Unleash Creativity in Florence, Italy

This is my second trip with this program I did the Japan last year and Italy this year also intend to go again next year and I loved the different classes there were I took cuisines and art history we made many different kinds of Italian food and went to different places almost every day there were also many different day trips on the weekends that were amazing to go on and ending in Rome and seeing the colosseum and learning about it was a great way to end the trip and the staff was really amazing and accommodating with the need of the students

My experience with world class programs can never be replicated. The program is so good that my only complaint is the heat outside, which isn’t even really a problem because the staff even think of that giving everyone fans. From the begging to the end I learned about Italian history and cuisine in an extremely interesting and enjoyable way. Everyone was kind and fun to be around, everywhere we went was presented in an incredible way and everything down to the food and rooms was extremely good

Italy was such a great trip. I got such a well rounded trip. I learned a lot of cool stuff some stuff I liked to learn about some I didn't care for as much but yet I am still glad I got to learn it all. I also got plenty of time to do my own thing explore shop hangout relax. I also got to see so many cool places, 8 different Cities. My favorite part of the trip is that the instructors are more like friends than teachers. This is my second trip with this program and I love the instructors. They Genuinely make the trip as good as it is. They are the perfect amount of strict for safety and learning but also laid back for fun and stress free. I love these trips so much. Highly recommend.

I learned so much on this trip through the art history course and photography course. I wasn’t that interested in many of the art made in periods such as renaissance, but I learned so much about them and got quite good at identifying them. I similarly wasn’t that knowledgeable about Christianity and especially Catholicism (at least more than the average American) but I learned so much about it as well and really came to respect the ideas related to it. Finally I also knew literally nothing about photography but through this I learned a lot about different styles and the essentials of photography to the point that I think I’ll be taking better pictures for the rest of my life. This is all without saying the fun and incredible sights and art I got to see, yes we went to churches and art museums to learn about it but we also went to appreciate it and through that I got to see some beautiful art that might be some of my highlight pictures from the trip. Also the day trips to other prominent cities are so much fun and so different Florence is a great base to operate out of and through that base different cities especially Venice and Siena contrast very well, Venice being very tight and of course featuring water, and Siena being very hilly.

World class program is great because it’s more than just a summer program it is an absolute immersion into Ancient Rome; the renaissance in Florence, and amazing medieval art were extravagant and eye popping. Going into the different museums and churches was, like dunking yourself into a beautiful shining spring in Ancient Rome taking you back in time to the minds of Roman’s and what they were thinking while walking into grandiose church. The different day trips were amazing in total there were four day trips one to Lucca where we rode bikes around the city walls, and explored the city, one to cinque terre where we hiked across a mountain with a view of the Mediterranean and ended on the beach. One to siena where we explored the city on the mountain and saw the amazing views. My favorite day trip was the one to Venice where we saw Murano the glass making city and we took boats around to different locations. The pros of the program was the amount of stuff that we had easy access to because of the great connections and the staff. Another pro is the community all the people were easy to connect with and make good friends without any problems. The amount of free time to explore and shop in Florence was great you were able to get what ever lunch you wanted or go to what ever shop in all of old Florence. The cons weren’t many. The program was genuinely so amazing. The only one I can think of is the heat in Italy, but it wasn’t the programs fault it is Italy’s faults for not having good american a/c. The only other con I can think of is not being able to go longer.

It was a very fun program where they taught us a lot about Itlay and I also enjoyed it so much that I did it twice. They gave us 3 to 4 hours of free time almost everyday was definitely one of the biggest highlight of the trip.They gave us enough time to do what we wanted. The staff was always supportive and you weren't forced into doing all of the activities if we didn't feel well or didn't want to. They tried to make the trip the most enjoyable as possible and we're very flexible with what we wanted to do. We also weren't in just one city we went all over the Italy visiting at least 9 cities.

My study abroad experience was truly unforgettable, largely because of the amazing and easy-going staff who made every day enjoyable. Their friendly nature and sense of humor created a welcoming atmosphere that helped me feel at home even when I was far away. I often found myself laughing with them, which made the whole experience not just educational but genuinely fun. Their support and kindness made a big difference, turning challenges into opportunities to grow. One of the most meaningful parts of my time abroad was the relationships I built. I connected with people from all over the world, and these friendships became an important part of my journey. Sharing experiences, learning about different cultures, and supporting each other made these bonds truly special. These relationships taught me the value of understanding and empathy, and I know they will continue to be important in my life long after the program ends. Beyond the social side, I learned so much academically and personally. The new environment pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and adapt in ways I hadn’t before. I gained knowledge in my field of study, but I also learned life skills like independence and problem-solving. This experience has not only enriched my education but also helped me grow into a more confident and open-minded person.

