During my time abroad I took many weekend trips to other countries. These budget trips were booked using the cheapest airlines and low rated hostels, but ended up always being an amazing time. One of my favorite aspects of these short vacations was the friendships I formed in my hostel rooms. Sometimes these rooms would…
An Introduction
Hello, everyone! My name is Annelise and I’m studying abroad in Senegal this May through the Research and Culture in Senegal program. In addition to my molecular biology major, I am doing a certificate in global health. Through my global health classes, we’ve talked a lot about health and sociology on other continents, particularly on…
Belfast Bound!
Hello! My name is Izzy, and I am a Freshman at the University of Pittsburgh on a pre-physical therapy track. I am pursuing a degree in rehabilitation science, along with certificates in disability studies and pathokinesiology, and a minor in dance. I am also in the Frederick Honors College, a member of Pitt Dance Ensemble,…
Leadership Lessons from the Renaissance
Like many areas of my life, I balance a delicate paradox. As a naturally introverted person, preferring quiet solitude, somebody who needs to recharge, I occasionally find myself in leadership positions, whether in the form of group projects or sports teams. Leadership styles tend to vary, along with people’s definition of being a leader. Often…
Weekend Ski Trip in Chamonix!
One of the best parts about living in France is how drastically the landscape changes depending on where you go. In Paris, everything feels relatively flat and urban, but just a few hours away, the towering peaks of the French Alps completely transform the scenery. As someone who loves staying active and spending time outdoors,…
My first few days and “Aha” Moment
Booming thunder crashes across the city. Heavy spring rain patters against the red terracotta rooftops. The romantic sounds of Italian bounce off the aging walls, still gorgeous despite weathering the hot Tuscan sun. I am sitting in a library (pictured above), looking more like a luxury villa than a public place of study. il Duomo…
Ciao Firenze, an Introduction
My name and appearance have hints of Italian, however how faint. Italy was always a dream, a place I yearned to visit. I am someone from a small Pennsylvania town, hoping to dip his toe into the cultural force of Europe, somebody without a stamp in his passport. Many reasons come to mind for experiencing…
Bom Dia, Brasil!
Hi everyone! My name is Varun Patel, and I am a third-year student at the University of Pittsburgh studying Computer Engineering and Mathematics, and I will be traveling to Porto Alegre, Brazil this May. Located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre is known for its deep-rooted history and vibrant cultural hub….
Communication Barriers
Living in Italy has made me much more aware of the importance of communication, especially when it comes to greetings and the level of formality. One thing that I initially noticed when I first arrived was how important it was to greet people properly. Every single time you walk into a store, restaurant, or any…
The Beginning of a New Chapter: Florence
Salve! My name is Natalie Carpenter and I am a rising senior studying Mechanical Engineering and pursuing certificates in Sustainability and Engineering Simulation in Design. About 4 years ago I traveled to Italy for vacation and on that trip we visited Florence for a day. Though it was only one day, I dreamed of traveling…