Art History Study Abroad Programs in Florence, Italy

Why Florence? Italy is one of the top three study abroad destinations for short term study abroad in the world, and Florence and Rome receive most of those semester and summer study abroad students. Students even specifically ask for programs in Florence, Tuscany. Some students are drawn to study abroad in Florence because they want to experience the city, and many students come because they know Florence is a great place to study abroad, but others come to study some very specific subjects.

Florence is the the birthplace of banking and a modern Mecca for fashion design. The city is still a vibrant art studio with various design programs, music students come to study opera and performance, and culinary students come to study the culinary arts in century old kitchens. Yet, perhaps the most popular study abroad focus in Florence is art history.

Life in the City. Florence is a city and a museum. Architecture, public art, and active art communities have merged in one small city center to create an open air museum rivalled by few cities in the world. The streets and plazas are vibrant and full of people. Artists do their craft in open air. Simple restaurants abound offering delicious Tuscan fare. In recent years, traffic was restricted to the city center, the result is a walking and breathing city center with an abundance of Vespas.

Why Study Art History? A center of art and design for almost a millenium combined with the presence of classical, gothic, renaissance and modern art, sets Florence apart from other art history study abroad destinations.

Florence is home to many art study centers, and many are specifically designed to accommodate international students. These art programs specialize in studio arts usually, but also have strong art history offerings with renowned and expert faculty.

Unlike many art and art history study destinations, the majority of study abroad programs in Florence offer art history classes in English. Most study abroad programs in Florence also provide U.S. transcripts, or internationally recognized local transcripts.

Additional Opportunities. There are also opportunities to intern in Florence with many of the major study abroad organizations. Art History internships in Florence may include museum work, gallery work, tourism industry positions, and much much more.

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Latest Program Reviews

Semester Abroad in Florence Changed My Life

November 14, 2025by: Caroline Kundahl - United StatesProgram: AIFS Abroad in Florence, Italy: Semester

10

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.

Wonderful Course

November 10, 2025by: John Brimm - United StatesProgram: Historic Capital of Tuscany - Florence, Italy Summer Program

9

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.

Semester Abroad in Florence Changed My Life

November 14, 2025by: Caroline Kundahl - United StatesProgram: AIFS Abroad in Florence, Italy: Semester

10

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.

Wonderful Course

November 10, 2025by: John Brimm - United StatesProgram: Historic Capital of Tuscany - Florence, Italy Summer Program

9

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.