My study abroad experience with World Class Programs was absolutely incredible! From start to finish, the staff was truly exceptional – so supportive, knowledgeable, and genuinely made the trip unforgettable. I honestly wish I could have stayed longer! I learned an immense amount, particularly in subjects like color theory and various painting periods, which has been invaluable. This program provided such a rich and immersive learning environment. Highly recommend!

The course itself was a wonderful mix of cultural immersion and learning about the history, art, historical figures who lived in Florence centuries ago. My one and only complaint can be summed up as, if you go on this trip, don’t expect everyone to be as into as you. I was deeply passionate about the history of Italy, and made a friend or two on the trip who was equally as passionate, but as a consumer of this tour, be aware that some are here to passively take in the sights, rather than eagerly devouring everything they can see.

As an adventurous and curious teenager who loves everything to do with the Renaissance, Florence Italy with World Class Programs was a dream. Florence itself feels like you're going back to the time of the Renaissance. There are masterpieces everywhere, and it's such a small and welcoming city that you can get familiar with easily. For me, it felt like home. The program itself, first of all, is not a boring and formulaic program that will remind you of school. I know I was worried about papers and homework, because honestly after a long school year, everyone needs a break from that. Yet, without being assigned a single paper through the entire program, I learned more than an entire years' worth of a school course. The program is extremely immersive, and if you're learning anything at all, it's very likely you'll be standing right in front of whatever your topic is. Whether it be looking up at the David, or admiring a Medici's palace, you're learning simply by seeing and experiencing the culture of Italy, not counting the staff's instruction as well. I've also learned so much about the Italian culture, cuisine, and lifestyle, simply because I was given a taste of it for 3 weeks. And you're constantly around local Italians as well, it's not all just tourists. The experience is so new and so enlightening, and after it, I feel everyone needs to go to Italy at least once in their lifetime. It doesn't matter if you're not interested in history or the old masters of Italian art, or even in their delicious coffee and pasta, you'll still be blown away. There's something for everyone there. World Class Programs is also extremely lenient, and balances the schedule for students to have time to explore Florence with at least one other student/staff. (And trust me, you'll make friends if you want to. I made friends with groups of people who were a lot different than me, and I'm so glad to have met every single one of them) Exploring Florence without the direction of a staff member allows for a freedom that separates this program from others. You can be independent, shop, eat gelato, or sift through souvenir shops. You'll never run out of things to do in Florence, and I barely crossed off half the things on my list. As for the staff members, they were all so sweet, and work for you to have an amazing time 24/7. All in all, this program was easily the highlight of not only my summer, but the past years as well. It is definitely adventurous, and entails a lot of walking and exploring, but at least you have a home base in Florence, and the food makes it all worth it.

This program was so full and I learned so much I would definitely recommend this program to people who love being busy just know it’s a lot of walking and thier is a certain amount of maturity need to make this program enjoyable

We found World Class Program by chance at a high school fair and immediately liked their programs. Our daughter went on a trip last year with World Class and absolutely loved it. The director Derek and his staff are top notch. This summer she went back again, this time to Florence, and there was no question that it would be with Derek's team. They saw all the great art and history in Florence and learned so much about the local culture. And amazing!! food. My daughter hasn't stopped talking about the side trips, especially Venice. As a parent I loved the focus on health and safety without sacrificing anything in the experience.

This trip to Italy has truly been Amazing! We saw SO many cool landmarks and historical sights as well as incredible old art and statues including the David! The food there is incredible and so much better than in the states. The staff are also really helpful and supportive and genuinely care about each and every students safety and wellbeing and do their best to make sure everyone has a good time. If you choose to go on this trip you will have an AMAZING time!!! My favorite part of this trip is was when we got to ride bicycles on the old wall in Luca! It was an amazing view and just an incredible experience. I highly recommend this trip!

My 16 year old daughter attended the World Class Program trip to Italy in the Summer of 2024 and had a fantastic experience. The program staff were very communicative and provided plenty of details on the itinerary, activities and accommodations. My daughter got the chance to see another country with a group of American teens which allowed her to expand her worldview in a way that didn't feel too foreign. I would recommend the program to rising juniors or seniors in high school. My daughter is interested in attending a different trip next year with World Class Programs.

