I always knew that I wanted to go abroad – I just wasn’t sure where. I was aware of the typical challenges of living abroad, like culture shock, language barriers, and homesickness, and I really wanted to push myself to face these hurdles while also aligning with my academic goals.
After a lot of consideration, I ended up deciding to have my abroad experience in Florence, Italy, studying engineering and sustainability during the Renaissance period. While I know I will definitely face the normal challenges of living abroad, I also see this as an opportunity to push myself out of my comfort zone and learning how to embrace who I am outside of my campus and hometown.
This will be my first extended experience abroad, and I expect to experience both the shock and excitement that come with navigating a new culture and lifestyle. I think adjusting to the slower-paced lifestyle of the people who live in Florence, Italy, may be my biggest challenge, but I think it will be the most beneficial. In the past few years at Pitt, I have been on the go, whether with school or work, I am always busy and moving. Learning how to relax and go with the flow more will not only give me the opportunity to really explore Florence and embrace its culture, but also give me a new mindset that I can hopefully take back to the States with me.
Ultimately, my goal is to not only gain new experiences, but to take those experiences and integrate them into my everyday life back home. This program is not just a trip to me, it is a journey into self-discovery, intercultural learning, and growth. And I am ready to embrace the challenges and triumphs that will come with it.
