating in the FHC Portugal internship program, and I am incredibly excited to begin this journey! As a…
A week before Greece
Hi everyone, my name is Michael Timm, and I am a freshman Industrial Engineering student traveling to Greece as part of the Pitt Plus3 Program. Outside of the classroom, I stay very active on campus and enjoy taking on leadership roles. I currently serve as the Risk Management Chair for my fraternity, Triangle, participate in…
Engineering Perspectives of the Renaissance and Sustainability
I was first introduced to the Florence Maymester program, Engineering Perspectives of the Renaissance and Sustainability, during my freshman year. As a freshman I was not eligible to go, so I saved it for a later summer. Now that I have nearly completed my sophomore year, I am beyond excited to get to attend this…
Ciao, Firenze!
The moment the plane took off, it finally hit me that I was leaving Florence. Leaving the cobblestone streets filled with art and music, leaving the museums where I would sit and sketch the sculptures. Leaving all of my amazing professors and classes, and the delicious food. Most of all, I was leaving behind the…
Bavaria Bound!
Hello! My name is Ellieana, and I am a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh in the School of Business and Frederick Honors College, pursuing a double major in Global Management and Finance with a certificate in Nonprofit Management. When I first learned about the Plus3 Bavaria program, I was immediately drawn in. As a…
Saying Goodbye to Florence
These past four months in Florence have been the greatest of my life, and I know I’ll carry them with me forever. It’s honestly hard to put into words how much this experience has changed me, my mindset, my outlook on life, and the way I see the world. I came here expecting to learn…
The People Make the Place
Coming to Florence, I wasn’t as nervous as I expected to be. I already knew I was living with my best friends, so I felt like I had a built-in support system from the start. Because of that, I thought my experience would mostly revolve around the city itself and we would mostly stick to…
Learning Through Art in Florence
Studying in Florence means being surrounded by art everywhere you go, not just in museums, but in churches, streets, and buildings you pass everyday. This semester, I took a Renaissance art history course and an oil painting class, and together they completely changed the way I experienced the city. My Renaissance art history class quickly…