Academic Year Study Abroad Programs in Florence, Italy

Studying abroad in Florence, Italy, was an unforgettable journey filled with new experiences, cultural discoveries, and personal growth. From exploring the beautiful streets to experiencing authentic Italian food and history, every moment was special. Although adjusting to a new environment had its challenges, the experience helped me become more independent and open-minded. I would highly recommend studying abroad in Florence to anyone and everyone! I think spending a full semester abroad is the best way to experience a new country because it gives you enough time to truly immerse yourself in the culture and adjust to a different way of life. A semester also provides the perfect balance of time to focus on your studies while still having opportunities to travel and experience new things. I was in Florence for the Spring 2026 term, which was such a wonderful time to experience the city. As the weather began to warm up, Florence became even more beautiful and lively. As an arts major, one of the most special parts of studying in Florence was being surrounded by so much incredible art and history. Getting to experience the art firsthand was truly inspiring and allowed me to connect with my passion for art in a completely different way. It made my time abroad especially meaningful. The API team made this experience even more amazing by helping make the transition to living and studying abroad feel comfortable and exciting. I appreciate the support and organization that went into making the experience so memorable. Having API as a resource allowed me to fully enjoy my time in Florence while feeling supported throughout the process. Overall, both Florence and API exceeded my expectations, and I would highly recommend this experience to anyone looking to study abroad and create unforgettable memories!

Florence was the best host city I could have ever asked for. As a graphic design major, LDM offered a wide range of arts classes that supported my studies during the spring 2026 semester. I had class 3 days a week, so there was always plenty of time to explore Florence and travel throughout other European countries. Throughout my 4-month term, I learned so much, both inside and outside the classroom, shaping the person I am today. The API staff helped make this such a memorable experience, as communication was easy and everyone was so kind and accommodating. As for Florence, transportation was relatively easy to navigate, and the city proved safe both during the day and at night. I am truly blessed for my time abroad and hope to encourage anyone to take the leap of faith to do the same.

This specific program truly blew my study abroad expectations out of the water. The staff and faculty were so helpful and responsive the entirety of the trip!! There was so much freedom involved and I had to learn how to live and adjust myself into the new lifestyle that I soon became engulfed in. I felt one with the people, place and culture. Florence was truly a magical place and had pure charm. It was so central for travel and easy to walk from place to place. The teachers did an outstanding job of creating a classroom and learning environment that was collaborative with not only other students, yet the Italian culture as well. Classes were highly educational, yet I did not feel as if i was drowning in school or work. The opportunities of adventure and trying new things were endless, I learned so much!!! As for rooming goes, I was blessed with the best three random roomates that genuinely made my experience what it was. We traveled to many countries together and made so many fun memories that I will cherish for a lifetime. We have already had a reunion back here in the states!! Overall I met so many amazing individuals throughout my Florence journey. I miss the people and the place every single day and would not trade my experiences for the world. I hope to be back soon Firenze!!!

I had such an amazing experience studying abroad through WorldStrides! I attended the 15 week program in Florence, Italy. Not only did I get to learn more about the Italian language and culture, but I got to see beautiful pieces of art and architecture. The food was another bonus! With WorldStrides, I was able to choose from many different classes, and there were excursions included in my program price!

My experience studying abroad in Barcelona with CEA CAPA was one of the best experiences I have had in college. I chose Barcelona because I have always loved Spain and wanted the opportunity to experience Spanish culture, travel, try new foods, and explore a new city. From the beginning, CEA CAPA made me feel welcomed and supported. Moving to a new country can definitely feel overwhelming, especially at first, but the CEA CAPA staff were always there to help and made me feel much more comfortable throughout my experience. One of the things I appreciated most about CEA CAPA was how safe and supported I felt while abroad. The staff were welcoming, approachable, and made it easy to ask questions or get help whenever I needed it. Knowing that I had people there who cared about my experience made being so far from home feel much less intimidating. I also loved that CEA CAPA helped create a community where I could meet other students and feel like I was not alone in a new country. I was able to become more independent while still knowing I had a support system if I needed one. Overall, studying abroad in Barcelona was an experience I will never forget. CEA CAPA gave me the opportunity to experience a new culture, meet amazing people, travel, and grow as a person while also making me feel safe and welcomed. I would definitely recommend CEA CAPA to anyone considering studying abroad, especially students who may be nervous about living in another country for the first time. It made the entire experience feel more comfortable, supported, and exciting.

My experience studying abroad in Barcelona with CEA CAPA was one of the best experiences I have had in college. I chose Barcelona because I have always loved Spain and wanted the opportunity to experience Spanish culture, travel, try new foods, and explore a new city. From the beginning, CEA CAPA made me feel welcomed and supported. Moving to a new country can definitely feel overwhelming, especially at first, but the CEA CAPA staff were always there to help and made me feel much more comfortable throughout my experience. One of the things I appreciated most about CEA CAPA was how safe and supported I felt while abroad. The staff were welcoming, approachable, and made it easy to ask questions or get help whenever I needed it. Knowing that I had people there who cared about my experience made being so far from home feel much less intimidating. I also loved that CEA CAPA helped create a community where I could meet other students and feel like I was not alone in a new country. I was able to become more independent while still knowing I had a support system if I needed one. Overall, studying abroad in Barcelona was an experience I will never forget. CEA CAPA gave me the opportunity to experience a new culture, meet amazing people, travel, and grow as a person while also making me feel safe and welcomed. I would definitely recommend CEA CAPA to anyone considering studying abroad, especially students who may be nervous about living in another country for the first time. It made the entire experience feel more comfortable, supported, and exciting.

