Once you decide you want to study abroad in Italy, you need to determine why study abroad in Florence is your best option over any other city in Italy. It’s not hard to come up with reasons to study abroad in Florence and live under the Tuscan sun. The art scene, rich history, beautiful weather, fascinating culture, and delicious Italian food will make anyone want to jet set off to Firenze ASAP.
The city of Florence is one of the most popular cities for American students to study abroad. Living in the “birthplace of the Renaissance” allows students to step back in time and study Florentine culture firsthand. Florence is an ideal city to explore and engage in creativity because art is literally on the streets wherever you go in the city. Fashion and street style, famous statues and paintings, and astonishing architecture make living in Florence seem like a dream.
12 reasons to study abroad in Florence
Here are our top reasons why Florence is one of the best places to study abroad in Italy—and the world:
1. Opportunities to learn about culture and history firsthand
Why study abroad in Florence? Iconic sites are just the start.
Florence is the best city to study abroad to learn about art, history, and culture. Because it is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, you will never run out of things to study and experience. There’s Michelangelo’s famous “David” statue, “The Birth of Venus” in the Uffizi Gallery, and more.
2. Access to authentic and fresh Italian food
No list of reasons to study abroad in Florence is complete without talking about the delicious Italian food available in the city. Some traditional dishes served in Florence include bistecca alla Fiorentina, pappa al pomodoro, and ribollita stew. Also, you can’t go wrong with any kind of classic pizza or pasta!
3. Florence is very easy to get around
The city is extremely walkable and easy to navigate. You probably won’t even need to use public transportation, unless you travel out of the city. This is especially comforting to students who are not used to using public transportation back in their hometowns.
4. Chances to practice your Italian language skills
What better place to learn the Italian language than Italy itself? The answer is nowhere.
Florence is filled with tourists and international students, so it is easy to get by just speaking English. However, not every person you come across will speak English. This gives you the perfect opportunity to practice your language skills and learn key Italian phrases.
5. Seeing some of the most gorgeous sites and architectural wonders in Italy
Way up in the Piazzale Michelangelo you can see all of Florence in one breathtaking glance. Also, Florence is home to the iconic Duomo at the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.
Climbing to the top of the Duomo or the adjacent bell tower will give you stunning views of the city and its beautiful architecture. Additionally, don’t miss the Ponte Vecchio bridge. You will feel like you are stepping back in time while crossing the bridge over the Arno.
6. Ease of traveling within the country
Take advantage of your prime location to see even more of Italy.
Besides being easy to travel locally, Florence is in a prime spot for traveling all around Italy. It’s easy to hop on a bus or a train to go to other Italian cities or regions. Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano, Rome, Capri, and so on are all within a reasonable travel distance.
7. Florence is one of the most fashionable cities in Europe
It’s a great city to study fashion management or fashion merchandising in particular. Generally, Italians dress classier and are more fashion-forward, at least by American standards. If you’re lucky, you might be able to go to Florence’s fashion week if you are there at the same time and see all the creativity on display!
READ: What to Pack for Study Abroad in Italy
8. The people of Florence!
Locals in Florence are another reason why it’s a great idea to study abroad in this city. People are generally friendly and welcoming to visitors and international students. Since Florence always has many tourists, you will be able to meet people from all over the world in addition to meeting locals.
9. Affordability for college students
For the most part, Florence is an affordable place to live compared to large cities in the United States. To save money, look for meal plans and student discounts on food and entertainment. Also, housing may be more affordable if you are studying abroad through a program provider.
10. Access to world-renowned wines
Living in the Tuscany region means you have easy access to some of the best wines in the world. The Chianti region is very close to the city of Florence. It’s a great day trip to get out of the city to learn about and taste different wines.
11. Relaxing in mild weather
The mild weather makes exploring Florence more inviting…not that you need another excuse!
The weather in Florence is mostly mild throughout the year except for the late summer, which can get very hot and humid. It can get so hot and muggy that even some locals leave the city at the end of summer. However, studying abroad in Florence will give you a temporary escape from frigid and gloomy winters.
12. The growing diversity!
The city is growing in its diversity among its people. While most people in Florence are Italians, there are increasingly more expats, transplants, and students staying long-term. This includes many people from East Asia, Romania, Armenia, and America.
Talk to our FREE Online Advisor and ge matched with 5 study abroad programs in Florence
3 study abroad programs in Florence to get you started
1. AIFS Abroad in Florence, Italy: Semester
- Why? Start with the orientation, which will help you acclimate to your new home. Housing options include homestays with local families or student-shared apartments. Excursions and experiences on this program include cooking lessons, guided city tours, visits to churches, museums, and cultural spots in Florence, cheese tastings, gelato tours, day trips to cities nearby, and more!
- Subjects? Culture, Art & Fine Arts, History, European Studies, Film, and more!
- Read AIFS Abroad reviews
2. CIEE Semester in Florence, Italy
- Why? In this program, you can take classes in Italian or English. CIEE offers a wide range of courses that help immerse you into life in Florence, such as Italian language, photography, cuisine, or sustainability initiative classes. If you want to work toward getting international work experience, then this program could work for you because it offers internship opportunities.
- Subjects: Business, Communications, Italian, Social Sciences, Visual Arts, and more!
- Read CIEE Study Abroad reviews
3. Semester in Florence - Florence University of the Arts
- Why? With this program, students will be studying at the Florence University of the Arts. You’ll get to participate in a large list of cultural activities, which includes local sports, wine tastings, walking tours, cooking lessons, fitness classes, and even concerts. Also, students can participate in service learning opportunities while studying subjects such as fashion marketing or travel writing.
- Subjects: History, Humanities, International Business, Italian, Political Science & Politics, and more!
- Read CIS Abroad reviews
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Study abroad in Florence for a unique look at Italy!
You’ll see Florence from a unique perspective when you study abroad.
Why study abroad in Florence? There is no other place like it in the world.
The history, art, and culture within this city is exciting to be a part of. You can walk along the cobblestone streets Michelango once stood on or study classic art pieces up close and personal. Studying abroad in Florence will probably be one of the best decisions of your life, so don’t wait and find a program now!
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