Hi everyone! My name is Emily Facciolo, and I am lucky enough to be going to Ecuador with the Plus3 program in Pitt Business. I grew up in Delaware County, PA, or as everyone likes to say, “30 minutes outside of Philly.” Approaching the end of my freshman year, I am still undecided in Pitt Business but getting more and more confident that finance (and maybe accounting) is the right path for me, along with a minor in Law, Criminal Justice, and Society. As for organizations, I am a member of Women in Business, Smart Woman Securities, Fashion Business Association, and Bookmarked.

I love to read, hang out with my dog, and watch sitcoms. However, one of my biggest passions is traveling and learning about new cultures. I grew up watching my dad travel to places like Singapore, South Africa, England, and many more amazing countries, all for work (which made me quite envious). Last year, I went to France with the French Club at my high school and fell in love with the excitement that comes along with experiencing something very new for the first time, no matter how exhausting. Once I learned about the Plus3 program, I knew it was the right thing for me. 

I chose Ecuador mainly because of all the biodiversity I would see while in South America for the first time. It is such a unique country with so many different sights to see in the specific regions, even though it’s not very big. Eating a lot of chocolate was just a bonus. Academically, I hope to learn about all the steps it takes to bring chocolate bars to the shelf and roses to a vase. Professionally, I am eager to learn about what it means to do business globally, especially because of how much the United States relies on other countries in many different industries. And personally, I plan to take everything in and immerse myself in Ecuador’s beautiful culture and learn more about myself. Every new experience will be one to remember, and I truly cannot wait for this adventure I am about to embark upon.