Pitt Global Experiences Students' Blog

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  • Be Open and Be Yourself

    The best advice I could give others who want to study abroad is to be open and understand the power of yes and no. When planning to travel outside the country and step out of your comfort zone intentionally, it is imperative to be aware and accountable for your preconceived biases and boundaries.

    Before embarking on my summer adventure to Europe, I wrote out some learning objectives that I wanted to have achieved by the end of my trip.
    (I wrote these goals on January 20, 2022)

    1. “I hope to facilitate a paradigm shift from ethnocentrism to... Read More
  • A Day in the Life

    CIEE’s Intensive French Language Summer Program is definitely not short of intensive. Every weekday, we had class, totaling 10 credit hours over the summer.
    On an average weekday, I would wake up at 8am and commence my morning routine; wash my face, get dressed, do some light makeup, and pack my school bag. Many mornings, I avoided a tragic death at the paws of the family cat who weaved between my legs as I walked down the stairs. In the kitchen, I would grab a hard-boiled egg and piece of brioche to go. Both of my host parents worked, so I usually did not see them until dinner time... Read More

  • Interning in Rome

    Working at Giulia Barela Jewelry (GBJ) in Rome, Italy, was my first experience outside of a nonprofit environment, and it was a great way to transition into the retail space. It was eye-opening to see a business run by an artist who is thoughtful in their designs and allows them to speak for themselves to connect with a consumer base. At GBJ, there is an excellent balance between passion and profit.

    In 2012, the brand was born in the heart of Rome, where the designer, Giulia Barela herself, personally molds and casts her visions into existence in the form of wearable sculptures... Read More

  • Is “Food the Window to the Soul”?

    I suppose it depends on who you ask. I know someone who thinks eating is overrated, so perhaps it may not be a universal truth. Regardless of this controversial opinion, for me, food is the window to the soul. Eating and enjoying food with good company is something that I value. It is an experience, a comfort, a chapter on life’s simplest pleasures. Food, and the care you put into its ingredients, can transcend language, bringing people together.
    In Rennes, I mostly ate at home, but went to restaurants and small cafes with friends for lighter meals or snacks. My host mother is a... Read More

  • More Than Just Food

    Before studying abroad, one aspect of traveling that I was most excited about was the food and Austria did not disappoint. Before I left, I researched “Austrian foods” and was slightly concerned with the results. I prioritize eating a variety of healthy foods, and every website listed mostly meats, breads, and desserts; however, I was being naïve. Similar to the United States, Austria had a wide array of cuisines and plenty of options. Our trip had the luxury of being able to choose dinner at one of the many surrounding restaurants almost every night. My friends and I had one rule when it... Read More

  • Kartlis Deda Every Day

    In Tbilisi there is a large monument on one of the hills overlooking the city called Kartlis Deda, or Mother of Georgia. Kartlis Deda is supposed to be the quintessential symbol of the Georgian spirit throughout history. In one of Kartlis Deda’s hands she holds a sword for those coming as enemies, and in the other a glass of wine for those coming as guests.
    I grew up in Texas so I naturally take hospitality very seriously. However, I must say that Georgians take the idea of hospitality to a level that surpasses anything I have ever experienced. To Georgians, a guest is a gift... Read More

  • A New Learning Environment

    Healthcare and history are two subjects I have always struggled with in school. I never realized their importance, and therefore, had little interest in them. I would simply memorize facts given to us on PowerPoints in class. A few weeks later, the crammed information would be forgotten. While abroad, my mindset completely changed. I was able to see and understand the impacts of healthcare and history on a country and its people. We visited historic sites, museums, and healthcare facilities which re- enforced what we learned in the class. I was surprised by how much I was able to learn... Read More

  • The Power of the Notes App

    I have a Notes app entry called “Georgia Chaos Log” where I chronicle every challenging or humorous moment of my abroad experience that I don’t want to forget. Some of these entries include helping my host mom put out a kitchen fire, conspiracy theories about Americans that I hear, or getting hit with a door so hard I fell down a flight of stairs. I started this Notes app as a way to cope with everyday challenges but also as a way to reflect and laugh and feel proud of myself in retrospect.

    But in revisiting my “Georgia Chaos Log” so far, I have realized that the biggest... Read More

  • Healthcare from Different Perspectives

    During my abroad trip, I learned about healthcare from many different perspectives. I realized that when it comes my education as a future physical therapist, there are vital lessons I can learn from everyone, including those who do not have a background in healthcare. Overall, there were multiple occasions in which the importance of empathy as a healthcare worker was emphasized. In my future endeavors, I plan to keep these interactions in mind so I can remember to treat patients from a holistic approach.

    During one of our classes, we received a lecture from an English graduate... Read More

  • Overcoming Language Barriers

    As I reflect on my time studying abroad in Graz, Austria with Pitt’s Comparative Healthcare program, the biggest challenge I faced was the language barrier. The official language in Austria is German, and I had no previous experience with the German language prior to the study abroad program. Although we did learn introductory phrases on our second day of class with our onsite Austrian coordinator, Julie, it was a challenge to communicate in some stores and restaurants, as some locals did not know any English. For example, for our free weekend we went to a rural, small village of Admont.... Read More