AIFS Abroad in Florence, Italy: Summer

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.

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.

Photos

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.

Photos

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.

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.

Going abroad was an incredible summer! I was able to get immersed in the culture and environment. AIFS set up many events to make sure each student had the chance to gain experiences in the culture. I created great friends and have lifelong memories I will be walking away from the program!

Every second I was studying abroad in Italy, I felt so lucky that I had this opportunity! The activities and hospitality were amazing. I got to enjoy the city of Florence and travel throughout Italy, all while learning about and experiencing the culture!

AIFS was the best possible choice that I could’ve made for my study abroad experience. The application process was seamless, and you’re supported every step of the way (even abroad). I was so nervous about traveling alone to a new country, but the AIFS-created community and group activities allowed for such an easy immersion into a new culture. I have friends that will last a lifetime because of this experience, and the impact that it has had on me personally/professionally is unquantifiable. Through my time abroad, I discovered passions that I didn’t even know I had, and I was even inspired to help others study abroad on my own campus after experiencing how helpful the people at AIFS were! I genuinely cannot rave about this program and provider enough.

Whilst abroad in Florence, I made a lifetime of memories in the span of four weeks. I learned so much about the city as well as myself, and made many friends throughout my time who learned alongside me. I took two classes while I was there, and though they took up majority of my days M-Th, I had so much time in between classes and after to explore! The meal plan was excellent and had all of the best places as a part of it. There were a few complications on getting there and back, but the AIFS team did an excellent job on keeping me updated and calm.

I learned so much about myself and met LIFE LONG friends. AIFS was super supportive throughout the entire process and was eager to help any student. My roommate is even coming to my hometown for New Year’s Eve. This is somthing everyone should do if giving the opportunity and I wouldn’t change a thing. Florence has a little piece of my ❤️

Photos & Videos

The summer I spent in Florence was hands down the best summer of my life. Studying abroad is a graduation requirement for my university, and I had never gone out of the country before. I was sent over AIFS' program and I was immediately immersed in their website. I was so attracted to their street photography course, as well as their opportunities to be engaged with the Italian culture through their meal vouchers and housing situations. I was so nervous to go, but the staff and professors at AIFS really made Italy feel like home. They felt like family and were so supportive throughout my entire experience. I also met some of the best people during my trip who made a huge impact on me as well. I can't stop bragging about how AIFS really changed my life; I am already planning my next trip to Florence!!

My time studying abroad with AIFS was amazing. The professors and curriculum did an excellent job immersing us and teaching us the culture of Italy. It was also cool having professors native to the area, so we could learn about all their local favorite places to eat and dishes.

If you don’t like trying new things, making new lifelong friends, and having the most fun of your life, this program isn’t for you. I had the time of my life in Florence this past summer with AIFS! This trip transformed me into a more confident professional, student, and individual. I got to experience living in a beautiful apartment steps from the Duomo, living with people who quickly became my close friends, all while learning about wine and food in Italy. AIFS prepared us well for the trip to a new country, and gave us so many new experiences. One of my favorite trips was visiting a vineyard in the Tuscan countryside, where we had a wine tasting. The faculty and staff did a wonderful job of making us feel at home in a new city. On my way to Florence, my bags got lost in transit, and the concern and care the AIFS faculty showed me made me feel safe. They checked daily on my bag and got it to me! I cant recommend this program enough, and I highly encourage anyone who has the means to go!

Photos

I am incredibly fortunate to say that I had the opportunity to immerse myself in Italian culture, making this the best summer I have ever had. I entered this experience not knowing a soul, with the hope of personal growth and exploration of boundaries within myself through cross-cultural experiences. I was initially timid, crossing my fingers in the hope of making a friend. It was not by chance that I ended up rooming with five other girls from different locations, each with different personas, yet we shared so many lively experiences. AIFS did an amazing job offering activities to encourage student engagement and, simultaneously, allowing us to cultivate relationships with our peers. Taking painting 101 and wine marketing classes provided me with the opportunity to express myself in new ways. My friends and I created such a bond during this time, and we continue to FaceTime to this day. Now, I find myself counting the days until we can all return to Italy.

AIFS in Florence helped me fall in love with Florence. The course offerings allowed the students to build a relationship with the city. My studio art class took me painting in rose gardens and piazzas; my art history class took me around all the museums and churches. The professors were knowledgeable and really cared about getting the students to become immersed in Florence. AIFS is passionate about integrating education with the city, making the most out of the study abroad experience. The education center is in such a charming part of the city. The incredible student apartments and meal vouchers gave me insight into what it would be like to live in Florence. The administrative organization was seamless and made the study abroad experience easy and supportive. I cannot wait to return to Florence and I am so grateful for the opportunity I had in Italy with AIFS.

The program with AIFS in Florence for the summer of 2014 was an overall great experience. The academics were challenging but the staff was remarkable. The living arrangements were tough at times but we made it work. I met amazing friends and saw places that I never imagined. By far, this was the best experience of my entire college career.