Best decision I've made for my son! Having never traveled overseas alone, he braved the experience, knowing no one involved, and came home with eyes wide open and a whole new perspective on the world. Derek and the team at World Class Programs were organized and communicative at all times. Seeing pictures posted through the program as well as the weekly diary let me see what he was experiencing every day. Next up is the Japan experience and we are beyond excited for his next adventure.

Best. Three. Weeks. Ever. I absolutely loved this trip and it was worth every penny. The staff was amazing and cooperative and did not make us feel like they just had power over us they were super understanding of any problem we had. My sister went on this trip 2 years ago and has not shut up about it since so I was worried mine would not be as good as her’s, boy was I in for it. I took art history and photography and both of my teachers were great and made the subject fun and not like a regular high school class. The living situation was great and I have no complaints there, and our rooms had lots of space. The food situation was very good and we were not cheaper out when It came to eating and the staff made sure I never went hungry. Each day we had a literary that was very planned out. It was nice to not have to worry about planning and to just be told where to be at what time, it was worth the money. I will recommend this trip to anyone, it was a great experience and perfect for my age (17). The staff was amazing and I even felt like they were all our age and not just adults that didn’t want to have any fun. We had freedom and free time to also do activities we wanted to do. The program almost seems too good to be true but trust me it is exactly as good as I am telling you and a beautiful experience for teenagers. I actually enjoyed the program so much I am also going to be doing the Japan program this summer. We were well taken care of and I made friends that I know I will have for a lifetime. Before this trip I hadn’t been away from my family for even a week, not even camp. For the first 3 days I was nervous about the trip and how I was going to do but by day four I was so comfortable and was getting close with the girls in my room and I never wanted to leave. I have traveled a lot and been to many countries and different vacations but the is trip is by far my favorite trip I have ever been on. This trip has been amazing for me to grown as a person and meet new people from different states and to be submerged into a brand new culture.

This study abroad program was such a great experience! Not only did it immerse me in Italian culture and lifestyle, but it also gave me the opportunity to meet a ton of new people and form lifelong relationships.

This trip was so much fun! I really had an amazing time, I was very nervous when I first started and on the first day I had already made so many friends and memories. I would recommend this trip to other people:)

World Class Programs more than lives up to its name. I cannot recommend them highly enough. My daughter participated in the 2023 Florence program. She not only discovered a passion for art history, but also benefited from the once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that Derek Tano and his amazing staff built into the program design. World Class also perfectly calibrated the balance between independence and supervision, giving the students a taste of what college life might feel like. My daughter returned with more confidence and with her love of travel and openness to new experiences enhanced. The memories and the friendships she made will last a lifetime.

As I think about my time with World Class Programs, the words that come to my head are professional, one of a kind, and all around exceptional.   Derek and Vieri, the program directors, carefully curated our whole program. Vieri being a local Florence native allowed us (the students) to better understand the city by showing us around in a way that only a local could. His fluency in Italian, plus local connections made it possible for us to do things that other companies couldn’t imagine. Derek’s background in art and art history made the whole city even more captivating. From learning about how to identity a roman building, to teaching us about the meaning behind the colors used in church paintings, Derek captured it all. When you combine these two masterminds you get WCP. Vieri and Derek allowed us to be independent - including housing, specific meals, and going around the city. Being held responsible for yourself is a big task, especially in a different country. But truthfully it was a task we could all handle.    The program itself is education based, which should be the case for any of these programs. This trip is not a vacation but an adventure. I’ve created memories that I’ll be able to tell my grandchildren about. I’ve created life long friendships that will forever bond me to the beautiful city of Florence.   Thank you to WCP for giving me the privilege to fly to the amazing country of Italia, speak the language, be a local, eat delicious foods, cook delicious meals, analyze art, draw beautiful sculptures, shop like a tourist, create life long friendships, and so much more. 

