Growing up in the United States has instilled in me a very different definition of success than I have noticed here in Florence. American citizens are expected to work a 9:00-5:00 workday and put in the hours to keep moving up the socioeconomic ladder. The common goal in America seems to be always wanting more,…
Tag: Spring 2026
People of Florence
Before arriving in Florence, I only knew my friend Gianna. I have always been extroverted when it comes to meeting new people, so I was not necessarily worried about making friends. What I did not expect, though, was to meet the most amazing people. Every person I have met throughout this experience has been so…
Soft Skills I learned in London
Wow. It is hard to believe that I only have two weeks left of the semester. These past few months have been truly transformative and unforgettable. As the first in my family to attend college and study abroad, I am really grateful for this opportunity. I knew going abroad would be a challenge, but I…
Arrivederci, Firenze!
10 more days until I say, “Arrivederci, Firenze,” and it could not feel less real. These past four months have held some of the most special, eye-opening moments of my life, and I will cherish my time abroad forever. I have changed and grown so much throughout this experience. Professionally, I have noticed that I…
The Moroccan Dunes
Without a doubt, one of my favorite trips abroad has been to Morocco. While I had been anticipating it for a while, as it was a trip I wanted to take since before coming to Europe, my expectations were completely blown away upon landing in Africa. The 10-hour bus ride to the Sahara Desert seemed…
Cheers, London
It feels like a week ago when I first got to London, not knowing many people, and curious about how these next few months would go. Now at this point, with just two weeks to go, all I can say is wow. These last few months have changed my life in ways I couldn’t have…
Late Dinners and Local Lessons
Ciao! The weather in Florence has finally hit a steady period of warmth (60s), and there have been far fewer rainy days. However, the weather here was the last thing I needed to “adapt to,” as it was in the 40s when I arrived (as opposed to the negatives in Pittsburgh). One cultural aspect I…
A New Academic Rhythm
During my semester in Florence, I am taking a mixture of art, Italian culture, and business classes. These have all helped me both improve my knowledge of finance in international settings and learn more about the city’s history. As I reach the midpoint of my semester, especially with midterms beginning, I can see how much…
Elizabeth in Florence!
Ciao! My name is Elizabeth Russell, and I am a junior studying natural science on the pre-physician assistant track at Pitt. I am currently studying studio art in Florence, Italy, for the semester. I have been having an amazing time learning and growing as an individual through my classes and travels. I chose to study…
Developing a Sense of Community Abroad in Northern Ireland
While more than halfway through my study abroad experience at Queen’s University in Belfast, I have begun to reflect on the academic and social communities I have gained here. Academically, I have been able to connect with my professors in a meaningful way in the Psychology department as well as my Archaeology professor. For psychology,…