Hi, I’m Julia Pieri, and this summer I’ll be studying abroad in Florence, Italy for six weeks as part of Florida State University’s Global Scholars Program. When I first heard the phrase “Global Scholar,” I thought it simply meant studying in another country. Now, I understand it as something much more meaningful. To me, being a Global Scholar means being open to learning from the world around me, stepping outside of what is familiar, and being intentional about how I connect with new people and perspectives.
This experience feels especially meaningful to me because I am Italian American, and I will be conducting research in a country that is part of my heritage. While I have grown up connected to Italian culture through my family, this will be my first time experiencing it in an academic and professional context. I am excited to explore what it means to engage with Italy not just as a visitor, but as a student and researcher.
This summer is not just about taking classes in a different place. It is about being present and learning through real-world experiences. Alongside my coursework, I will be working on my capstone project, which focuses on revenue concentration and financial fragility in nonprofit organizations. In simple terms, I am studying how nonprofits fund themselves and what happens when they rely too heavily on one or two main sources of income.
I chose this topic because of my academic background in accounting and economics, but also because I want my work to have a real impact. Nonprofits play such an important role in communities, and understanding how they remain financially stable is something that can make a difference. Instead of only researching from a distance, I plan to connect directly with organizations in Florence by asking questions, observing their operations, and learning from their experiences.
I am really excited to study abroad in Italy, especially because it connects both my academic interests and my personal background. At the same time, I know this experience will challenge me. Conducting independent research in another country, coordinating with organizations, and balancing everything with my classes feels a little intimidating. Still, I know that growth comes from stepping into situations that push you outside of your comfort zone.
My Community-Based Inquiry is centered on understanding how nonprofit organizations manage financial risk, especially when their funding is concentrated in a few sources. I am structuring my research through interviews, observations, and financial questioning to identify patterns and challenges these organizations face. I hope this research will contribute to a better understanding of financial sustainability and provide insights that could support stronger, more resilient nonprofits.
Beyond my research, I want to fully engage with the community around me. I plan to build connections through conversation, curiosity, and shared experiences. As someone who is bilingual and connected to Italian culture through my family, I hope to bridge cultural gaps and form meaningful relationships. At the same time, I want to share my own perspective as a student from the United States and learn from the diverse viewpoints of others.
Right now, I see this experience as more than just a summer abroad. It is an opportunity to grow both academically and personally. I want to return not only with research findings, but with a broader perspective and a deeper understanding of how I can make an impact in a global context.
HSF House Blogs 