I joined the Florence 2023 world class study abroad program trip. I took art history as my major class, and I’ve never been so engaged in a class and so excited to wake up each morning and go to class. My class consisted of about 7 people which was perfect for walking around the city, famous museums and churches. We never had a dull moment in class as we were always challenged to learn. Each individual in my class participated with the help of our teacher, who always supported us in and out of class. His positive attitude towards learning about art history rubbed off the students, so we’re excited to learn in a healthy and supportive environment. We learned to read churches, paintings and statues in a completely new artistic outlook. The staff are absolutely the kindest and most helpful people. They would drop anything to help you out, they genuinely care for your safety and your wellbeing. We grew to know each other so well; I am positive every student on the trip had an amazing relationship with the staff. I developed unbreakable bonds around the world during this trip with my now friends that will hopefully last me a lifetime. Sharing an apartment with 9 other girls taught me to be patient and was a great experience to do before college. I was intimidated about sharing a living space with so many people and it being crowded, but it was the opposite of that. The activities we did together brought us closer and taught us even more after classes. I would recommend studying abroad with world class programs for anyone, it’s an absolutely incredible experience.The worst part of the trip is the fact that you must say goodbye to the people have made bonds with. When I said goodbye at the gate, I remember crying for an hour straight after saying hugging goodbye. I love these people with all my heart and I would do anything for them. I recommend world class programs for any student who wants to be apart of another loving family.

My two daughters went on the program to Italy. From start to finish, it was an incredible experience. Not only did they see and experience so so much, but they really benefited from the outstanding leadership from Derek, and the community he cultivates among the students and his staff. He really knows how to connect with this age group. To be honest, my kids were sadder to leave their group that to leave Italy itself. That, to me, is the sign of excellent staff. While their days were packed with one amazing experience after the next, Derek was also always available to the parents. One example--my daughter's asthma acted up while she had a cold, and she didn't have her inhalers. So, even through the group was returning from a packed trip from Venice to Florence, Derek coordinated to get my daughter's prescription inhaler from a pharmacy...despite it being a Sunday and not actually having her prescription! He plied her with chicken soup, orange juice, etc--basically a parent's dream come true when so far away from your kids. Thank you Derek and the whole staff at World Class Programs!

I can’t say enough about world class programs. All the staff were so supportive and I didn’t have a vacation in Italy, I went on an adventure in Italy, I lived there. My apartment in Florence was so nice and I enjoyed all my roommates. My classes were interactive, different everyday, and very enjoyable. No matter what the class no one was upset with their time. But bring good shoes there are some long walks but it is part of the trip! Its part of living in Italy not just being a tourist. The day trips were the best part of the adventure, going to Luca and biking around the city, in Sienna walking around the horse tracks and so much more. One of the most valuable thing I gained from this trip was my own independence, you have no choice but to find yourself while you’re here and as a 16 year old that is something I’ll remember for the rest of my life. I’ll miss Italia so much and I had the time of my life.

I loved being a part of this program so so much. I took art history and was able to learn so much as well as also having an incredible time in Florence. We were able to go around the city both as a larger group and in smaller ones and experience the city. In addition to Florence, we took several amazing day trips to places such as Cinque Terre and Lucca that were just as unforgettable as the time we spent in Florence. I am truly so appreciative of all the staff members and all my fellow students for making this trip so wonderful!

I really enjoyed this trip. I made fantastic connections with the students and staff combined. I loved swimming in Cinque Terre, and bike riding in Luca. I found it fun learning my way around Florence, and I am so excited to come back!! I liked going out to dinner and learning how to order in Italian in language class. This trip made me become super active and I’ve gotten used to walking every where now. Loved this trip and would highly recommend to anyone looking to have a taste of what it’s like living abroad!

This trip has given me lifetime friends, supportive staff, and so much meaningful experience that will continue to help me in college and beyond. From living in apartments with 13 girls, I have learned the importance of communication, cleaning, and going with the flow. I majored in art history and went to every church in Florence and learned the most interesting stories and facts. Derek is amazing and led the class wonderfully. Along with art history, I minored in Italian Language with my amazing teacher Michaela. This was the most entertaining language class I have taken, Michaela is so relatable and made the class super exciting to be a part of. We learned how to order coffee in Italian, how to shop in Italian, how to write an Italian postcard, and went out to lunch as a class. She made it very clear to us that we could text her whenever we wanted to ask any questions we have. All the staff is so available and ready to help in any situation. I was a little under the weather for a few days and the staff let me rest and provided me with a lifetime supply of water. They have become a second family to me. We went on amazing excursions including Cinque Terre where we went on the most sweaty hike ever, Lucca where we rode bikes around the city boarder, Venice where we took a peaceful gondola ride along the canals, and ended off the trip in Rome seeing the Trevi Fountain and all the other amazing historical landmarks. I’m so glad I took part on this adventure and I’m grateful for the lifelong connections I now have.

