Study Abroad

Study Abroad Reflections

Pitt in Cuba

During my time at Pitt, I participated in Pitt in Cuba and ISA Madrid. Summer after my freshman year, I studied at La Universidad de La Habana in Cuba for 6 weeks. Spring semester of my junior year, I studied at Universidad Antonio de Nebrija in Madrid for 5 months. I loved having the opportunity to study in both Latin America and Spain. I feel as though having this experience deepened my understanding of the globalized world. Also, being exposed to different dialects of Spanish deepened my language skills.

I loved having the opportunity to experience different political systems. Particularly, experiencing the socialist government in Cuba was very unique. Socialism is usually spoken of in a very abstract and taboo way, so I am very grateful to have experienced this first-hand and been able to think about it in an informed and comprehensive way. I felt as though this was a great addition to my knowledge of the classes I took on my Politics and Economy track, and I felt much more capable of contributing to class discussion.

During my time in Madrid, I stayed in a Residencia – a Spanish dorm. The dorm was not limited to just my University, so I was able to meet people from all over the world studying abroad and participating in Erasmus. I had friends from Brazil, Portugal, Spain, France, Mexico, Australia, and more! I keep in contact with many of them today.

ISA Madrid

During my time at Pitt, I participated in two study abroad programs. Summer after my freshman year, I studied at La Universidad de Habana for 6 weeks. Spring semester of my junior year, I studied at Antonio de Nebrija in Madrid.

I loved having the opportunity to study in both Latin America and Spain – I felt that it really deepened my knowledge of the global world seeing different sides to the Spanish language. It was great getting exposure to different dialects, as well. I felt as though that really deepened my skillset. I also was able to see very different political systems around the world, which helped cultivate knowledge in my Politics and Economy track. I felt better suited to comment on political topics during class.

When in Madrid, I lived in a residencia – a Spanish dorm. The dorm was not limited to my University, so I was able to meet students from all over the world who were studying abroad or participating in Erasmus. I made friends from Brazil, Portugal, France, Mexico, Australia, and more. This was a truly unique experience that I am fortunate to have. I still keep in contact with many of these people today.