Study Abroad in Italy | ISI Florence

Studying abroad has been the best experience ever! ISI Florence has housing where everyone is spread out into different apartments across Florence to get a very authentic experience. You can have one to 10 roommates! They really put a lot of thought into their room assignments, I went into the program not knowing anyone and am coming out of it with 7 new best friends. I seriously cannot recommend it enough. I got to go to so many Italian cities and travel to other 6 European countries. The classes were doable but they are extremely strict about attendance so I would not book trips before you get you syllabus. I even more money you think you will spend because when you get here you will want to get food out, buy gifts for people, and do everything you want to. I recommend staying open-minded and embracing every moment. I have made memories here that will last so forever and learned so much about myself and the world around me. If you are questioning whether or not to study abroad, GO!

Going abroad has been the most incredible three months of my life. I not only visted 9 countries and crossed off many things from my bucket list like skydiving in Switzerland, riding a camel in Morrocco, and swimming in the seas of the Amalfi coast, but I’ve also made incredible friendships that will last me a lifetime and learned so much more about myself and the world outside of my life in New Jersey. Having come from a family that could not afford to travel in my life, this experience has been such a blessing and one I will never forget. I came into study abroad knowing no one and it was so easy to connect with others as everyone’s in the same boat and has a similar open minded headspace going abroad. Recommendations I would give are to save a lot of money, more than you think you’ll need. Everyone makes it seem like traveling to other countries is so cheap, and while it is cheaper than in the US, it still adds up quick. I’d also say to be open minded and to give yourself grace because it can be overwhelming at times. That being said, traveling at this age teaches you so many practical skills like planning ahead, budgeting, and communicating effectively with others. It is so fun and the only time you’ll really be able to do something like this in your life before you have the intense responsibilities of adulthood. I will say the academics of my program, ISI, were harder than I thought. I think the classes themself were easy but juggling school with travel, social life and living responsibilities was difficult at times. I would just say really take time during the week to study and keep up so that you can explore on your weekends with no stress! I recommend Florence specifically as a city to study abroad because it is so walkable, there is so much to do and see, and it quickly feels like home. It is also pretty centrally located in Europe, making it easy to travel to many different places. The night life is really fun if you like bars or clubs there is something for you and expenses are comparable to that of the US. Just be aware that anything near the duomo is going to be more expensive. I am someone that thrives with change and new environments but I know that adjusting can be hard for people. Some of my roommates are this way and still say that while it had its difficulties that this experience has been the best in their life. All in all, I have enjoyed every minute of my time abroad and as I type this in my final days here I’m so excited, and envious lol, of anyone that chooses to come here after me. You will not regret it!!!!!

My experience studying abroad with ISI Florence has been amazing! When you start the process they are extremely helpful and host meetings for more information about the process. They give checklists and settle you into your apartment. Overall, it has been a life changing experience filled with meeting new people and learning Italian culture! I loved every second! Can’t wait to be back!