World class Programs, specifically the Florence program was an amazing adventure for my high school-aged daughter. She loved her art history class and the instructor made learning about the rich history of Florence a wonderful experience. The program staff was focused on safety and took precautions that assured parents that the students would be supervised. The open communication of the staff and willingness to answer any questions was much appreciated. This program is set up so well and the classes and side trips were an overall wonderful experience. Visiting Florence and Tuscany was an. absolute experience of a life time that my daughter will remember always. My daughter has recommended this program to her younger sister who will be of high school age soon which assures me that she had a fantastic experience.

I absolutely loved this trip! It was so much fun and I learned so much about art history and cuisine. Every staff member was so kind and supportive and every instructor was engaging and interesting. I loved going on day trips, doing activities, and having free time to explore the city. This is such an amazing program!

My experience during World Class Program’s Florence, Italy trip was unlike any other! I was able to explore one of the most beautiful cities in the world, all while making new friendships that will undoubtedly continue beyond the trip itself. During my Art History class, we explored churches and museums in Florence, and learned fascinating information that integrated into everyday life in Florence. Among the many fun classes and activities, we also enjoyed weekend excursions, such as swimming with the group in Cinque Terre and riding bikes around Lucca, which were unforgettable highlights of the trip. I could not have asked for a better experience!

This program allowed me to make amazing bonds with the staff and students alike whilst fostering cultural knowledge about the amazing city of Florence. The staff is incredibly welcoming and are very accommodating to each students’ needs. Furthermore, in this program I was able to explore the social life of Florence and learn about subjects that I was passionate about. I would recomendable this to any student who wants to have fun and learn about their creative subjects of choice. Amazing program and city !

I never write reviews but as a parent of a reserved & shy high school daughter I felt the need to let every parent trying to chose an amazing trustworthy educational program for their child to ABSOLUTLY go with World Class Programs. The staff is worth their weight in gold & so approachable & answered their phone 24/7 while my daughter was in their care. I can’t say enough about this program my daughter came back home changed in the most confident & worldly way & she is so sad she didn’t go sooner because she wants to travel with them each summer!

I have always been interested in Italian culture because of my heritage, and my Catholic faith. That is why I chose the Florence, Italy program. I don’t regret my decision for anything! It was the best experience ever, and I owe it all to World Class Programs for getting me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible! What I didn’t expect, is to experience SO many other things while I was there in addition to learning more about my faith! We visited a leather school and got to shop there afterwards with the World Class Programs discounted prices! They are so connected in the community, that we were even able to get us an exclusive pass to climb the Duomo that tourists aren’t usually able to do! My classes were so helpful in helping me learn more about Italian culture through the language, and history! Learning about Italy while you are there walking through its history was the best way! If you are looking for adventure, learning, fun, and feeling safe enough to step outside of your comfort zone, sign up for this program!

I went on the Florence, Italy trip, and had the best time! I couldn’t believe the amazing things that were included in this trip to Florence! I only had to pay for any souvenirs I wanted to buy for myself, but everything else was included while we were there! The program director and all of the staff mentioned how inclusive the program was, but I didn’t realize we would be doing all of the things we did! Just to name a few, we took day trips to Cinque Terre, Lucca, Venice, and spent time in Rome! We saw historic churches, museums, and my favorite, the Uffizi Gallery and the Galleria della Accademia where the David statue is located! The food was amazing, and I made so many friends and connections that will last a lifetime! I MORE THAN got my money’s worth for this trip! It was an extremely memorable trip, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to study abroad to have an experience that will prepare them for college. Because of the amazing World Class Programs staff and organization, I felt constantly safe and taken care of the whole time.

If you are thinking about traveling abroad, don’t look anywhere else. World Class Programs has got you every step of the way for anything you will ever need before, during, and after you travel! This trip has not only been the highlight of my summer, it has been the highlight of my entire life! I have made some lasting memories that will continue to shape the way I view the world. I have never been out of the country before, so I was nervous, but the World Class Programs staff made sure that we all became a family away from home. I really enjoyed the trips to Cinque Terre to sit on the Mediterranean coast, the trip to Lucca where we rode bikes on the city wall, and Venice! The canals were even prettier than pictures! It was like I was living in a postcard! We did so many things when we were there and experienced so many different things, that I can’t even begin to name them all!

