One of the benefits of participating in the FAME program is that we follow the academic schedule of ENSEA, our French university, rather than Pitt’s schedule. In France, and across most of Europe, students have longer breaks during the semester, which gives study abroad students plenty of opportunities to travel. Even better, these breaks fall during the off-season, making trips both easier and more affordable. At ENSEA, we have two 2-week breaks: one at the end of February and another at the end of April.

During our first break, my friends and I traveled through six cities in Italy and Switzerland: Naples, Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, and Bern!

Even though I had been to Italy before, I was still amazed by the beauty of each city. And of course, the food never disappointed—I loved ending long days of walking with a plate of pasta or pizza and a big bowl of gelato.

In Switzerland, we took a day trip to the Swiss Alps in Mürren, where the views were absolutely incredible. We wrapped up the day with fondue in Interlaken, which felt like the perfect way to experience the country.

Overall, the trip was amazing and gave me a new appreciation for how different European countries can be from one another. Now I’m back in France as midterm season begins, and I’m excited to spend more time in Paris with the warmer weather and flowers starting to bloom!