Studying abroad in Florence was one of the most meaningful experiences of my college journey. As an Architecture student, being surrounded by the art, architecture, and history that I had previously only studied in class made learning feel completely different. I was able to visit important architectural sites and museums throughout Florence while taking courses related to architecture, Renaissance history, museology, and Italian culture. Beyond academics, studying abroad pushed me outside of my comfort zone. I learned how to navigate a new country, travel independently, meet people from different backgrounds, and adapt to a culture different from my own. I also had the opportunity to travel to other cities and countries, which exposed me to even more architecture, art, and ways of life. By the end of the semester, I felt much more independent, confident, and open-minded. Florence became more than just the place where I studied abroad. It became a place where I grew personally and academically, made unforgettable memories, and gained a new perspective that I know I will carry with me throughout my career and life.

Making the choice to study abroad can be a very nerve racking and stressful process, but it can also be the most rewarding and fulfilling experience if you go with a program that puts your needs first. I traveled to Florence with WorldStrides this past spring and it was honestly the best months of my life. Program staff and support was accessible throughout my entire journey ever since the start of my application to even after my flight back home! One of my favorite things they provided us with was the chance to participate in included excursions, events, and activities. This helped me and my roommates get more involved around the city and allowed us to save a little money on travel. Overall, this was an experience I will remember for the rest of my life and I’m so thankful that I was able to learn so much about the city, meet people from all over the world, and return home with a new appreciation for the world around me!

Studying abroad was without a doubt the most transformative experience of my life. World Strides made the process so much easier with their quick and detailed communication. I felt like I had so much support and resources to be successful while abroad. They also provided multiple excursions that were already included with my trip. If you get the opportunity to study abroad with world strides I highly recommend!!

It has been about 3 months since I came home from Study Abroad, and I still haven't found the right words to describe this experience! When I left for study abroad, I was stepping into the unknown - moving to a new city, far away from everything and everyone I had ever known. Some moments challenged me, pushed me out of my comfort zone, and forced me to grow in ways I never expected. Along the way, Ifound a new sense of independence, confidence, and trust in myself! What I will cherish the most are the people. The friendships I made, my roommates and forever friends who turned into family. They were there for every laugh, every tear, and served as a shoulder to lean on when I needed it most! I was lucky enough to do something most people only dream of. I got to experience cultures, traditions, and places that opened my eyes to how beautiful our world is! I left study abroad with more than just pictures and postcards, but lessons, stories, friendships, and memories that will last a lifetime!

I went abroad with this company, and it couldn't have gone any better. In any situation that was rough, they were always there to chat or help resolve the issue. Great company; would love to go again!

Studying abroad through SAI was the best choice I have made in my academic, personal, and career life yet. Not only are the staff and program well structured, but they truly allow you to be supported, make friends, and experience places/things you never would have expected. As a participant of the 2-city program, I experienced life in two cities of Italy, each unique but special. While La Spezia helped me settle into Italian culture and appreciate the slower pace of life, the hustle and bustle of Florence showed me why Italy is such a destination for people to experience. My 4 months flew by faster than I could imagine, and staying so busy and immersed (in the best way) now allows me to share about my time- and how I have absolutely no regrets. Being involved in the moment, taking time to talk to locals and do "non-touristy" trips/things, and keeping an open mind can shape your life and is truly what makes the experience. It's the little things. People watching. A scrumptious cappuccino. An immersive class experience. Studying abroad is, yes, about education and pursuing a career, but so much of the learning and growing for it are done outside of the classroom, often through unexpected moments. I always felt the support of SAI staff, and their focus on the student experience at a personal level created a sense of belonging and home away from home. If you are on the fence, just go! You won't regret it!

I genuinely had the best study abroad experience through SAI in Florence. I was able to live with 3 of my best friends and we loved our apartment so much! Although we weren't right in the city center by thew duomo, we found that we loved being across the river as we were more immersed in the culture by being in a neighborhood filled with locals. Outside of our housing and classes, we had so many opportunities to do different activities whether it was a cooking class or a gold leafing class. I could not recommend this experience enough!

I went to study abroad knowing nobody, completely throwing myself into a different culture across the world, and it was the best choice I made in my life. I met the most amazing people in the most amazing place, and I would choose to do it all over again if I could. Study abroad if you have the opportunity!

I absolutely loved my time in Florence with World Strides! I had never been out of the country and didn't know anyone else going, so I was terrified, but the experience was amazing. World strides was really easy to work with and offered a lot of free activities in Florence, such as a cooking class and a weekend trip to Lake Garda. The staff were all really kind and welcoming, and I made very good friends in the program. I could not recommend this program enough!

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 would definitely recommend studying abroad with CIEE because information is always clearly communicated, the staff is super welcoming and friendly, orientation was very helpful, and I got to go on fun trips and activities with the program.

I absolutely loved CIEE! I would recommend them because they are extremely supportive, helpful, and kind. They offer a ton of opportunities for students to dive into that they would never have access to at home. CIEE helps students explore a new culture and community while making them feel at home!

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.

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.