I enjoyed this program! Derek and his team were always willing to help and keep everyone engaged during our 3 weeks. I definitely recommend this program for anyone that enjoys traveling and making new friends.

Our son turned 17 the day before he left for his 3 week trip to Florence, Italy, with World Class Programs. He travelled on his own from Australia and met the group in Florence. Every question, concern and care we had was addressed by Derek and his exemplary team. We were so impressed with the level of organisation on every level from academic, social, security, accommodation and cultural immersion aspects. Our communication prior to, throughout and after the program has been exceptional. Our family cannot thank Derek, Vieri, Abby, Elizabeth and the World Class Program team enough. We were so thoroughly impressed that we will be sending our younger child on the program too! Thank you World Class Programs from us all!

World Class Programs greatly exceeded our expectations. Derek and his Team are extremely professional, organized and demonstrate they truly care. We greatly appreciated the weekly updates and photos when our daughter was in Italy. Our daughter loved the experience, it was a great “test run” for her upcoming college experience. We couldn’t be happier or asked for more and would highly recommend to anyone considering for their child!

Our daughter had lofty expectations for her first trip abroad, and World Class Programs exceeded them in every way. She came home with cultural, social, and real-world experiences that will stay with her for a lifetime. As parents, we had all of the typical concerns that come with sending a teen across the world for 3 weeks. However, the instructors in this program leave no doubt regarding the safety, health and well-being of their students. This was especially impressive against the backdrop of COVID. Regarding the curriculum--it is packed! So much education and experience packed into 3 weeks. Don't hesitate--highly recommend.

My daughter participated in the 2021 Florence program and I can't say enough about the program and the instructors. She had the best time of her life and truly experienced the Italian culture. The program is packed with art classes, cooking classes, museum visits and excursions to Lucca, Sienna, Cinque Terra, Venice and Rome. Initially, she was signed up for the two week program and last minute we added the third week and so happy with that decision. My daughter made lasting friendships and has not stopped talking about the trip and her new friends for over a week now. I also want to say that safety is their number one priority but they manage to balance safety with the right amount of freedom. Consequences of not following the rules were strongly communicated which I was happy to hear. My daughter is already talking about taking the Japan trip next year! Thank you to Derek, Katherine, Abbey and Vieri for making this trip a life changing experience for Amelia!

My daughter went to Italy with World Class Programs and we could not be more pleased with everything about this trip. The educational opportunities and the leisure activities were absolutely amazing, and even though she was halfway across the world I never questioned her safety or security which was such a relief. We are very happy and will be sending two kids abroad with WCP next year!

As a parent of a recent Florence Program participant at World Class, I would highly recommend this program to any parent from the standpoint of both safety and education. Our daughter returned a week ago and has been going through "Florence withdrawal" ever since. The experiences she has described and the photos she has shared will be part of her for the rest of her life. Do not hesitate....send your high school teen abroad with this program, you will be glad you did!

After completing the Florence 2021 trip, I strongly urge those interested to attend. Whether experiencing the rich culture, amazing museums, or delicious foods, we got to experience life as a Florence native. Alongside classes and group activities, we had the opportunity to explore the city or relax during the generous amount of hours of free time. My favorite aspect of this trip has to be the various day trips visiting other cities. Although focused in Florence, we were able to familiarize ourselves with many other key Italian cities. Lastly, I want to thank Katherine, Derek, and all the teachers, for their commitment to keeping this program both fun and formative. I am so excited to attend another World Class Programs Trip!

I originally signed up for the two-week program but halfway through I switched to the three-week program because I was having so much fun. I had so much fun getting to know the other people on the program, and the classes were a blast. My favorite class was art history because I learned so many random facts that I cant wait to flex on my family. My second favorite class was photography because it was a great way to see the city and get some great pictures, it was also the most fun class because I got to get to know my classmates, It didn't really feel like the class but I now know way more about my camera than I ever thought that class would teach me. My third favorite class was Tuscan Cusine, it was a very chaotic class but the payoff was worth it! we got to make some of the best food I've ever made. The weekend trips were so fun, riding bikes on the city walls of Luca truly fulfilled the sound of music dreams I didn't know I had. The staff is some of my favorite people ever, everyone made me feel safe, valued, and engaged. I would definitely recommend this program to all my friends because it was the best 3 weeks of my summer for so many reasons.

