During my time abroad in Italy, I have learned several lessons that I plan to take forward into the rest of my academic career at Pitt and beyond. The first lesson I learned was to live in the moment and enjoy the present. Life moves slower in Italy. Italians take their time walking to work,…

Food culture in Italy drastically differs from the United States. One of my first “wow” or “aha” moments happened during my first week when I bought a package of cherry tomatoes from the grocery store without thinking much of it. They were the best tomatoes I had ever tasted. I like tomatoes in general, but…

The main part of Florence that I have found the most difficult to assimilate into includes the heat. Even though it is only slightly hotter here than at home, the typical Italian lifestyle makes the temperature outside a bit more strenuous. Italians dress more formal in their daily attire than Americans. Unlike in the United…

Hi! My name is Maddie Mumma, and I have just begun my six-week study abroad program in Florence, Italy. I am a rising junior at the University of Pittsburgh, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Statistics alongside a Sports Studies Certificate and an Honors Degree through the David C. Frederick Honors College. Additionally, I will…