Hi everyone! My name is Crista Amaya and I am a junior double majoring in Finance and Global Management, with a minor in French. This semester I decided to study abroad in Florence, Italy through the Global Business Institute Program.

I initially chose to study in Florence because I had never been to Europe before and wanted to fully immerse myself into a new cultural environment. Additionally, I conversed with previous students who studied abroad in Florence and spoke highly of their experience. Many highlighted a unique course that was exclusively offered abroad. It was the Consulting Field Project which provided them with first-hand experience in providing strategic advice to clients. This course caught my interest as it fulfilled one of my Global Management requirements and offered exactly the type of experience I was hoping to gain. It would provide me with the resources and skills necessary to pursue a successful career in a client-facing role. These conversations further reinforced my eagerness to participate in this opportunity.

Now that I’ve settled into Florence, I can confidently say that coming here was the right decision. At first, the adjustment was a bit challenging. The class structure varies differently from back at Pitt. Class sizes are way smaller, with only 15-20 students. This emphasizes the importance of active engagement between peers and professors. I really prefer this learning style compared to the large lecture halls back at home. I currently live a 25 minute walk from class, which also quite a change from my usual 5 minute walk at Pitt. However, I do not really mind the longer walk, especially since I get to pass by the Duomo every day on my way to class.

Apart from my consulting course, I am taking several other exciting classes, including Renaissance Art History, Italian, and International Economics. My Renaissance Art History has been amazing as it allows us to visit several churches and museums. I am able to learn a lot about the historical background and artistic styles of various art pieces. I have also had the chance to see masterpieces created by Michelangelo or Donatello that I had only ever seen in pictures. My Italian course has also been a lot of fun, especially as someone who is fluent in Spanish. Simple tasks such as ordering a cappuccino feel much easier now. Finally, my International Economics course has also been highly insightful, giving me a deeper understanding of various economic systems function and how they vary across countries.

Overall. this experience abroad has provided me with invaluable opportunities to succeed and grow both professionally and personally. I am only halfway through the semester, and I am so excited to see where the rest of this journey takes me. Until next time !