Elizabeth Russell, Pitt in Florence, Spring 2026
Studying abroad in Florence this semester has changed my life in so many positive ways. Not only have I grown as an individual, personally and professionally, but I have made friends who have supported me throughout this experience. Traveling around Europe and to Northern Africa together has pushed my peers and I to be more flexible, confident and adaptable in unfamiliar situations.
The first trip I took with my roommates was to Rome in January. Upon arrival, we realized we accidentally booked our hotel for the wrong date. It was almost midnight, and we had to pivot and make a quick decision. After realizing that the hostel was fully booked, we went to work all looking for an Airbnb that would allow late check-in. It was difficult finding one last minute, but my roommate Natalie eventually found a place. That night was the first time I
realized how well my roommates and I work together under pressure.
After many other trips and mishaps, I can confidently say that this experience has strengthened my ability to handle different situations. I know that these skills will not only help me succeed in my academics at Pitt, but also in my career in medicine. I am confident that I will be a better Physician Assistant because I will be able to work more as a team member to solve issues.
Studying abroad has changed my perspective to understand how important experiences like these are for my future career. While academics are important, studying abroad has shown me the value of growing as an individual and gaining resilience.
In the end, I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to study in Italy for a whole semester. I would not have traded this experience for anything because of how much it has helped me grow as an individual. A piece of Florence and the people I met along the way will always have a special place in my life.
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