Looking Back to Lisbon

Since my return home from Portugal, I have had some time to reflect on my experiences this summer. My time in Lisbon not only provided me with valuable insights and lessons for my academic and professional career, but also helped me understand how to better enjoy life. While I learned countless things working in my…

Reflections from London

As I journey back to the University of Pittsburgh, I have spent time reflecting on the transformative summer I had in London. Living, working, commuting, and exploring in London have taught me more than I ever could have imagined about myself and my career goals. I always knew I wanted to study abroad while in…

Tchau Portugal!

It has been 2 weeks since I came back to Pittsburgh after spending the most eye-opening and fantastic summer in Portugal. After taking time to adjust back to my routine schedule at home, spending time with family, and catching up with friends, I still can’t believe that I had such a great opportunity with the…

Last Bits of London

After flying back from the UK and settling back in the States for over a week, I’ve finally had some quiet time to reflect on my experience. Looking back, this summer was defined by immense personal growth and incredible exposure to work. I did my absolute best to absorb as much knowledge as I could…

Oxford Adventure and Final Weeks in London

During one of the last weekends here, I had the opportunity to travel to Oxford for a day trip. Getting to see its famous historical spires rising up against the sky felt like stepping right onto a classic movie set. One funny thing I’ve noticed, both here and pretty much all throughout England with its…

Observations and Experiences at King’s

As I approach the end of my 8-week medical internship, I have reflected on the fulfilling experiences and opportunities I have had at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. As a full-time intern in the anesthetics department, I improved my skills in professional communication and leadership. I have also improved my ability to liaise between…

A Quick Train or Plane Ride Away!

Hello, this is Melina Mazzella. My study abroad home base is in London, and I have loved every second of my summer experience here so far. The atmosphere, architecture, events, and people have made this city so easy to adjust to. While I could stay in England all summer, I have also taken advantage of…

Learning from the Portuguese Workplace

I can’t believe that my study abroad program in Portugal has less than 2 weeks left. Although I wish I had more time here to explore and visit other parts of the country, one of the most important things that I will miss and the driving factor for my decision to study in Portugal will…

Thinking and living like a Parisian

Coucou, hello! I have been in Paris for a bit over a month now. Though I have experienced so much, it feels like time has went by incredibly fast. I’ve grown quite a bit from the first day I landed in Paris and felt somewhat clumsy using the metro or weighing produce for groceries. I…

Summer in London So Far!

Hello! This is Melina Mazzella, and I am officially 3+ weeks into my summer internship experience in London! So far, I have felt welcomed, challenged, and amazed by all of the new experiences I have had. Reflecting on the past 3 weeks, I am proud of myself and my friends for our efforts to explore…