The moment it really hit me that I was far from home and experiencing something truly new was during what I thought would end up being a simple task: going to the grocery store. I had just arrived in Florence and wanted to settle into a routine, so I decided to buy groceries instead of…
Tag: Spring 2025
From Pitt to Florence!
When I first considered going abroad, I knew that I would want an experience that would put me outside my comfort zone while furthering my personal goals. After weighing the different (and many) options that Pitt Business had, I eventually landed on Florence, Italy! This decision is one I am so glad about, and I…
I’ll miss British sarcasm
One communication difference I’ve noticed in London is that sarcasm and humor is much more prevalent in their conversations. I saw this most often within the classes that I have taken abroad. Most of my professors are British, and when I first arrived it was odd to see a professor joking around and using so…
Getting Comfortable with the Uncomfortable
For me, I did not have one dramatic event that made me realize I was away from home, it was more of a slow realization that I was fully responsible for myself in London. Everything from grocery shopping, to planning my own weekend trips, figuring out how to balance my classes, internship, and exploring London,…
What London Has Taught Me
I chose the Global Business Institute Program in London, England because I wanted to challenge myself by living in a city that was completely unfamiliar, but had enough similarities to the United States that I would be able to easily find my footing. Specifically, the fact that they speak English in London has been very…
Learning on the Go
I have had many wow-factor moments while abroad that have forced me to take a step back and really comprehend how far away from home I was. Traveling across Europe is such a unique experience. It shows how different cultures, languages, and lifestyles coexist within a small geographic area. A one-hour flight can take you…
Tutto Bene a Firenzie
Today marks the start of the final month of my study abroad experience, and I truly cannot believe just how fast this semester has gone by. Every single day living as a student in Florence has brought a new experience, whether it be analyzing the art in a centuries-old church or creating content in my…
Adapting to Spanish Life
My time in Sevilla has exposed me to a variety of cultural experiences, some of which are different from what I am used to in the United States. It can take some time to adjust to the customs and schedule of Spanish life. Living in a new country for four months is different than visiting…
How London’s Been Treating Me!
Deciding to come to London to study abroad was not the easiest decision for me. All the location options that Pitt had offered sounded amazing. However, I knew that no matter where I went, I would make the most of my time and learn something new. I ultimately chose to come to London because I…
Exploring Vienna: Culture, Classes, and Wienerschnitzel
Hi there! My name is Owen Baker, and I’m a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh’s College of Business Administration, studying accounting and finance. This semester, I’m studying abroad at the Vienna University of Economics and Business, right in the heart of the city. Over the next four months, I’m looking forward to immersing myself…