Global Transformations: A Journey of Learning, Adapting, and Navigating Cultures

          Someone once said, "Studying abroad is the best way to learn and understand different cultures and perspectives." My life took a transformative turn during my four months in Europe, and having Florence, Italy, as my temporary home felt surreal. Reflecting on where I stood in Fall '22, where I found myself in Spring '23, and my current position, it is clear how my worldview and classroom outlook have evolved. Having spent 22 years in the United States, I had grown comfortable and had not faced significant changes or challenges. However, venturing abroad pushed me out of my comfort zone, compelling me to learn and adapt to unfamiliar surroundings. My global learning experience in a foreign country, where I had never been, did not speak the language, and knew little about the culture, became a profound lesson. As a prospective PR/marketing professional, this journey taught me to overcome obstacles by applying knowledge acquired in classes abroad and at USC, essential for seamless integration into the Florentine lifestyle and community.

          Upon my arrival in Florence, Italy, during the spring semester of my junior year, I faced the challenge of navigating a foreign language landscape, having studied Spanish throughout high school and college. In response, I enrolled in Cultural Introduction to Italy, a class that integrated a language component into its curriculum. Throughout this course, which delved into Italy's history with a focus on Florence's significance, we devoted 30-45 minutes to practicing basic Italian phrases and words at the end of each class. Over time, I learned daily tasks like ordering coffee, food, and groceries as a local, although I never mastered the proper Italian accent. This class played a pivotal role in my success in Florence by fostering an appreciation for the historical context of every building, bridge, square, or shop I encountered. Another influential class was Art, Food, Fashion, and Wine: Creative Advertising of Italian Destinations, where I gained insights into how another country markets its food, fashion, art, wine, and movies. In comparing advertising strategies between Italy and the U.S., I examined how brands like Barilla are promoted, emphasizing the brand's historical roots in Italy. Combining my lecture notes from both classes, Artifact 1 encapsulates my learning throughout the semester. These classes were instrumental in shaping my Italian experience, especially in non-tourist areas where the language component proved necessary. 

          These experiences enriched my time abroad and taught me valuable skills to adapt to new and diverse cultures in future travels or living experiences. The creative advertising class, in particular, will be beneficial stateside, providing me with an alternative understanding of brand marketing. This exposure allows me to think outside the box, generate unique ideas, and employ different techniques. I have gained the skills to effectively communicate and adapt to people with language barriers or different cultural backgrounds, an ability I am confident will be valuable in my future endeavors.    

          My classes abroad equipped me with skills and knowledge relevant to my future as a PR/marketing professional. A class during my academic career was JOUR 285: Social Media and Society, taken at the University of South Carolina in the spring of 2022. This class proved instrumental in planning my travels and maximizing my experiences in Florence. Within its framework, I learned techniques to manipulate my social media algorithm, curating content on studying abroad, travel tips, must-see destinations, best restaurants, and navigating different countries. The class delved into choosing the right platform and obtaining content tailored to my preferences, offering insights into algorithms and how to centralize desired information on any platform. Initially chosen as an elective based on prior interests, the course unexpectedly became immensely beneficial during my time abroad. As you can see from my lecture notes from JOUR 285 I learned how to get information I needed while abroad via social media. Artifact 2, while I had extensively researched Florence before arriving, scheduling trips outside Italy became challenging due to classes and work commitments. Turning to TikTok and Instagram, I revisited my USC learning to source the best content tailored to my preferences. Over time, I effortlessly received travel tips without actively seeking them. When planning my trip to Switzerland, I extensively used both platforms to find the best skiing spots, purchase tickets, and acquire reasonably priced equipment. In many countries, I discovered financially friendly options for lodging, food, and attractions. This experience highlighted the often-overlooked benefits of social media in travel, significantly enhancing my experience in every country. It assured me that I was accessing the best wherever I ventured.

          The skills I acquired through my global experiences have proven valuable. During this past summer, I interned in New York City, a place I had visited only once during my youth with family, and now I was navigating it alone for three months. Thanks to my time in Florence, I seamlessly adapted to the fast-paced lifestyle without a language barrier. While establishing a routine, I discovered the optimal routes to work and the best places to grocery shop. Utilizing social media, I efficiently navigated the subway, identified the best restaurants, managed a budget-friendly lifestyle in New York, and ensured I explored every tourist attraction available. Much like my experience in Florence, my time in NYC is something I will always reflect on positively, and I am now contemplating a permanent move there after graduation.