Panther programs are designed by our Global Experiences Office staff along with faculty, composed primarily of Pitt students, and are typically led by someone from Pitt.
-
Navigating a Language Barrier in Argentina
Anna Lao, Plus3 Argentina Summer 2025 During my time abroad in Argentina, one of the biggest challenges I faced was the language barrier. Before leaving, I felt somewhat prepared. I had practiced Spanish through daily Duolingo lessons, proudly collecting little green owl streaks like badges of honor. I figured that with enough practice, I’d be…
-
Strangers vs. Neighbors: Experiencing Himalayan Hospitality
Ridhima Ghoshal, Himalayan Health Summer 2025 Having visited India before, I assumed that I knew how the culture works around these parts. However, most of the places I have visited were fast-paced cities and the daily hustle bustle of life compared to the city life in the states like New York. I was pleasantly surprised…
-
The Hospital in the Mountains: My View on Healthcare
Ridhima Ghoshal, Himalayan Health Summer 2025 When I decided to study abroad in the Himalayas, I imagined sweeping mountain views, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and an experience that would feel like stepping into another world. Coming into the program, I already knew that this adventure would shift my perspectives on what I have…
-
Mountains, Medicine & Meaning: My Lessons from the Himalayas
Ridhima Ghoshal, Himalayan Health Summer 2025 Hello everyone! My name is Ridhima, and I am a rising sophomore! I am currently majoring in Neuroscience on the pre-med track, along with minors in Business and Chemistry with a Conceptual Foundations of Medicine certificate. A fun fact about me is that my favorite color is orange! As…
-
Connecting with Malaga and Spanish Culture
Lillie Heise, Global Health in Spain Summer 2025 What stood out most about my program in Málaga was how deeply I was able to connect with the city. I did not feel like a tourist, but more of a learner and participant of the culture. Málaga is a coastal city with an amazing blend…
-
Viewing Health with a Global Lens
Lillie Heise, Global Health in Spain Summer 2025 Studying abroad in the Global health in Spain program had a major impact on my goals and future. It allowed me to step outside of the U.S. healthcare system and see health through a more global lens. In Spain and Morocco, it showed me how the cultures,…
-
Enjoying the Moment in Spain and Morocco
Lillie Heise, Global Health in Spain Summer 2025 Food played a major role in shaping my experience during the Global Health in Spain program. In Málaga and Barcelona I found food to be more than just nourishment, but a window into the culture and lifestyle of Spain. I loved trying new dishes like tapas, paella,…
-
Connecting with German Students
Leo Dean, Plus3 Germany Summer 2025 Germans tend to carry a specific stereotype, at least from an American perspective: serious, direct, detail-oriented, and focused on efficiency. Before we departed, we had the chance to ask a panel of previous participants about their experiences with the locals. I raised my hand. “Are Germans as literal and…
-
Make Your Own Memories
Alyson Ferrari, Engineering Perspectives of the Renaissance and Sustainability: Florence Summer 2025 Everyone has their own reason for choosing to study abroad. My reason was to be immersed in the culture, which meant I wanted to go to areas that weren’t as well traveled. I challenged myself to speak to locals in their native tongue,…
-
A Little Bit Goes a Long Way
Alyson Ferrari, Engineering Perspectives of the Renaissance and Sustainability: Florence Summer 2025 As an engineering student who is pursuing an Italian minor, my motivation for this trip spanned beyond simply visiting Italy. I wanted to truly live there and learn how to interact with locals, learn Italian phrases that were most useful to everyday life…