AIFS Abroad in Florence, Italy: Semester

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.

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.

Photos

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!!!!!

Photos & Videos

+1

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!

Photos

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.

Photos

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.

Photos

If there is one thing I would say to someone considering going abroad, I would tell them to do it. I was definitely worry-some at the thought of leaving home to live in an unfamiliar foreign country, but i must say that AIFS really does their part in making you feel at home. With their friendly & welcoming staff there with you every step of the way from pre-departure to "I don't want to go back home". They do their jobs very well in providing an experience that certainly will never go forgotten. Not only did I create countless memories during my time with AIFS, but I made life-long friends from all over the world through their inclusive events and activities provided with the program. The AIFS team plans out extracurricular cultural-emerging activities for their students which was probably my favorite part. Going abroad with an American study abroad program, I was a little worried that I wouldn't get the full experience of living abroad, but these activities helped me feel more immersed in another culture than I ever have before! These activities are just one of the endless reasons why I would recommend AIFS to anyone that's considering studying abroad.

My J Term in Florence was the experience of a lifetime! From the housing, to the meal plan, to the course I took (Food Culture in Italy) to the tours provided by AIFS everything was perfect. This is an incredible program I would recommend to every student! Florence is a beautiful city and AIFS makes it even better.

I went into this experience having done very little research and not knowing what to necessarily expect. I left this experience with much more knowledge about Florence, Italy, and Europe in general. I made many new friends and have memories to last a lifetime. AIFS assisted me in many ways before and during this process and I am so glad I chose them to take me on this journey. I have thousands of photos to pore over the rest of my life and many new lifelong friends!

AIFS provided an amazing study abroad experience! The courses, meal plan, living accommodations were great and the cultural education I received was very valuable. I continue to recommend this program to others!

My experience abroad was one of the most influential moments of my life. After spending 5 months in Italy with the AIFS Study Abroad Program in Firenze, I discovered a million new things about myself. I gained confidence in spending time alone, exploring new places, and making incredible friends. The Italian culture and language created a warm and welcoming environment; I always felt like a character in a movie when strolling through the streets of Firenze or enjoying coffee at my favorite place, Gusta Bar. The administrative staff at the AIFS Florence location played a crucial role in this amazing journey. Not only were they incredibly accommodating and understanding of the challenges I faced living in a new environment far from home, but they also provided much-needed friendship during difficult times. While in Italy, a friend of mine passed away, and being so far away from my loved ones during their mourning and missing my family deeply was a significant challenge. However, Firenze, with its vibrant colors, beautiful art, kind people, and delicious food, became a home away from home. Now, back in the U.S. and my 'normal' life, I realize how deeply Italy has touched my soul. From the way I dress to how I eat and even in the way I treat the people around me, there's a piece of Italy in each of those aspects of myself. This transformation wouldn't have been possible without the support from AIFS and its exceptional staff, the friends I made along the way, and the comforting embrace of Firenze.

Photos

Studying abroad in Florence was an incredibly life changing experience that exceeded all expectations. The program seamlessly combined academic rigor with cultural immersion. The professors were not only experts in their fields but also passionate about sharing the beauty of Florence, making my experience more genuine and personal. The city itself is a masterpiece. Exploring iconic landmarks like the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and the Duomo became an integral part of our education, and was even more meaningful to me because of my professors knowledge and the fact that I was able to experience it with lifelong friends. The program coordinators went above and beyond to ensure our safety, comfort, and integration into the local community. The apartment option provided an authentic glimpse into Italian life in the city, and fostered friendships and language skills that will last a lifetime. Florence became not just a classroom, but a second home where we painted memories and grew academically, culturally, and personally. I wholeheartedly recommend this study abroad program to anyone seeking an immersive, transformative experience in one of the most captivating cities in the world.

Photos

aifs made everything easy and immsered me into the culture extremely well. Aifs gave me incredible housing and provided me with excellent staff to help me with anything. The classes I took really helped me learn more about Italian culture, wine marketing, and the European Union. I have already recommended Aifs to other college students that are looking to study abroad!

my apartment in flornece was incredible. the meal plan was perfect. i loved my experience there!!! all around a wonderful time. academics and education were pretty easy, but deadlines would always pile up. not the best schedule, but the pros outweighed the cons by a million.

Studying abroad with AIFS provided me with a fabulous experience. The program did an amazing job getting us acclimated to our new environment. The housing was incredible, the roommate selection was perfect, and the meal vouchers were a life saver! The administration and professors really made the biggest difference in my 3 month experience. Classes did not feel like a job i needed to attend, instead i looked forward everyday to seeing what the agenda for the day would be. The field trips were informative and enjoyable, the professors took the time and energy to connect with the students. This created a community based learning experience, something that i have never had. Although this was a small program with planned activities, i did feel like i was independently living in Italy and had the freedom i needed to explore the country and the city of florence. I cannot thank AIFS enough and would recommend this program to everyone.