I would definitely consider myself an adventurous person. I love venturing outside of my comfort zone and meeting new people. Being completely candid, the weeks leading up to the program were nerve racking. Good nerves, obviously, but this was the first time I was really genuinely nervous to do something I enjoyed so much; adventuring. Within the first 24 hours, I realized that these nerves were most certainly unwarranted. I was welcomed with open arms not just by staff, but by the students as well. We all instantaneously connected, and I was so excited to start this new journey with all of them. I came on the trip with my main intention being to improve my Italian skills. Not only do I feel 10 times more confident in my Italian, but I've walked away having learned so many lessons. In addition to basically becoming a pro at walking a minimum of 5 miles a day, I've eaten some of the best meals of my life, seen the most breathtaking churches and museums (and I'm not a museum or church person!) and created long lasting friendships with people all across the country. Alluding to the title of my review, I can indeed confirm that I did have the adventure of a lifetime. I was able to not only explore one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but live there for 3 weeks. Whenever my roommates and I were out, we would constantly say, "I want to go home." Not home as in our actual homes back across the ocean, but our "home" in Florence. Some of my best memories were spent in that city, and as I am currently writing this in Rome, I really truly can say that I am "homesick." One of the main takeaways from this trip is also the feeling of having a second family. For 3 weeks, I went from living with 10 strangers, to living with a crazy, caring, energetic, and amazing family. Throughout all the ups and downs, we all had one another's backs, every step of the way. I couldn't be anymore thankful to Derek, Catherine, and World Class Programs for giving me an experience I truly will never forget. As Derek said at the very beginning of the program, "I hope this will be the trip that you tell your kids, and grandkids about," and I truly can't wait for the day I get to do so.

It was fun and safe. Mr. Vieri was an absolute character. Miss Katherine was super helpful. Mr. Tano was historically chill. Miss Abby was super chill. Florence was absolutely wonderful. I never felt homesick. This was awesome.

This program was great! The staff was amazing and answered any and every question I had. They had many connections which made the experience even greater. We got to see many of the tourist spots throughout Italy and more. The classes were very engaging. I took art history, and we got to go to many churches and museums. When we weren't in classes we got to have free time in Florence to roam the city, as long as we stayed within our boundaries. Florence felt very safe and there was a lot to see and do. This program was excellent and was a great experience, I highly recommend it to everyone. I had a time of my life!

From the moment I read about this program, I knew it was going to be something special. Right away, the staff/program organizers were incredibly welcoming, helpful and kind. The application process was a breeze and super low stress even until the day I left. The experience was so amazing, something way better than you would get on any family or solo trip. As a history buff it was incredible to learn about the thousand year history that Italy has to offer, and the program director and art history teacher Derek Tano teaches with such passion it makes the experience ten times better. Every staff member has an incredible love and passion for not only the country and the classes they teach but the students as well. You know that they are all in it for the experience and teaching rather than money. You truly hit every incredible spot there is to see! Overall, it is easily the best thing I have done in my high school life so far and I would truly recommend it to anyone.

Iv always wanted to go to Italy and this program finally gave me the chance. I got to see Rome and for a history and a mythology nerd like me it was amazing to finally get to see it. plus Derek was my teacher for a few years before the program and him and all the staff made my travel anxiety so east to deal with. I recommend this program to anyone thinking about going abroad for the first time.

From the moment I was accepted to the Florence/Italy program, I had a great feeling about my upcoming adventure. The memories and friendships I’ve made wall traveling are something I hold close to my heart! The staff are so incredibly kind, I dislike calling them staff because they more felt like friends during this trip than a authoritarian figure. I truly believe about this program changed my life especially after attending philosophy class with Derek. We took ideas, beliefs, ideologies, and what we believe or considered the good was in the world and compared it, to say the least the conversation never stops in that class!!!! Another life changing experience was attending churches and museums with the fine art and drawing teacher Katherine, we spent much of our time exploring the city to do live figure drawing and architectural landscape drawing. One of my favorite classes we did was at Santa Croce, it is famously known for the vibrant and decadent stain-glass windows; after a brief history lesson in a little studying of the stain-glass windows we successfully produced beautiful watercolor Stainglass window paintings! If you are interested in art and enjoy challenging your skills to improve them I recommend this class 100%. Safety was never in question, I never felt unsafe once in the city (Florence) because of the local guide/tuscan cuisine teacher Vieri. I can wholeheartedly say I have never met such a kind person in my life, going above and beyond every cooking class to make sure we enjoy and learn wall creating every single meal. Unfortunately I couldn’t take every single class offered by the world class team, so I was not able to take photography taught by Abby. From the moment I met her she has been so kind and fun every moment I spent with her, we mostly just screaming about all the cute dogs we saw well venturing through train station, city’s and in stores! It got to a point where if we saw a dog outside of the apartment we would send photos of it to each other!!!!! Honestly you would think 10 girls in a apartment by themselves would get in to drama or cat fights, there was never a single moment when we weren’t laughing uncontrollably about thing that crossed are way. There was never a moment I felt homesick or sad while traveling, because of the family I made here with the staff and new lifelong friends around me. In complete honesty sitting here writing my review I still can’t believe it’s been three weeks, and I did not just get of the plain yesterday. After having such a wonderful experience with World Class Program I hope to attend another one of their programs next summer!!!

