Pitt Global Experiences

Ryan Leone, CEA CAPA in Florence, Fall 2025

One of the biggest challenges I faced while abroad was adjusting to a professional work environment in a different country. During my internship at Global Blue Italia, I worked in an international setting where communication styles, expectations, and workplace culture were different from what I was used to. Even though English was often used, understanding accents, professional terminology, and cultural differences took time. In the beginning, I sometimes felt unsure about speaking up or asking questions. Over time, I realized that asking questions was necessary and showed engagement, not weakness. This helped me become more confident and comfortable communicating in a professional setting. What helped me the most throughout the internship was shadowing my colleagues in my first two weeks. Following them through client interactions was beneficial for me. I was able to see firsthand how to interact with different clients from different parts of the world.  Another challenge was adapting to a different work pace. Italian work culture values relationships and thoughtful decision-making, which can move more slowly than in the U.S. At first, this adjustment felt difficult, but I learned that this approach encourages collaboration and better understanding. Observing how coworkers communicated and worked together helped me adapt and grow. Outside of work, everyday tasks were also more challenging. Simple things like setting doctor appointments, grocery shopping, or handling paperwork require patience and problem-solving. These experiences forced me to become more independent and responsible. Even the slight language barrier in Florence made it difficult for me. I spoke some Italian, and most people spoke some English, but even this difference made normal interactions difficult at times; I was always able to problem-solve and come up with a solution. Although these challenges were uncomfortable at times, they helped me grow both personally and professionally. I learned how to adapt to new environments, communicate more effectively, and remain calm when faced with uncertainty. Looking back, these challenges became some of the most valuable parts of my experience abroad.