Study Abroad in Florence, Italy with AIFS Abroad

Everything about AIFS is organized so well! I loved all the planned trips and classes, sports, and volunteering you could do within the program. I think my favorite part about this program was the meal plan and my friends I met and became so close with. I also learned a lot about Italy and got to explore a lot of my interests in my classes. My only one issue was with the absence policy. I get that 3 absences is generous, but I didn't like how you couldn't get an excused absence with a doctor's note. Unfortunately I got sick a lot during the program because students would come to school sick as they had no other choice. This caused sickness to spread rapidly among students in the program. It was disappointing that when I was sick I couldn't rest even if I had gone to the doctor and provided a doctor's note. I feel like maybe it would even make sense to change it to 2 or 1 absence as long as students can get their absences excused with a doctor's note.

I wish I was there longer to explore more of Italy and Europe, but my program doesn't allow semesters abroad. Information regarding departure and arrival is informative, had a great apartment that was local. Fun opportunities for class trips and to be involved in with cooking classes and wine tastings. We traveled to Siena, and Milan which was an extra charge but not that expensive and a lot of fun. 2 week art class was good but long hours and busy. Very fulfilling trip.

I really enjoyed my 7 weeks abroad with AIFs. I made lifelong friends, navigated being in a medical emergency in a foreign country, and learned some amazing things about Italian history and culture. I took the Wine Marketing in Italy and Museum Art History courses. During the Wine Marketing course we went to Pollenzo which was amazing. The program did a wonderful job of creating excursions for us to participate in. All the staff are very kind and helpful.

My study abroad experience was truly amazing. I felt safe, fully immersed in the culture, and it was honestly one of the best times of my life. One of my favorite parts was how the school made me feel excited to go to class and genuinely connected to what I was learning. All the staff members were extremely kind and helpful. My favorite classes were Italian Food Studies with Mario Bracci and Wine Marketing with Dario Parenti. The content in both courses was engaging, and the professors were hands down the best I have ever experienced in my academic career. Professor Bracci exceeded expectations by giving us extensive food recommendations and taking us to various places for different food experiences, which made the class incredibly memorable. Professor Parenti also went above and beyond by taking us to different locations to try Tuscan wines and even allowing us to experience wines he helped create. His expertise clearly translated into the way he led his class and engaged with students. Overall, I had an incredible experience. The program-led trips to Venice and Rome were very well organized and a lot of fun, adding even more to an unforgettable semester.

AIFS made sure I had the best experience abroad while keeping me safe and supporting me through each step. The meal plan and housing options were unmatched as you are living in the city eating at local restaurants every day! AIFS really supported my traveling ventures on the weekends and did not restrict me from having independence with that. The trips they took us on to Rome and Venice were all included at amazing hotels and the tours through the city were priceless. Also the weekly activities they offered such as wine tours, pasta classes, picnics, and more were so amazing! The classes personally were not challenging enough but the professors really cared about our learning.

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I was always on the fence of studying abroad until I started doing my research and found a program that actually interested me. As soon as I landed in Florence I knew it was the best decision I could have made for myself. The experience and friendships I made are something I will never forget. I was the only person from my state there and I thought I would be so nervous since everyone else knew each other, but it was so easy talking to everyone and making those connections.

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I went abroad alone, which was very intimidating at first, considering I've never even been to Europe before! However The AIFS staff and students met me exactly where I was. I was immediately surrounded by new friends and an apartment that felt like home. This experience was the best thing I had ever done for myself. I was immersed into a entirely new culture that created the industry I want to pursue a career in. Physically exploring Italy forged a special connection between my personal experience and Italian history, that a textbook simply couldn't replicate. This semester showed my ability to explore, learn, be scared, take risks, and prove to myself that I can tackle the growing pains that come with adulting. I leave this experience with a gift too big for words!!!!!

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If I could go back and relive last summer I would do it every year. I’ve never had an experience that I have missed as much as I constantly miss study abroad. The friendships and memories I made will literally be with me forever.