As the first time away from family World Class Programs made it amazing. I was able to learn so much and the teachers are great at what they do and are fun to be with. It felt like we were actually living in Italy and not just tourists. We got to go, do and eat many different things from different places. It is super safe and you stay in small groups and learn you learn the city very well. It is the best for learning and growing as a person; it is so worth it and makes me want to go back to Italy.

I was able to learn so much through this program, and was able to totally expand my horizons. I was really worried about what college would be like with dorm living before this trip, but I was able to learn so much about what that would be like through this experience. If you are looking for a true dorm living and study abroad experience, this is the program for you! The memories that you will make will last a life time, and is truly the most rewarding part of the whole experience. The staff are so kind, and make this experience so enjoyable. This program is life changing, and very unique. I would recommend it to anyone in high school, as it truly expands the standard school style. Loved this program so much, do it if you can!

The Florence trip with World Class Programs was one of the best experiences of my life. I learned so many interesting facts and saw so many things in Florence that I never would have learned if I had not gone on this program. I think one of the best parts of the program is that we weren't just tourists in Florence- we actually lived there for two weeks. I knew my way around and knew so many little tidbits about the city that it started to feel like a home. The staff on the program were also absolutely amazing. This had been the first time that I had traveled alone so my mom and I were a little nervous, but the staff was extremely supportive and lovely. They were so kind and approachable and always there to help. We could joke around with them and they always valued our thoughts and opinions. I really really enjoyed all of the classes, excursions and activities that we did. Each helped show me aspects of Italian Culture and further my education on Italian art and history, and even a bit of language. I made amazing friends who I grew so close to in such a sort amount of time and I can't wait to keep seeing them even after the program ends. Even though this is very cliche, this program was everything that I hoped for and more. I would absolutely recommend this program to any teenager who is interested in learning and having a great time. World Class Programs made all my dreams come true :)

One of the instructors told me to write in my review that this program made my dreams come true, and though he was joking, I would be remiss if I did not admit it to be true. This was my second year of doing an academic summer program abroad, and this by far surpassed the last program. There were only two other students on the program with me, which was unusual for them, but this made the experience all the more enjoyable. The more intimate group was completed by three instructors, two of whom were full-time and all of whom were more fun than any teachers I've had so far. They did an excellent job of walking the line of both friend and instructor so that I felt both supervised and at ease around them. Though only there for two weeks, I found that I grew a lot as a person and conquered a lot of my fears, particularly socially. My one friend on the program even commented that I was much more confident than I had been previously that week. I tend to over anticipate things and come up with far too lofty ideals and this is one of the rare occasions in which all of my expectations were actually realised. This trip was transformative for me—and yes it did make my dreams come true.

I had an incredible time being with students my own age as well as staff who loved being around kids. Everything we did was based around what we (the students) wanted to do, making it so we were always having a good time. The staff was one of the main reasons the trip was as amazing as it was. They treated us like their peers and personalized every lesson. The experience in general was truly amazing and I definitely recommend it to anyone considering studying abroad while in high school!

I definitely had my preconceived ideas of what this trip would be like but I was blown away with how much it exceeded them! I did the 4 week option for the trip because I knew there was no way to see enough of Italy with the shorter options. My parents were a little worried because I'm an only child and they didn't know what to expect but my mom was emailing the program director constantly and that helped her feel better. Meanwhile I was having the time of my life! The classes were actually interesting and engaging so even when we were in class it was great! My favorite part was the weekend trips to other cities around Italy! Venice is my favorite city in the world now! I loved this trip and I'm working on going to another country with World Class Programs next year!