When I think about my semester in Florence, I realize it wasn’t just a personal adventure, it was a crash course in understanding how global experiences shape the way we think, communicate, and collaborate. Living abroad forces you to see the world through a wider lens, and that shift has a direct impact on how we work, especially in a people‑focused environment like Ideba.
One of the biggest lessons came from learning to navigate difference. In Florence, nothing operated the way I expected. The pace was slower, conversations were more intentional, and even simple tasks required patience and flexibility. At first, it felt unfamiliar. But over time, I learned to adjust; to listen more closely, to observe before reacting, and to approach challenges with a more open mindset. In the workplace, those same skills help us work better with clients and teammates who bring their own backgrounds, expectations, and communication styles.
Global experience also teaches you to value perspectives that aren’t your own. Whether I was talking with classmates from different countries or interacting with locals who approached life differently, I was constantly reminded that there’s no single “right” way to think or solve a problem. That awareness is essential in research and client work. It helps us ask better questions, interpret feedback more thoughtfully, and understand the people behind the data.
Most importantly, global experience builds confidence in navigating the unfamiliar. There’s something empowering about figuring out life in another country, from transportation to cultural norms to everyday interactions. That confidence carries into work directly. It makes it easier to take on new responsibilities, adapt to shifting priorities, and stay steady when things feel uncertain. It reminds you that you can handle more than you think.
Studying abroad fully changed my approach to work, not just how I see the world. Global experience teaches adaptability, empathy, curiosity, and resilience. And in a field built on understanding people and delivering meaningful insights, those qualities make all the difference.
Sophie Pittelli – Research Intern