Over the summer of 2025, I studied abroad in Florence for 4 weeks. It was truly a life-changing experience. I was blessed to have my parents visit for a few days, as well as my Fiancè. I shared an apartment with 8 other girls, all of which I got along with. I made a lifelong friend and saw beautiful sights. It was truly unforgettable.

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I truly had the best experience. Had random roommates where 2 of them became my lifelong best friends! I met so many amazing people & had so many cool travel experiences! Met people who lived in these countries and changed as a person. I truly grew and made my life better.

I enjoyed this program. I opted in to buying the flight through the program. I felt the instructions and process was easy. I enjoyed my living situation- it was almost an air bnb with four girls and two full bathrooms and a toilet in the laundry room. It was a longer walk to school than some and to get to the center of Florence but it was a nice living experience. I felt the class sometimes were almost too long. I took 5 class and on Mondays and Tuesday I was in class from 9 to almost 5. I did enjoy the class and some of the class offerings were interesting and you wouldn’t get that anywhere else. Overall it was a great experience, I felt the school was great at taking students to places like Venice and Rome and some classes had field trips. Very enjoyable experience

AIFS Florence is genuinely one of the best study abroad programs in Florence. I was able to live in an apartment in the heart of the city, the food program was AMAZING and all the activities included the program was such a great perk. We got to eat at local restaurants and cafes everyday and go on field trips in the city daily. I was able to meet friends from all over the country I'm still best friends with and travel with them on weekends since there is no classes Fridays. The AIFS staff is so friendly and welcoming. They helped contact our landlord when our AC broke and had it fixed day of. Overall best summer of my life!

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I studied in Florence, Italy during Fall 2024. I chose AIFS Abroad for a number of reasons. Having face to face interactions with AIFS staff during the application process made the steps to getting abroad much more manageable. Having the opportunity to take courses that not only worked toward my graduation goals, but also sparked interest in new areas was a huge asset to my time abroad. Through my courses, and connections at AIFS, I was able to build lifelong connections, friendships, and met with professionals who are continuing to help me achieve my goals. Beyond the academics, the accommodations and opportunities presented through AIFS positively contributed to my time abroad. Living around the corner from the Duomo, and crossing the Ponte Vecchio everyday to get to class was a unique cultural experience. AIFS provided field trips to better immerse students in Florentine culture, and excursions outside of Florence to see beyond common tourist attractions. As a student through AIFS, we had a meal plan to use at local restaurants, access to cooking classes, museum tours, and many other opportunities at our finger tips to embrace our time abroad. Moving across the world can be daunting, however, the friendships and connections I built through AIFS are ones I will cherish for the rest of my life. Those who share abroad experiences together with have a unique type of bond. I had the opportunity to live with five other girls who were also studying through AIFS. I never could have imagined the experienced we had together. But, now I cannot imagine living a life without them by my side. I truly feel indebted to AIFS for introducing me to my lifelong best friends. The AIFS community is one-of-a-kind and one that I knew undoubtedly would support me through my time abroad, and continues to show up for me even a year after! Thinking back to who I was a year ago when I was leaving the US to go abroad, compared to who I am now, is inspiring. I had no clue how much I would grow as an individual. I became more confident, outspoken, independent, and driven than I could have ever imagined. The experiences I had abroad shaped me into the person I am today. I recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone looking for a unique abroad experience. Fueled by individuals who are eager to see you succeed, and will be there to support you every step of the way.

I chose AIFS Abroad because of its reputation for strong student support and the unique opportunity to study in Florence, a city full of history, art, and culture. From the very beginning, the staff made the process smooth by guiding me through applications, pre-departure steps, and any questions I had. In Florence, AIFS provided housing in a great location, along with excursions and cultural activities that made the experience so much richer. Exploring Tuscany and other parts of Italy with the group helped me connect with the culture in ways I never could have on my own. The community was one of my favorite parts, I made lifelong friends and always felt supported by the onsite staff, who were approachable and eager to help with academics or everyday life abroad. Studying abroad with AIFS in Florence gave me more confidence, independence, and appreciation for different perspectives. It shaped me personally and professionally, and I know the skills I gained will stay with me. I would recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone who wants a supportive, immersive, and life-changing experience in Florence.

My study abroad experience in Florence, Italy, with AIFS was nothing short of fantastic! I am immensely grateful for everything the program offered—from the incredible staff to the weekly events that ensured there was never a dull moment. The entire experience felt surreal, thanks to the extraordinary offerings of the program. The flexible meal plan was a highlight, allowing us to dine at local restaurants with friends daily after classes and partake in pasta and pizza making sessions. Engaging activities like wine tastings and dinners with local Italians enriched our understanding of their vibrant culture. I cannot praise the staff enough for their dedication and the seamless execution of this transformative program. Every day brought new excitement and learning opportunities, making my classes thoroughly enjoyable. Those four months flew by, but the memories I made are cherished treasures that I'll hold onto for a lifetime.

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My summer in Florence, Italy, was nothing short of transformative. Traveling abroad for the first time with two friends from Cornell University, I initially felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. As someone accustomed to family trips, the idea of venturing into a new country was daunting, especially since my friends had never left the U.S. Thankfully, AIFS organized every detail of our journey,accommodation, meals, and transportation, which alleviated our stress and reassured our families, allowing us to truly enjoy the adventure. Studying the museums of Florence was an eye-opening experience. I delved deep into the city's rich architecture and vibrant culture, expanding my knowledge in ways I never anticipated. The immersive environment allowed me to truly appreciate the historical significance of Florence, all while bonding with my friends over shared discoveries. What truly made this trip unforgettable, however, was the friendships I formed. While I started with just two friends, I came away with a close-knit group of more than ten. One friendship blossomed into a deep connection; I now consider this person one of my best friends, and I’m thrilled that she will be visiting me in Egypt (my home) this winter. AIFS played a crucial role in facilitating these meaningful connections and experiences. Their support made this journey not just an educational endeavor but a profound personal adventure. I am incredibly grateful for the memories created and the friendships forged during this summer. This trip has genuinely been life-changing for both me and my friends. I hope to inspire others to take part in a similar program, as I know it will leave a lasting impact on their lives. My time in Florence is something I will cherish forever, and I am immensely grateful to AIFS for making it possible.

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I had the best time in Florence with AIFS for the June session! Our apartment was gorgeous and in the best location for activities and food! I had such a great time exploring Italy with activities that were arranged by AIFS as well as by myself or with my roommates! I highly recommend this program!

I chose to study abroad with AIFS in Italy with their 7 week program. The staff were wonderful and the classes amazing. If there were any troubles the staff was extremely helpful and accommodating. The apartment complex I stayed in was filled with other AIFS students. There were no worries about safety and each apartment had their own charm. The program included meal vouchers which were an amazing way for us to try various restaurants and foods. The excursions were fun and if they did cost anything it was never more than £20. All were worth my time to participate in.

The biggest reason why I chose AIFS instead of other programs is because of the amount of culturally immersive activities that they had planned out for the students when compared to other programs. Things like weekend trips to Rome and Venice really grabbed my attention along with the other huge list of smaller optional activities locally, or just a day trip away. I'm truly so thankful for the experiences provided by AIFS, as they helped create a welcoming atmosphere. Things like cooking classes, pizza making classes, painting, day trips to vineyards, Cinque Terre and one of Italy's most notable celebrations: Carnevale. I may have went alone to study abroad, but it was all of these fun activities where I made some of my closest friends to date. Going in by myself was definitely nerve-racking, but because of these culturally immersive activities I was able to bond with plenty of other similar-minded students also abroad.

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I thought this program was very well put together. I did a painting class and a food culture class, and both were fantastic. I thought the program was well worth the money and the excursions were no more than 20 euro, all of which if you were to do on your own would cost significantly more. I made some wonderful friends here and would totally do this program again in heartbeat.